One shot tribute of the late actor David McCallum. Best known for playing Ducky for 20 years on NCIS. This side story is tweaked and changed from the original Tough Act to Follow. Where Parker names his daughter Aloisa Marie in memory of his departed fiancée and mother. I decided to give one final new story a go here. Thank you for reading. Reviews much appreciated. Rest in Peace, Mr. McCullum.
The sight of Ducky so frail and hooked up to an array of tubes and wires was almost too much to bare. He hadn't been with the team long, nearly a year. But already, they felt like family. After navigating a maze of hallways until he finally came upon the hospital room the good Doctor was in. Room 210. Parker sighed heavily, approaching the bed cautiously, the poor, elderly man had been fighting a secret battle that he never divulged to anyone. For 4 years, a progressing diagnosis of now, stage 4 liver cancer.
"Duck, I'm here"
Parker spoke softly, as he took a seat at his bedside and softly laid a hand over the man's paper-thin skinned hand. He could feel his daughter becoming restless and stir about. A mere 3 weeks from giving birth. He remembered how excited Ducky was to meet her, sadly, all she'll have now are photos. Parker brushed a forming tear from the corner of his eye. Finally, hearing the weak Scotsman attempt to speak. His color completely pale.
"I..I know you are, Alden. Thank you. How's..the little one?"
He could almost make out that undeniable twinkle in his eye when he asked. Parker knew, of course, Ducky wasn't his daughter's grandfather, but his presence and demeanor, no way in the world could he deny him the simple joys of taking on the pseudo role and inquiring about her, even buying her gifts. Parker could feel a hard lump in his throat, clearing it with a harsh force.
"Ha, she's definitely a headstrong little terror. I'll give 'er that...currently using my insides as a martial arts studio"
The senior Agent jests in attempt to lighten the mood. He could almost make out a glint of a smile on the dying man's face, it was comforting to know, in these sad times, at least updates about his unborn daughter never failed to fill Ducky's heart with joy.
"You're going to miss those times. though.."
The tired words wrapped around him like a soft wool blanket. At times, he took the pregnancy for granted, he was told, what seemed like a billion times. It was not possible at his age. But then, there he was. Her mother may have been departed, but she would always have him, and it was times like these, where he could still keep her safe on the inside. Were Ducky's words never more poignant.
Just as he was about to respond, the rest of the team enter the coroner's room. Abby, with tears in her eyes, holding a small bouquet of brightly colored flowers. Laid them on a small side table before venturing further.
"Ducky, I'm so sorry"
She started sobbing, and tried her best to lean in and hug him. Caught up in the moment, Parker momentarily vacated his chair for standing whilst the others said their goodbyes.
"It's okay, dear. I've made peace with it"
The sound of the heart monitor was now heard over Abby's weeping. Making the situation even more real and difficult to process. His room wasn't allowed multiple people. So, they had to be brief. She thanked him for all he had done, and being an integral part of the team for nearly 20 years. One last hug goodbye, and a peck on the cheek before departing the room. McGee was next, choking back tears as he delicately hugged their beloved ME.
"We'll never forget you, Doc"
By this point, it was obvious he was now in an even weaker state. And only managed a small smile and murmured "Thank you". Palmer, Ziva, and finally, DiNozzo, follow suit and extend their appreciation and love for their fellow team member. Gibbs flew over from Alaska to stay with Ducky a good portion of the day, when he was first admitted- three days prior.
The last of the crew depart. Once again, it leaving just Agent Parker, once again resuming his place alongside his bedside in the surprisingly comfy hospital chair. The beeping sounded like it was quieting, then had a random spark of energy as Ducky, once more, tried to speak.
"There's something..in the drawer of that small table for you"
He substituted his eyes to be his hands to "point", and motioned towards the same table Abby had laid her flowers. Quietly, Parker leaned the furthest he possibly could to reach the drawer without getting out of the chair, yet again. Out the corner of his eye, he saw a tiny pink box and retrieved it from the small drawer.
That glimmer returned to Ducky's eyes. The corner of Parker's mouth formed a small grin.
"What's this?"
He asked with a returned vigor to his voice. Ducky's eyes squinted slightly as he smiled.
"Open it.."
He responded simply. Parker gingerly lifted the top, inside, were vintage white baby booties from when he was an infant. The forming tear, the Agent had previously successfully brushed away, had now fallen and ran down his cheek. The gesture. It was something he would never forget.
"I know my time here is limited. But I want to give her something to remember me by"
Parker placed the box delicately on top the table near the flowers, once more turning to hug the kind soul Scotsman. He wished it wasn't goodbye.
"Ducky, I..I don't know what to say...thank you"
He could feel the man's weak hand now overlap his and pat it.
"It's nothing...you've come such a long way in such short amount of time as team leader. Gibbs would be proud"
Parker smiled, feeling a rush of emotions get caught in his chest. Suddenly, the sounds of the machine went faint. Parker looked into his haunting blue eyes, one last time. What sounded like a labored gasp, and with that, the EKG waves fell to a steady, monotonous beep. The fail hand fell from the top of his. He patted it fondly, before getting to his feet for good. Delicately taking the small box from it's place once more. It was almost surreal, the movement from his daughter was the only thing at that moment that kept his emotions from going overboard. Before leaving his dearly departed friend. He also had something special to impart.
"After careful consideration. My daughter will be named after you, Doc. Donalda Grace. I figured you'd appreciate the Scottish homage"
He chuckled lightly before a final goodbye.
"Thank you, Ducky. Couldn't have done it without ya"
END