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As the sun set Tony and Ducky entered Jenny's room.
"Boss, Madame Director." Tony greeted them.
"Agent DiNozzo, Dr Mallard." Jenny greeted them.
She and Gibbs had just finished a light supper and she was rather tired of having been in bed all day. She was also concerned about Jethro. She could see the tension on his face and knew that he had a massive headache. Her attempts to get him to leave or take headache pills had failed throughout the afternoon.
"You are looking much better now my dear." Ducky stated approvingly.
"I am feeling much better and even managed to eat something."
"That is very good." Ducky grinned. "I believe that Dr Malone has started you vitamin regime. That will give you a massive boost over the next few days."
"How long will Jen need to stay?" Gibbs asked, subconsciously rubbing his forehead.
"A few days, maybe a week." Ducky said. "And it will need to be strictly bed rest as I am sure Dr Malone as told you."
"Yes, she did." Jenny replied, suddenly wondering how would she get the time to pass over the next few days. She fully expected Jethro to return to work in a few days. He couldn't stay with her indefinitely and she didn't want him too.
"Jethro, I believe it's time you went home, took your meds and got some sleep." Ducky stated as he walked over to Gibbs' side and examined his eyes.
"I'm fine, Duck."
"Ducky's right, Boss." Tony stated.
"I'm staying the night." Gibbs rubbed his head again and Jenny made eye contact with Tony.
"That is not a good idea. Not only do you need rest. But so does Jenny." Ducky said.
"Ducky, would you take Gibbs to the cafeteria for a cup of tea. I'd like to speak to Tony for a second."
Gibbs looked at her quizzically but decided that he would stretch his legs and could use a cup of coffee, not tea.
"Can I get you anything." Gibbs asked.
"No Thanks." Jenny waved him and Ducky out of the room.
"Director, what can I do for you?" Tony asked, concerned suddenly.
"I want you to stay with Jethro. He can't be alone due to the concussion and the …"
"The nightmares?" Tony finished.
"Yes, the nightmares." Jenny replied. "He might decide to stay at my place or go back to his place. But I don't want him to be alone, no matter how much he insists."
"You're worried that today has been a lot for him to handle."
"Yes, Tony. His had a difficult day and made some major decisions about his future."
Tony remembered how he had found Gibbs, kneeling in front of his daughter's grave, almost frozen.
"I'll stay with him." Tony assured her. "Don't worry, Jenny. I have his back."
"I know you do, Tony. I trust you."
"Thank you." Tony felt moved by her words.
"Now there was one more thing."
"Yes."
"I want you to bring me my laptop and mobile phone."
"Oh no. No. No. No…" Tony replied. "You're supposed to be resting, not working."
"I will be resting, but at least I can still be connected and reachable."
"Boss will not allow it."
"Have you forgotten that I am your Boss' Boss?"
"Please Jenny, Director... Jenny." Tony pleaded. "Gibbs finally seems to have calmed down. Let's not get him all riled up again."
"I have no intention of upsetting, Jethro."
"Great so we can forget about your laptop and phone."
"Tony, bring my laptop and mobile phone tomorrow. That's an order." Jenny replied. "And don't worry I have a few ideas about how to keep Jethro calm."
"Madam Director." Tony raised an eyebrow and he grinned.
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Gibbs took a gulp of coffee and enjoyed the taste and smell of it.
"Only one cup." Ducky warned.
"Okay, Duck." Gibbs replied.
"Tony told me about this morning."
Gibbs took a deep breath, memories of that morning assailing him. He had awoken with such a clear intention, it had scared him. All he'd wanted was to be close to Shannon and Kelly, to tell them what was happening in his life and to ask them to forgive him and to let him move on. As he'd sat on the ground remembering them, he'd realized that they were not the one's holding him back. He was doing that all by himself.
He also realized how sad they would be if they knew that he had not moved on. They had loved him so much and he loved them so much. What they had would always be there and nothing would take anything away from them. But he could love Jenny and his two unborn babies equally, but differently and that would be okay. He would be okay. He would have to be okay, for Jenny… for his babies…
God, he was going to be a father again!
The familiar fear crept through his veins.
"I believe it was the right thing to do." Ducky said. "You can now move forward with your life, Jethro."
"I know Duck." He took a deep breath, trying to hold the fear at bay. "But it is still early days. I am okay with things as they are in this moment. Tonight or tomorrow morning it could be a different situation altogether." Gibbs took another gulp of coffee.
"That is true. But every day as you work at it, the good times will get longer and the bad will diminish. What has happened is a wonderful gift from the almighty. It is a blessing in so many ways. And I know that you will see and believe in that over time. You know that I am here for you if you ever want to talk."
"I know Duck." Gibbs nodded. "I know and it means a lot."
"Good, now as your friend and your physician, I must insist that you go home and rest."
"I don't want to leave her."
"I know that but she will not rest well knowing that you're sitting in an uncomfortable chair besides her bed, and fighting a terrible headache. You could disturb her during the night and that will not be good for her."
Gibbs remembered his nightmares and realized that Ducky was right.
"Fine," Gibbs said finishing his coffee and running a hand through his hair. His head was pounding. The coffee although delicious was making him a bit nauseous. He decided that he could use a hot shower and a few hours of shut eye.
"Well, we should bid the Director good night and then leave." Ducky said as he followed Gibbs back to Jenny's room.
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