Tony followed Emma into Bethesda on Thursday morning, feeling apprehensive about his appointment. He really wanted to go back to work, and it all hinged on whether or not his tests this morning were good.

"Tony, come in," said Brad as Emma and Tony reached the ICU nurses' station, where Emma was working that day.

Tony entered the empty room that Brad was in. He sat down in the soft, comfortable chair next to the bed, and Brad pulled another chair over.

"You can relax, Tony. This is just a checkup."

"I want to go back to work."

"You will. But you need to relax."

"Are you sure that I can go back?"

"I already spoke to Gibbs and Director Vance yesterday afternoon. You are not expected to be at work for another two weeks, but you are welcome to go back from Monday morning."

Tony smiled happily. "Thank you." He relaxed.

"Now, can we get started?"

"Yes. What are we doing today?"

"To start with, I want to do a CT scan. That way, by the time we finish your checkup, we'll have your results."

"Is Emma coming?"

"Not this time, Tony." Brad laughed. "Come on, let's go to radiology."

Tony skipped into the ICU an hour after his checkup, carrying a paper Brad had given him.

"Tony, what's gotten into you?" Emma asked curiously.

"I'm going back to work on Monday!" Tony handed her the paper, which told her that Tony had been cleared for all work duties and for driving, which he had been looking forward to as well. She had been alternating between their cars so Tony's would get used.

"Congratulations!" Emma hugged him tightly and gave him a kiss.

Monday morning dawned bright and sunny, matching Tony's mood. He got up and got himself ready for work, had a quick breakfast, and then headed out. Emma had made him some lunch before leaving for work an hour before, so Tony was carrying it in his left hand. His keys were in his right hand and he opened his car door, excitement coursing through him. It didn't take him long to get to work that morning, and when he had parked his car at the Navy yard, Tony headed inside.

"Good morning, Tony," said Gibbs when Tony got to his desk.

"Morning, Gibbs." Tony turned his computer on and pulled the two files on his desk towards him.

"You must be feeling better?"

"I am. Boss, thank you for what you said last week. It means a lot to me."

"You know that I mean it? Even if I don't always seem like it?"

"I do. You are the best boss in the world. I've stayed for so long here because of you. I trust you, and I know I can be safe with you looking after me. Thank you for everything you did for me."

Tony got a rare smile and returned it. He was almost back at his full capacity, and he was back at work with the people he loved. Things were finally looking up for him.