This is being written in collaboration with my talented friend nightchild78. We are having fun bouncing ideas off each other, and sharing in the excitement of watching this story unfold!
Special thanks to Rose Malmaison for making the image to go along with this fic!
Categories: NCIS/Torchwood
Rating: M
Characters: Tony DiNozzo, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Abby Sciuto, Tim McGee, Ziva David, Dr Donald Mallard, Jimmy Palmer / Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, Toshiko Sato, Owen Harper.
Pairings: Tony/Gibbs, Jack/Ianto, Tosh/Owen.
Warnings: Swearing, slash, Mpreg, explicit sexual situations.
Spoilers: Set during the 6th season of NCIS and after Children of Earth for Torchwood. Mentions of the episodes SWAK, Boxed In, Hiatus Part 2, Escaped, Singled Out, Bury Your Dead, Chimera and Requiem for NCIS and for the episodes Cyberwoman, To the Last Man, Dead Man Walking, A Day In the Death, Exit Wounds as well as the whole of season 3 of Torchwood. Miracle Day never happened.
Disclaimer: We don't own these characters. We just like to play with them.
(Author's note: This chapter and the last one are both kind of creative ventings of our issues with Tony's treatment throughout the series. Tony is my favorite character, and I think he deserved a lot better than he got!
Also, I would like to thank everyone who has left reviews! The feedback means a lot to me. Also, you should know that I always check out the works of every writer that leaves me a review! So please make yourself known to me! I love connecting with other writers, and am a firm believer in mutual support! :) )
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
"Owen, I told you -" Jack began.
"But we don't know for sure, Jack! It could be fine! It's been over a year since I resurrected Tosh and Ianto. Maybe I just needed to 'recharge' before giving away any more of my vital energy."
" 'Maybe' isn't good enough for me, Owen," Jack said, shaking his head.
"Owen, when you resurrected Ianto, I thought I would lose you again right then and there!" Tosh wept. "You may not have realized it, but you were so close to fading away!"
Owen pulled Tosh into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "I hate to see you hurt like this, Tosh. But if I don't do something, Tony's life is essentially over."
"Tosh, why don't you go downstairs and see how everyone is holding up?" Jack instructed, in an effort to ease the thick emotional tension in the room, if even just a bit.
Tosh nodded reluctantly. "See if you can talk some sense into him," she pleaded before her departure.
"I appreciate the thought, Owen. I really do," Jack told him, once they were alone. "But this is a risk we can't afford to take."
"For fuck's sake, Harkness! You're grandson is a vegetable! I would think you'd do whatever it takes for family!" Owen yelled in frustration. "That body downstairs might be on life support, but make no mistake! He's not living! I won't let you lose another grandson! Not on my watch!"
Jack walked up to Owen, putting steadying hands on his shoulders, while trying his best to keep control of his own feelings.
"Owen, of course I want to save Tony! But you have to think about his mental and emotional state. I've learned a lot about Tony since he got here, and based on what I know, he wouldn't be able to live with the knowledge that you sacrificed yourself for him. Did you know that he blamed himself for the death of the former Director of NCIS? It wasn't his fault, but he didn't see it that way. He even blamed himself for his former team mate being killed. He thought that, if he was standing just a few inches over - moved at just the right time - it could have been him instead. He believed it should have been him."
"Tony told you that?" Owen asked in shock.
"No. Jethro did. Based on that information, do you really think he wouldn't blame himself if we lost you? It wouldn't matter that you willingly gave your energy to him. He'd still feel that he was responsible. I think that burden would be too much for him."
Owen closed his eyes in an attempt to gather his thoughts. He had become well aware of Tony's emotional problems, but the knowledge that he carried an undeserved burden of guilt around with him was something not found in his records. It certainly hadn't come up in therapy. So the combination of hormones and a lack of medication must have caused him to open up to Gibbs, revealing that hidden inner turmoil.
"What do we do then, Jack?" he finally asked. "I feel so useless right now! He's your family, and I should be able to do something for him!"
Seeing the look of helplessness and despair in Owen's eyes, Jack held his hands tightly, their eyes locking.
"You're my family, too, Owen. Tony may be related to me by blood. But we've been through too much together for me to not think of you as a brother." Jack smirked. "Okay, maybe more like an annoying cousin sometimes," he added in a weak attempt to lift the gloom of the situation. "But I care for you. Really."
Owen gave a wavering smile, truly touched by Jack's words, but also acutely aware of his pain at the thought of losing his grandson.
"So, what do we do?" he asked. "You say it's too risky to give Tony my vital energy. And your Vortex energy isn't enough to heal those damaged lungs of his. We already tried that! We're running out of options, Jack! I..."
Owen's voice trailed off as he saw the pain his words were causing Torchwood's leader. He hadn't intended to make Jack feel worse about the situation. He was trying to help. Hoping to find answers. Wanting desperately to fulfill his duties as a doctor.
"I'm sorry, Jack. I just..."
"Jack! Owen!" Ianto interrupted them as he popped his his head in the door. "I need to see you both! Now!"
"Is everything all right?" Jack asked, his voice laced with panic. "Did something happen to Tony?"
"No. His status is unchanged." Ianto's face broke into a smile. "But I might have some good news!"
Jack and Owen exchanged tentative grins as they followed Ianto out.
"That's my resourceful Welshman!" Jack praised, his voice now tinged with hope.
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Gibbs found Abby where McGee had left her on the porch. She was seated now, staring at the ground and looking thoughtful.
"Abs - "
"Gibbs! Gibbs! Gibbs!"
Abby shot upright quick as lightning, running over to Gibbs and capturing him in a tight hug.
"Gibbs, I -"
Forcefully pulling himself away from Abby's embrace, Gibbs gave the woman a stern look.
"Sit down. We need to talk."
With the deer-in-the-headlights look of a child being sent to the principal's office, Abby took a seat beside Gibbs. "Gibbs, I know I -"
Gibbs held up his hand to cut Abby off. "Just let me say what needs to be said."
Abby nodded, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
"Abby, I've always seen you as a sort of surrogate daughter. And because of this, maybe I let you get away with more than I should have. I played favorites, praising your accomplishments, while disregarding the efforts of the rest of my team. I gave you preferential treatment, and now that I look back, I think that was a mistake."
"What are you saying?" Abby asked softly, surprised not only by the words Gibbs was saying, but to hear him say so many words at once.
"You're good at what you do. And you're passionate and caring." Gibbs bit his lip, unsure how Abby would react to what he was about to say.
"But you can also be selfish, childish and immature."
"Gibbs!" Abby whined, pouting. "I can't believe you -"
"Your reaction proves my point," Gibbs responded, watching her shut up and slump down into her chair.
"Tony has worked hard for me over the years. Every bit as hard as you. But I never gave him the praise, recognition or gratitude I've shown you. And he deserved it just as much. I think this is why he's been upset with you. That's my fault. If he ever wakes up from his coma, I'll have to apologize to him for that.
Abby nodded in understanding.
"But the way you behaved the last few times you saw him? That's on you! You hurt Tony with your words and actions, and if he pulls through this, I expect you to not only apologize, but also change your behavior. Things are going to be different around here. If my prayers are answered, and Tony lives to deliver this baby, I'm going to be a father again. Tony and our daughter will come first."
Reaching out to take a firm hold of Abby's hand, Gibbs lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"I need to know you'll be mature enough to handle the transition."
"I-I'll try my best," Abby promised, her voice small and sheepish. "I'm sorry, Gibbs. I really am worried about Tony and your baby, you know."
"I know, Abs," Gibbs whispered, squeezing her hand in favor of the customary hugs they had previously shared. "I know."
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
McGee sat at Tony's bedside, staring silently at him. It was hard to believe that the lifeless, unresponsive body he was looking at used to be a giant bundle of energy. Telling jokes, making movie references, and talking nonstop.
Seeing Tony like this, it was hard to feel hopeful. McGee had been watching his friend's state deteriorate for months, with no sign of getting any better. Why should he believe things would improve now? He was happy that Tony and Gibbs loved each other, and seeing their devotion was truly touching. And he wanted to be happy about their baby. But seeing the toll that the pregnancy was taking on Tony wasn't easy. The baby girl might be growing and thriving inside Tony, but she had left him a shell.
McGee didn't see any point in talking to Tony. He doubted he could hear him. But he decided to do so anyway, for his own comfort. Even if any hope that Tony was aware behind those closed, dead eyes was imagined, at the moment, it was all that was keeping McGee from breaking down.
"So," McGee finally said, taking a deep breath and rubbing his hands nervously along his knees. "First the plague, now pregnancy. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were trying to set some kind of record." Tim laughed joylessly. "Only you, Tony. Only you.
"All joking aside, though, there are some things I need to say. First of all, I'd like to apologize for saying you don't rate your own team. Of course you do! More than any of us, I think. Gibbs trusted you with the job when he left. And not just because you were the Senior Field Agent. I honestly believe you were the best qualified to lead the team. Ziva is too much of a loose cannon, and I don't think I could have put up with all the crap you did. And we did give you a hard time. I admit it, and I'm sorry. You just make it look so easy. Always talking away, making jokes, and being a goof. It's easy to forget that you're a smart, hardworking investigator.
Yes. I just called you smart. I know that I'm sometimes guilty of underestimating you. We all are, I think.
"I just want you to wake up so I can thank you for your friendship and guidance. I wouldn't be the agent I am without you. I guess I could say you're my mentor."
McGee laughed to himself as he imagined how Tony might react to being called a mentor. He would no doubt be annoying about it. When McGee slipped up and called him "boss", he didn't hear the end of it for days!
But at that moment, McGee would welcome being annoyed by Tony. He'd welcome any kind of reaction from him. Even a simple blink would suffice.
"I really miss you, Tony," McGee said thickly, unable to fight the tears anymore.
"We all do," Ziva said from the doorway.
"Oh. Hey." McGee turned around to face Ziva as she entered the room and stood behind him. "How much did you hear?"
"Enough to know that I am not the only one struggling with a guilty conscious," she sighed, tilting her head to examine Tony.
"He looks...peaceful," she observed.
"Yeah. That's one way of putting it,"McGee said sadly, standing up. "I think I've said all I can for now. You go ahead. Take your moment."
"Thank you." Ziva nodded, taking McGee's place in the chair as he left the room.
It was hard for Ziva to look at Tony. Yes, she had seen her fair share of death. Tony wasn't the first comatose friend she had known. But it never got any easier. It was harder still because she knew the person that he was before. He was one of the first people she'd met in America, and in his own unique way, he helped to make her feel welcome. Lifting her eyes to finally look at him, she realized what a poor job she had done of showing gratitude.
"Tony, you often test my patience. You are obnoxious, annoying and juvenile...but you are never cruel. I believe that makes you a better person than me.
I remember shortly after I joined NCIS, I hosted a dinner party. Everyone was there...except for you. I deliberately excluded you. That was unkind and hurtful, and you did not deserve to be left out like that.
"Since that time, I have continued to hurt you with my words; attacking your intellect and your masculinity, mocking you for getting older, or even gaining a few pounds...I never considered the effect my words could have on you. That they might hurt you.
"The truth is that you're a good man, with a big heart, and you deserved better than the treatment you have received. "
Standing up, Ziva looked down at Tony, facing the sobering truth that he was at the mercy of the machines keeping him alive.
"We all need you here, Tony. The team needs you, Gibbs needs you..." She placed her hand upon Tony's stomach. "And this baby desperately needs you. I have a feeling that your kind, playful nature will make you an excellent parent! Please, please pull through, Tony!"
Kissing the top of Tony's head, Ziva felt queasy at how much like the corpses they encountered on the job he felt.
Walking to the door, she gave one last look back.
"I'm sorry, Tony. Never doubt for a moment how much you matter to all of us."
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Jack, Ianto, Tosh and Owen gathered in the library. On the far wall, a large monitor hung. Tosh was in the process of getting a secure connection for the call that just might hold the answer to saving Tony.
It was only a matter of minutes before the Torchwood team was on a video call with Martha Jones.
"It's so good to see all of you alive!" the young doctor exclaimed, her eyes scanning the team through unshed tears. "I thought only you were left, Jack, and after everything that happened, I never thought I'd hear from you again."
"Are you kidding? How could I stay away?" Jack winked, masking his own emotions behind the joke.
"The truth is, we need your help," Tosh said seriously. "Ianto briefed you on the situation?"
"Some of it", Martha nodded. "Jack's grandson is on life support?"
"That's right," Jack confirmed. "His lungs were damaged by the plague a few years ago, and last week, they just gave out on him. I don't think he'll be able to breathe on his own again without some help."
As hard as he tried, Jack couldn't stop himself from tearing up as he spoke, realizing that Martha could very well be their last hope for saving Tony.
"The plague? Are you serious?" Martha asked, wearing a look of disbelief. "Like in the Dark Ages?"
Jack nodded solemnly.
"Did he travel through time?"
Jack shook his head. "No, no at all. It was a synthetic version of the plague."
"Oh, okay." A smile spread across her lips. "I'd be more than happy to help you. What can I do?"
"We've heard about the "Caeruleus project," Ianto said laconically.
Martha nodded in understanding.
"Well, it could be helpful, but I make no guarantees that it will work," she warned. "The good news is that it won't do any harm."
"No matter. We'll try anything!" Hope once again flickered, however faintly, in Jack's eyes.
"Okay. As you may know, the "Caeruleus project is a little something UNIT's been developing to help people breathe in space without carrying oxygen along. It's derived from a variety of alien plant life that have been shown to have properties similar to cortisone. But no worries. It's been tested extensively, and there are no harmful side effects. It's even safe for use during pregnancy." Martha laughed. "Not that that will be an issue with your grandson."
The team exchanged knowing looks.
Martha blinked."Wait. Is he...?" she asked when nobody answered.
"Let's say he is," Jack answered cryptically.
Martha studied Jack's face for a moment. It was always hard to tell when he was kidding. She finally decided to just go with it.
"As I said before, it can't do any harm. It hasn't been tested on someone on life support, so I can't guarantee it will work for him. Even if it does, he still may need to be on supplemental oxygen. But it's the best I can do for you right now. I'll snatch some and express mail it to you today. It's the least I can do for you, Jack."
"I'm sending you our mailing address now," Tosh informed Martha, typing.
"Once again, you've come through when we need you," Jack praised softly, a faint smile present on his face, which was otherwise worn with worry.
"We really can't thank you enough," Ianto added.
"Save your thanks until you know it works," Martha laughed humbly. "Good luck. Keep me posted!"
"We will," Jack said with a grateful nod. "Take care, Martha Jones."
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
"Jethro," Ducky called to his friend, who was keeping watch over Tony in an easy chair next to the bed.
"Hey, Duck," Gibbs greeted distractedly. "Late night in autopsy?"
"I'm afraid so," Ducky answered, pulling up a chair and taking a seat next to Gibbs. "You really should get some sleep," he added. "Every time I look, I see you sitting here."
Gibbs sighed, running his hand over his face. "I want to be here if Tony wakes up. Or, God forbid, if..." Gibbs looked into the eyes of one of the few people he trusted completely. "I'm gonna lose everything I care about, Duck...again!"
Ducky gently put his hand on Gibbs' shoulder. "Do try not to lose faith, Jethro. I don't want to give you false hope, but I do want to remind you that Tony has a good team in his corner! If anyone can save Tony and your child, they can."
"That's our hope," Jack interjected, entering with Ianto, Owen and Tosh.
"Ducky, might I have your assistance?" Owen asked, motioning the ME over to him.
"Yes, of course," Ducky said agreeably, standing up and approaching the other doctor.
"What's going on? What are they doing?" Gibbs asked, observing Ducky, Owen and Jack's hushed conversation.
"Hopefully, saving Tony's life," Ianto said with a gentle smile.
"We'll explain the science of it later," Owen said, opening a small, cool box from which he extracted a pressurized syringe filled with a bright blue liquid. "Just know that, right now, it's our best hope to help Tony." He handed the syringe to Ducky with a curt nod.
Ducky carefully took it and smiled down tentatively at Tony. "I know how you hate needles, dear boy. Consider it a small mercy that you're not awake for this," he joked, cautiously easing the needle between Tony's ribs until it reached his right lung then injecting half of the fluid, before repeating the process with his left lung.
Now, all they could do was wait and hope.