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ncisficathonTitle: Just Breathe
Author: Witchyemerald
Written for: gibbstonybabe
Prompt used: Read summary and author’s note
Genre: H/C, Slash, Crime fic.
Category: hurt-comfort
Rating: PG-13 at best
Spoilers: Season 11 spoilers dealing with Ziva
Warning: None
Author's Notes: Thanks to my beta![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
killpurakat: Queen of the beta’s! For this story, I took a pieces from the prompts, and some are spoilers for the story. But I hope it is to your liking gibbstonybabe!
Disclaimer: I don’t own NCIS! That is all on CBS. You will never see my name in the ending credits.
Summary: After an attack leaves Gibbs down, Tim’s left to run the case while he learns more about his boss and best friend.
Tim received the call at 0328. That wouldn’t be out of the ordinary--his team was frequently called out at all hours--but this weekend Gibbs’s team was not on call. Coupled with an order to report to Bethesda, and Tim didn’t need his multiple degrees and year of working as an NCIS agent to figure out something was up.
Pulling into the hospital parking lot, Tim was not surprised to see Tony’s car already parked. Tony was the second call out after all.
Choosing to be prepared, Tim grabbed his crime scene backpack and locked his car. The information the night dispatch told him was vague. He only knew he was needed at the hospital and that the rest of his team was being called out. But it also wasn’t unusual to not inform the team of everything; the bulk of the info was given to Gibbs or Tony, and they would inform the rest of the team about the case.
Entering the emergency room doors--the only hospital doors opened this late at night--Tim didn’t need to go to the Security/Information desk. He spotted Tony inside, leaning against the wall. Waiting.
“Tony, are we here for a case, or-”
“It’s Gibbs. The neighbors heard and called it in. He’s been… he’s been shot, Tim.”
Tim tried to swallow around the dry lump that quickly formed in his throat. “Is he-”
“No! Thank God.” Tony covered his face with his palm, inhaling deeply. “He was hit twice. Once in the shoulder, but it’s the one in the lung they're worried about. He’s in the O.R. now.”
Tim felt the knot loosen and his breath become easier. This was Gibbs. The man had more lives than a cat.
“Okay, then...okay. Do we need to go…?” Tim nodded at the automatic closed doors. The ER waiting room was quiet, which Tim counted as a blessing. Less people meant more of his attention could be devoted to his boss.
“No, Benson’s team was on call tonight. Vance has them processing the scene. Said we’re too close to the case. I told him that’s bullshit! Gibbs would have rammed his way into the middle of things if it was us. Has pulled every string and lever the times it was us.”
“You know Vance; he’ll play by the book for SECNAV and, by tomorrow, will have all the evidence. Even if we have to sic Abby on him.”
“I don’t think it’s going to work this time, Probie. I didn’t take it too well when I found out Gibbs was shot.” Tony eyes slid passed McGee to the ER wing door. “I let secrets slip."
“Secrets? Tony-”
“Gibbs and I have been seeing each other for over a year now.”
Of all the things to come out of Tony--The Lady's Man--DiNozzo’s mouth, that was not expected. Tim didn’t need to look at Tony’s face to know that, even though he was a notorious prankster, this was not a joke. Not at a time like this. Not about Gibbs.
Placing his hand on Tony’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze, McGee waited for his friend to focused on his face. “Okay, Tony, we’ll let them do their thing. Right now, this is the most important place we can be. I’m going to give Ducky and Abby a call. You know how fast our grapevine works, and one of them will be on the way, and I’m going to sidetrack them with a coffee run. You and I will commandeer the best seats and wait.”
Tony gave Tim’s hand on his shoulder a squeeze before removing it. He fell into the most comfortable-looking chair in the cluster of chairs facing the ER doors. Pulling out his cellphone, McGee walked out the lobby doors to make a few phone calls. First, Ducky. The man knew the importance of coffee, and had Gibbs’s medical history if it was needed. Second, Vance. There were very few times Tim felt he needed the Director, but this was one of those times.
Tony and McGee spent the next twenty minutes before Ducky showed up--with Abby in tow--in strained silence. Tony’s hands twitched, eyes never leaving the doors to the ER just in case he missed when they had news. Once Abby and Ducky arrived, Abby filled the silence with hugs and chatter, while Ducky used his medical contacts and Scottish stubbornness to get updates on Gibbs.
With the addition of Abby, Tony didn’t quite let himself relax. But he damn well did a good job acting like “normal” Tony. Sometimes Abby’s worrying was more harmful than helpful. Tim let Abby hold the majority of the conversation, until Ducky came back.
“Good news. Jethro will be out of surgery soon. But, I’m not going to lie, he has a long road. A hole in the lung-”
“Yeah, Duck, I know. He’ll be more susceptible to infection and will have to be under supervision until it starts to heal.”
“Is Tony right? Ducky, Gibbs will hate that!”
“Anthony is right Abigail. Gibbs is going to need help. Even if his stubbornness won't allow him to ask for it.”
Looking at his watch, McGee noticed for the first time how late it had gotten. It was now close to eight, which meant almost five hours had passed. “Hey Tony?” Tim waited until he had Tony’s attention. “You think you can hold the fort here? I’m going back to see what’s happening at Gibbs’s place.”
“Yeah, Timmy. Thanks.”
Abby spoke up. “Tim, I should go with you. We need to find the bastard that shot our Gibbs.” Tim couldn’t see a reason not to have her come along. Plus, it would give Tony some much needed time to compose himself before seeing Gibbs.
“Yeah Abbs. Just let me swing by Gibbs’s place first. I want to make sure the house is locked, and then we can go back to the yard.” Turning back to Tony, he added, “Don’t worry. I’ll check in with Vance.” And find out everything I can, even if I have to push myself on this case.
Swinging over to Gibbs’s place, Tim and Abby saw that Benson’s team had someone board up the broken door. They had also left crime scene tape across the wooden blockade.
Thank goodness for small favors.
Back at the yard, Abby went to her lab, while Tim headed up to talk to Vance.
“I thought I’d see DiNozzo here before you, McGee.”
“Tony is at the hospital handling things there. Gibbs got out of surgery, and, with a lot of therapy, it looks like he’ll make a recovery.”
“Good to hear, McGee. Until we know further, I’ll have to reassign your team.”
“I’d like to be reassigned to Gibbs’s case, sir. And, sir? Tony told me what he let slip this morning. I know why you would pull Tony, but someone from the team needs to be on this.”
“And what help would you be?”
“I’ve been on his team for eleven years, sir. Besides Ducky, Abby, and Tony, I don’t think anyone here knows Gibbs better.”
“Did you know about the relationship between Gibbs and DiNozzo, McGee?”
“No sir. I don’t think anyone knew.”
“And this helps your argument how, McGee?”
“Sir, first, I don’t think anyone was looking. You all see Gibbs treating us like his children, like a protective boss and father. And knowing Gibbs? He probably has sixty-four rules in the relationship and how not to expose it. But, sir, Tony is my partner and friend. Gibbs is my boss, and a man I am closer to than my own father. Either man would be here, demanding the same thing, if I were the one in that hospital.”
Vance didn’t respond, but Tim could tell he was thinking by the way he was tapping his toothpick on his desk.
“Sir, I am not asking for anything that you, yourself, haven’t done.”
“Be careful, McGee. You're coming close to stepping over the line. I don’t want Tony anywhere near this in an investigative manner. If word gets out that Gibbs was in a relationship with one of his subordinates, then a whole can of worms would be opened. I don’t want to deal with that. Not after the investigations your team went through. That little stunt caused me my best team for three months.”
McGee tried hard not to smile. Even ranting, Vance had to acknowledged that Gibbs’s team was unmatched.
“And with David gone, I don’t see how you can handle this, McGee. I know you’re damn good at what you do McGee, but you’re three men down.”
“Then assign me to the investigation team on a temporary basis, sir.”
“I don’t think I can safely foster one of Gibbs’s on another team. Last time didn’t work so well. Plus, I need them to pick up that Lanson case you were working on. I’ll let them look into any connection that the case might have with Gibbs’s shooting, but you and I are going to be handling Gibbs’s case.”
“Sir?”
“Don’t look surprised, McGee. I have investigated cases before. And until I can talk to two of my agents, I’d rather not have people digging too far into their lives. McGee, hand over all the case files on the Lanson case to Benson and collect anything from them about Gibbs’s case. I’ll call you in a hour.
Tim could really go for a coffee. Maybe a sandwich as well. Three am was a long time ago, and this night had more surprises than when Tony went on a pranking rampage. It wasn’t until he pulled out all the pictures and notes on a conference table that the day really hit.
Tony and Gibbs were in a relationship that they had kept hidden from everyone. Tony even kept it from Tim. And on top of that, Gibbs almost died.
Pulling out his cell phone, Tim scrolled down to Tony’s name.
“Yeah, Tim?” Tony sounded weary. Tim hoped it was the tiredness and that nothing had changed with Gibbs.
“Just checking in with you, Tony. Wanted to tell you Vance and I had a little discussion. I’ll be working on Gibbs’s case.”
“Thank you, Timmy. I trust you to handle this and find the bastard. Just... don’t hurt Benson... or her team.”
“I’m not working with another team, Tony. Vance and I are investigating everything.”
“Sounds like he’s angry.”
“No, I think he’s more worried about what might come up if people dig into Gibbs’s life. Tony, I don’t have a problem with you and Gibbs. I just wish I knew before so I could deal with everything better.”
“I’m sorry, Timmy. It just…”
“Gibbs had an unwritten list of rules, right?”
“Yeah, you could say something like that.” Tony sounded distant.
“Look, Tony? I haven't checked in with Abby yet, but I’m thinking that Gibbs might have seen his attacker. How is he?”
“So far, he’s sleeping it off. I think they may be giving him something to keep him out. But I don’t know. I’m not on any medical forms of his, McGee. As far as anyone knows, the hospital staff thinks I’m here for protection detail.”
“Okay, Tony. I’ll see if I can get Ducky to swing more of his Scottish charm and find out what’s going on.”
“Yeah. Thanks, McGee.”
“And Tony? You’re my best friend. I got your six in this.”
“Abby, if I promise you the biggest caf-pow, will you tell me you’ve got good news?”
“Tim! I thought I’d see Tony down here.”
“Yeah, Tony’s still at the hospital with Gibbs. I’m handling this with Vance for the time being.”
“Everything fine with Gibbs?”
“Yeah Abbs. No change yet, but he’s resting. Ducky is going back to check on him now and make sure the hospital staff is prepared for a Gibbs that has to stay under medical supervision for awhile. I was hoping you could give me some leads, Abby. Benson’s crew found nothing and are starting to look for leads from old cases.”
“If their looking for someone that Gibbs might have pissed off...”
“...then they’ll be searching for years. No, they’re on another case now. So, Abbs, what’ve you got?”
“Well, Timothy...” Abby smiled, turning to her computer in a smooth motion. Abby’s lab was her domain, and she was fluid when she moved in it. “From the casings and bullets retrieved, I can tell you there was only one shooter. All the bullets were from a .38 and have the same striations Running everything through the database now.”
“I was hoping you were going to say that. We couldn’t run any GSR patterns yet. Ducky is getting any evidence that the hospital might have collected.” Tim walked back to Abby’s work table, flipping through copies of the photos he brought down until he found the one of Gibbs’s living room before they pulled all the numbered makers. “But if you look here, all the casings were found close together.” Tim tapped to a grouping of three yellow numbered markers.
“So the shooter stood in the same spot while shooting at Gibbs.”
“Yes. And look; he was barely out of the entryway. And Gibbs was found here.” Tim tapped at a number next to the foot of the coffee table that they both knew was knocked askew.
“That’s... what? Four feet? Something like that. Which meant the shooter was close. But I’m thinking he was fast on his feet, but not good with a gun. Gibbs was hit twice: shoulder and lung. The third was found in the wall by the fireplace.”
“Someone with gun training should have been able to hit a target less than four feet from him.”
“Right! And if he moved in the house fast, catching I-never-lock-my-doors Gibbs by surprise--”
“Then he might have caught Gibbs in turning!” Tim finished.
“But, Tim? Gibbs seems to always know when someone is around. How did someone catch him?”
“I don’t know, Abbs. But I’m hoping that talking to Gibbs will answer a few questions.”
It was when McGee finally got away to get a quick bite and some coffee that he got a call from Tony.
Gibbs was awake.
Vance was the first call he made as he grabbed the to-go bag and the paper coffee cup. Vance told Tim to met in the yard in ten minutes, which left just enough time for Tim to grab a cup of coffee for Tony as well. He was sure his friend would need it by now.
The drive to Bethesda was spent with McGee updating Vance about what Abby had told him and letting him in on their theory.
Vance had waited until the elevator doors closed before addressing the way they would handle the interview. “I want you to handle the questioning, McGee. I don’t know how much Tony and Gibbs will confide in me.”
“That might if they know where they stand with you, sir.”
Vance didn’t respond. He followed McGee into the room where Tony was perched on another uncomfortable hospital chair while watching Gibbs. Before Tim said anything, he handed Tony the coffee he had bought, as well as the second half of his sandwich.
“Thanks, Tim.” Tony put the sandwich on the rolling tray table and held his coffee in his hand, like he needed the warmth to keep him grounded.
“So, are you here as Special Agent Timothy McGee?”
“You knew someone was going to come ask questions, Tony. I’d rather it be me. The Director here is working with me so we can make sure Gibbs’s private life stays private.”
Tony sent a heated glare at Vance. “You mean like our relationship.”
Before either Tim or Vance could respond, Gibbs’s hoarse voice stopped them. “DiNozzo, let McGee do his job.”
Tim didn’t jump right into his questions. Instead, he took time to gather his thoughts. This whole situation was surreal, and Tim never thought that he would be interviewing his boss. Ever. It was during times like this that he envied Abby and her ability to cross lines with hugs and exposed emotions that the rest of the team couldn’t show.
“Can you tell us what happened, Boss?” Easy questions seemed to be best.
“I don’t know much. Was caught off guard. The kid opened fire before I could react.” McGee noticed that Tony fidgeted a little.
Tim let Gibbs catch his breath before he continued. “Kid?”
“Young man. Younger than you. Never seen him before.”
Tim nodded and jotted down a few notes. “Do you think you can work with a sketch artist so we can get a composite to work with?”
“Yeah, McGee. Send the man over.”
“Thanks, Boss.”
“Dinozzo, stretch your legs with McGee. I have to talk to Gibbs.”
Tony looked like he wanted to protest, but Tim lay a hand on his shoulder and nodded to the door, signaling Tony to follow him.
“When was the last time you visited the restroom or stretched your legs, Tony?”
“Tim, I wasn’t going to leave Gibbs! In fact, I should be there now.”
“Vance is in there, Tony. Gibbs will be fine. Want to tell me why you looked a little flustered back there?”
“It’s my fault, Tim.”
“Tony, unless you’re confessing to shooting Gibbs, I don’t see how it’s your fault.”
“No. But, I was supposed to be there. Earlier yesterday, Gibbs and I had an argument.”
“About?”
“Our relationship. All the rules. Keeping us hidden from everyone we know. But, Tim, what if he was caught off guard because he was waiting for me?”
“So, what? You think he thought the shooter was you, and wasn’t prepared when his assailant entered the house?”
“Yes.”
“Tony, Gibbs is the most prepared person we know. But even with all that, things just sometimes happen. Sometimes, you don’t have time to prepare, no matter the training and the practice. And it is not your fault when things go to shit, Tony.”
“But if I was there--”
“Then you could have been shot at too. Maybe hit. Maybe he would have come back and shot you both in your sleep. Playing the ‘what if’ game doesn’t help, Tony. The question is, where are you going from here?” Tim leaned against a bare spot on the wall. “I can clearly see you love Gibbs. But are you willing to do what it takes to be with him?”
“And what is that, Timmy? Breaking up the team, so he's not my boss? Making him retire, which we all know how well that would work out. I could just quit NCIS. Or we can hope that Vance will look the other way and not inform anyone that he found out about us. Not only are we breaking Gibbs’s rule number 12, but some that NCIS has about relationships between superior and subordinate.”
“You’re my friend. He’s like a dad to me. And you both deserve love. Did you not think that I wouldn’t stand by your side? That Ducky won’t be a listening ear? That if Zvia was still with us, that she wouldn’t put anyone down if they came between you two? That Abby won’t hide the evidence?” Tim lowered his voice, trying to calm himself down. “Tony, the last thing any of us want is to have you leave or the team divided again. We’re family.”
“Thanks, Tim.”
“And Tony? I think we need to see what Vance has planned before we clean out your desk.” Tim nodded to the door to Gibbs’s room where the pair were either talking or going through an epic stare down. It was too quiet for an all-out shouting match.
“Yeah. I just want to be in there, you know.”
“Don’t worry. Gibbs hasn’t walked out yet, bedridden or not. I think things are going to be fine.”
The two stood in the hall, listening to the hospital sounds around them, until Tony broke the silence with, “So, ‘family,’ huh?”
“No ,Tony! I’m not calling you stepdad.”
It wasn’t much longer before Vance opened the door and motioned for Tim and Tony to enter the room. Gibbs had his head back on a pillow, eyes closed, but Tim could tell he was just resting from the way he curled his fingers around Tony’s hand.
“Tony, I know that asking you to leave the room was disrespectful, but I needed to talk to Gibbs about this from a director standpoint. And you have to remember Gibbs has been your team leader the entire time. I had to make sure that there was no...unwanted actives going on.”
“Director, it sounds like you asked Gibbs if he was sexual herrassing me. And why not ask me?”
Vance’s stare was answer enough. Even for Tim.
“Were you satisfied with the answer, Director?”
“Tony. We discussed it and it’s fine. The Director understands.”
“Yes. But now, DiNozzo, we need to discuss what happens from here. Other than the occupants of this room, no one knows about the two of you?”
“No. I told McGee this morning.”
“Okay, DiNozzo, I’m going to be honest with you, like I was with Gibbs. This is bigger than just the four of us.” Vance pointed at Tony and Gibbs and then included him and Tim in the mix. “But we deal with politics, and anytime they want to dig into what we do here--”
“Yeah, I get it. We’ve all been on the wrong side of an investigation.”
“Tony,” Gibbs broke in, squeezing Tony’s hand, “I know you don’t like it. But I told Vance we’ll keep it under wraps. As long as we can bring Abby and Ducky in on it.”
Tony looked at Gibbs for a few heartbeats. Tim could nearly hear the silent conversation.
“Okay, Director. As long as the rest of our family knows, that’s what's important.”
“And just wait until Abby finds out you two have been keeping secrets, Tony.” Tim wagged his finger mockly.
“You think she’ll be kind to us, with you being all laid up?” Tony asked Gibbs, worry around his eyes.
“She’ll probably ask us to kiss, just to make sure this isn’t something I dreamed up on the operating table.”
Tony bent down until his lips were right above Gibbs. “I can handle that.”
Tim felt himself blush when Tony went in for the kiss. Luckily, he was saved by his cell ringing. Abby was calling.
After Abby had found a match--not on the bullets, but on a partal she found and ran through AFIS--the rest of the case went down fast. The print belonged to a young man that had a prior for assault. After a background check, McGee found out that his father had been arrested by Gibbs years ago, and had died in prison.
And he snapped, blaming Gibbs for all his problems.
Telling Abby the family news had been fun to watch. Tim was just glad he got a small glare when she found out he knew a week before her. But from that point on, she was their biggest supporter, even if, to Tony’s dismay, she also refused to call Tony stepdad.
Ducky congratulated them and wrangled time off for Tony to help Gibbs when he was released from rehab.
Gibbs might have been moving a little slower and they were missing Ziva. But they were together, strong and a makeshift family again.
Something no rule or politician could take away.
Author: Witchyemerald
Written for: gibbstonybabe
Prompt used: Read summary and author’s note
Genre: H/C, Slash, Crime fic.
Category: hurt-comfort
Rating: PG-13 at best
Spoilers: Season 11 spoilers dealing with Ziva
Warning: None
Author's Notes: Thanks to my beta
killpurakat: Queen of the beta’s! For this story, I took a pieces from the prompts, and some are spoilers for the story. But I hope it is to your liking gibbstonybabe!Disclaimer: I don’t own NCIS! That is all on CBS. You will never see my name in the ending credits.
Summary: After an attack leaves Gibbs down, Tim’s left to run the case while he learns more about his boss and best friend.
Tim received the call at 0328. That wouldn’t be out of the ordinary--his team was frequently called out at all hours--but this weekend Gibbs’s team was not on call. Coupled with an order to report to Bethesda, and Tim didn’t need his multiple degrees and year of working as an NCIS agent to figure out something was up.
Pulling into the hospital parking lot, Tim was not surprised to see Tony’s car already parked. Tony was the second call out after all.
Choosing to be prepared, Tim grabbed his crime scene backpack and locked his car. The information the night dispatch told him was vague. He only knew he was needed at the hospital and that the rest of his team was being called out. But it also wasn’t unusual to not inform the team of everything; the bulk of the info was given to Gibbs or Tony, and they would inform the rest of the team about the case.
Entering the emergency room doors--the only hospital doors opened this late at night--Tim didn’t need to go to the Security/Information desk. He spotted Tony inside, leaning against the wall. Waiting.
“Tony, are we here for a case, or-”
“It’s Gibbs. The neighbors heard and called it in. He’s been… he’s been shot, Tim.”
Tim tried to swallow around the dry lump that quickly formed in his throat. “Is he-”
“No! Thank God.” Tony covered his face with his palm, inhaling deeply. “He was hit twice. Once in the shoulder, but it’s the one in the lung they're worried about. He’s in the O.R. now.”
Tim felt the knot loosen and his breath become easier. This was Gibbs. The man had more lives than a cat.
“Okay, then...okay. Do we need to go…?” Tim nodded at the automatic closed doors. The ER waiting room was quiet, which Tim counted as a blessing. Less people meant more of his attention could be devoted to his boss.
“No, Benson’s team was on call tonight. Vance has them processing the scene. Said we’re too close to the case. I told him that’s bullshit! Gibbs would have rammed his way into the middle of things if it was us. Has pulled every string and lever the times it was us.”
“You know Vance; he’ll play by the book for SECNAV and, by tomorrow, will have all the evidence. Even if we have to sic Abby on him.”
“I don’t think it’s going to work this time, Probie. I didn’t take it too well when I found out Gibbs was shot.” Tony eyes slid passed McGee to the ER wing door. “I let secrets slip."
“Secrets? Tony-”
“Gibbs and I have been seeing each other for over a year now.”
Of all the things to come out of Tony--The Lady's Man--DiNozzo’s mouth, that was not expected. Tim didn’t need to look at Tony’s face to know that, even though he was a notorious prankster, this was not a joke. Not at a time like this. Not about Gibbs.
Placing his hand on Tony’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze, McGee waited for his friend to focused on his face. “Okay, Tony, we’ll let them do their thing. Right now, this is the most important place we can be. I’m going to give Ducky and Abby a call. You know how fast our grapevine works, and one of them will be on the way, and I’m going to sidetrack them with a coffee run. You and I will commandeer the best seats and wait.”
Tony gave Tim’s hand on his shoulder a squeeze before removing it. He fell into the most comfortable-looking chair in the cluster of chairs facing the ER doors. Pulling out his cellphone, McGee walked out the lobby doors to make a few phone calls. First, Ducky. The man knew the importance of coffee, and had Gibbs’s medical history if it was needed. Second, Vance. There were very few times Tim felt he needed the Director, but this was one of those times.
Tony and McGee spent the next twenty minutes before Ducky showed up--with Abby in tow--in strained silence. Tony’s hands twitched, eyes never leaving the doors to the ER just in case he missed when they had news. Once Abby and Ducky arrived, Abby filled the silence with hugs and chatter, while Ducky used his medical contacts and Scottish stubbornness to get updates on Gibbs.
With the addition of Abby, Tony didn’t quite let himself relax. But he damn well did a good job acting like “normal” Tony. Sometimes Abby’s worrying was more harmful than helpful. Tim let Abby hold the majority of the conversation, until Ducky came back.
“Good news. Jethro will be out of surgery soon. But, I’m not going to lie, he has a long road. A hole in the lung-”
“Yeah, Duck, I know. He’ll be more susceptible to infection and will have to be under supervision until it starts to heal.”
“Is Tony right? Ducky, Gibbs will hate that!”
“Anthony is right Abigail. Gibbs is going to need help. Even if his stubbornness won't allow him to ask for it.”
Looking at his watch, McGee noticed for the first time how late it had gotten. It was now close to eight, which meant almost five hours had passed. “Hey Tony?” Tim waited until he had Tony’s attention. “You think you can hold the fort here? I’m going back to see what’s happening at Gibbs’s place.”
“Yeah, Timmy. Thanks.”
Abby spoke up. “Tim, I should go with you. We need to find the bastard that shot our Gibbs.” Tim couldn’t see a reason not to have her come along. Plus, it would give Tony some much needed time to compose himself before seeing Gibbs.
“Yeah Abbs. Just let me swing by Gibbs’s place first. I want to make sure the house is locked, and then we can go back to the yard.” Turning back to Tony, he added, “Don’t worry. I’ll check in with Vance.” And find out everything I can, even if I have to push myself on this case.
Swinging over to Gibbs’s place, Tim and Abby saw that Benson’s team had someone board up the broken door. They had also left crime scene tape across the wooden blockade.
Thank goodness for small favors.
Back at the yard, Abby went to her lab, while Tim headed up to talk to Vance.
“I thought I’d see DiNozzo here before you, McGee.”
“Tony is at the hospital handling things there. Gibbs got out of surgery, and, with a lot of therapy, it looks like he’ll make a recovery.”
“Good to hear, McGee. Until we know further, I’ll have to reassign your team.”
“I’d like to be reassigned to Gibbs’s case, sir. And, sir? Tony told me what he let slip this morning. I know why you would pull Tony, but someone from the team needs to be on this.”
“And what help would you be?”
“I’ve been on his team for eleven years, sir. Besides Ducky, Abby, and Tony, I don’t think anyone here knows Gibbs better.”
“Did you know about the relationship between Gibbs and DiNozzo, McGee?”
“No sir. I don’t think anyone knew.”
“And this helps your argument how, McGee?”
“Sir, first, I don’t think anyone was looking. You all see Gibbs treating us like his children, like a protective boss and father. And knowing Gibbs? He probably has sixty-four rules in the relationship and how not to expose it. But, sir, Tony is my partner and friend. Gibbs is my boss, and a man I am closer to than my own father. Either man would be here, demanding the same thing, if I were the one in that hospital.”
Vance didn’t respond, but Tim could tell he was thinking by the way he was tapping his toothpick on his desk.
“Sir, I am not asking for anything that you, yourself, haven’t done.”
“Be careful, McGee. You're coming close to stepping over the line. I don’t want Tony anywhere near this in an investigative manner. If word gets out that Gibbs was in a relationship with one of his subordinates, then a whole can of worms would be opened. I don’t want to deal with that. Not after the investigations your team went through. That little stunt caused me my best team for three months.”
McGee tried hard not to smile. Even ranting, Vance had to acknowledged that Gibbs’s team was unmatched.
“And with David gone, I don’t see how you can handle this, McGee. I know you’re damn good at what you do McGee, but you’re three men down.”
“Then assign me to the investigation team on a temporary basis, sir.”
“I don’t think I can safely foster one of Gibbs’s on another team. Last time didn’t work so well. Plus, I need them to pick up that Lanson case you were working on. I’ll let them look into any connection that the case might have with Gibbs’s shooting, but you and I are going to be handling Gibbs’s case.”
“Sir?”
“Don’t look surprised, McGee. I have investigated cases before. And until I can talk to two of my agents, I’d rather not have people digging too far into their lives. McGee, hand over all the case files on the Lanson case to Benson and collect anything from them about Gibbs’s case. I’ll call you in a hour.
Tim could really go for a coffee. Maybe a sandwich as well. Three am was a long time ago, and this night had more surprises than when Tony went on a pranking rampage. It wasn’t until he pulled out all the pictures and notes on a conference table that the day really hit.
Tony and Gibbs were in a relationship that they had kept hidden from everyone. Tony even kept it from Tim. And on top of that, Gibbs almost died.
Pulling out his cell phone, Tim scrolled down to Tony’s name.
“Yeah, Tim?” Tony sounded weary. Tim hoped it was the tiredness and that nothing had changed with Gibbs.
“Just checking in with you, Tony. Wanted to tell you Vance and I had a little discussion. I’ll be working on Gibbs’s case.”
“Thank you, Timmy. I trust you to handle this and find the bastard. Just... don’t hurt Benson... or her team.”
“I’m not working with another team, Tony. Vance and I are investigating everything.”
“Sounds like he’s angry.”
“No, I think he’s more worried about what might come up if people dig into Gibbs’s life. Tony, I don’t have a problem with you and Gibbs. I just wish I knew before so I could deal with everything better.”
“I’m sorry, Timmy. It just…”
“Gibbs had an unwritten list of rules, right?”
“Yeah, you could say something like that.” Tony sounded distant.
“Look, Tony? I haven't checked in with Abby yet, but I’m thinking that Gibbs might have seen his attacker. How is he?”
“So far, he’s sleeping it off. I think they may be giving him something to keep him out. But I don’t know. I’m not on any medical forms of his, McGee. As far as anyone knows, the hospital staff thinks I’m here for protection detail.”
“Okay, Tony. I’ll see if I can get Ducky to swing more of his Scottish charm and find out what’s going on.”
“Yeah. Thanks, McGee.”
“And Tony? You’re my best friend. I got your six in this.”
“Abby, if I promise you the biggest caf-pow, will you tell me you’ve got good news?”
“Tim! I thought I’d see Tony down here.”
“Yeah, Tony’s still at the hospital with Gibbs. I’m handling this with Vance for the time being.”
“Everything fine with Gibbs?”
“Yeah Abbs. No change yet, but he’s resting. Ducky is going back to check on him now and make sure the hospital staff is prepared for a Gibbs that has to stay under medical supervision for awhile. I was hoping you could give me some leads, Abby. Benson’s crew found nothing and are starting to look for leads from old cases.”
“If their looking for someone that Gibbs might have pissed off...”
“...then they’ll be searching for years. No, they’re on another case now. So, Abbs, what’ve you got?”
“Well, Timothy...” Abby smiled, turning to her computer in a smooth motion. Abby’s lab was her domain, and she was fluid when she moved in it. “From the casings and bullets retrieved, I can tell you there was only one shooter. All the bullets were from a .38 and have the same striations Running everything through the database now.”
“I was hoping you were going to say that. We couldn’t run any GSR patterns yet. Ducky is getting any evidence that the hospital might have collected.” Tim walked back to Abby’s work table, flipping through copies of the photos he brought down until he found the one of Gibbs’s living room before they pulled all the numbered makers. “But if you look here, all the casings were found close together.” Tim tapped to a grouping of three yellow numbered markers.
“So the shooter stood in the same spot while shooting at Gibbs.”
“Yes. And look; he was barely out of the entryway. And Gibbs was found here.” Tim tapped at a number next to the foot of the coffee table that they both knew was knocked askew.
“That’s... what? Four feet? Something like that. Which meant the shooter was close. But I’m thinking he was fast on his feet, but not good with a gun. Gibbs was hit twice: shoulder and lung. The third was found in the wall by the fireplace.”
“Someone with gun training should have been able to hit a target less than four feet from him.”
“Right! And if he moved in the house fast, catching I-never-lock-my-doors Gibbs by surprise--”
“Then he might have caught Gibbs in turning!” Tim finished.
“But, Tim? Gibbs seems to always know when someone is around. How did someone catch him?”
“I don’t know, Abbs. But I’m hoping that talking to Gibbs will answer a few questions.”
It was when McGee finally got away to get a quick bite and some coffee that he got a call from Tony.
Gibbs was awake.
Vance was the first call he made as he grabbed the to-go bag and the paper coffee cup. Vance told Tim to met in the yard in ten minutes, which left just enough time for Tim to grab a cup of coffee for Tony as well. He was sure his friend would need it by now.
The drive to Bethesda was spent with McGee updating Vance about what Abby had told him and letting him in on their theory.
Vance had waited until the elevator doors closed before addressing the way they would handle the interview. “I want you to handle the questioning, McGee. I don’t know how much Tony and Gibbs will confide in me.”
“That might if they know where they stand with you, sir.”
Vance didn’t respond. He followed McGee into the room where Tony was perched on another uncomfortable hospital chair while watching Gibbs. Before Tim said anything, he handed Tony the coffee he had bought, as well as the second half of his sandwich.
“Thanks, Tim.” Tony put the sandwich on the rolling tray table and held his coffee in his hand, like he needed the warmth to keep him grounded.
“So, are you here as Special Agent Timothy McGee?”
“You knew someone was going to come ask questions, Tony. I’d rather it be me. The Director here is working with me so we can make sure Gibbs’s private life stays private.”
Tony sent a heated glare at Vance. “You mean like our relationship.”
Before either Tim or Vance could respond, Gibbs’s hoarse voice stopped them. “DiNozzo, let McGee do his job.”
Tim didn’t jump right into his questions. Instead, he took time to gather his thoughts. This whole situation was surreal, and Tim never thought that he would be interviewing his boss. Ever. It was during times like this that he envied Abby and her ability to cross lines with hugs and exposed emotions that the rest of the team couldn’t show.
“Can you tell us what happened, Boss?” Easy questions seemed to be best.
“I don’t know much. Was caught off guard. The kid opened fire before I could react.” McGee noticed that Tony fidgeted a little.
Tim let Gibbs catch his breath before he continued. “Kid?”
“Young man. Younger than you. Never seen him before.”
Tim nodded and jotted down a few notes. “Do you think you can work with a sketch artist so we can get a composite to work with?”
“Yeah, McGee. Send the man over.”
“Thanks, Boss.”
“Dinozzo, stretch your legs with McGee. I have to talk to Gibbs.”
Tony looked like he wanted to protest, but Tim lay a hand on his shoulder and nodded to the door, signaling Tony to follow him.
“When was the last time you visited the restroom or stretched your legs, Tony?”
“Tim, I wasn’t going to leave Gibbs! In fact, I should be there now.”
“Vance is in there, Tony. Gibbs will be fine. Want to tell me why you looked a little flustered back there?”
“It’s my fault, Tim.”
“Tony, unless you’re confessing to shooting Gibbs, I don’t see how it’s your fault.”
“No. But, I was supposed to be there. Earlier yesterday, Gibbs and I had an argument.”
“About?”
“Our relationship. All the rules. Keeping us hidden from everyone we know. But, Tim, what if he was caught off guard because he was waiting for me?”
“So, what? You think he thought the shooter was you, and wasn’t prepared when his assailant entered the house?”
“Yes.”
“Tony, Gibbs is the most prepared person we know. But even with all that, things just sometimes happen. Sometimes, you don’t have time to prepare, no matter the training and the practice. And it is not your fault when things go to shit, Tony.”
“But if I was there--”
“Then you could have been shot at too. Maybe hit. Maybe he would have come back and shot you both in your sleep. Playing the ‘what if’ game doesn’t help, Tony. The question is, where are you going from here?” Tim leaned against a bare spot on the wall. “I can clearly see you love Gibbs. But are you willing to do what it takes to be with him?”
“And what is that, Timmy? Breaking up the team, so he's not my boss? Making him retire, which we all know how well that would work out. I could just quit NCIS. Or we can hope that Vance will look the other way and not inform anyone that he found out about us. Not only are we breaking Gibbs’s rule number 12, but some that NCIS has about relationships between superior and subordinate.”
“You’re my friend. He’s like a dad to me. And you both deserve love. Did you not think that I wouldn’t stand by your side? That Ducky won’t be a listening ear? That if Zvia was still with us, that she wouldn’t put anyone down if they came between you two? That Abby won’t hide the evidence?” Tim lowered his voice, trying to calm himself down. “Tony, the last thing any of us want is to have you leave or the team divided again. We’re family.”
“Thanks, Tim.”
“And Tony? I think we need to see what Vance has planned before we clean out your desk.” Tim nodded to the door to Gibbs’s room where the pair were either talking or going through an epic stare down. It was too quiet for an all-out shouting match.
“Yeah. I just want to be in there, you know.”
“Don’t worry. Gibbs hasn’t walked out yet, bedridden or not. I think things are going to be fine.”
The two stood in the hall, listening to the hospital sounds around them, until Tony broke the silence with, “So, ‘family,’ huh?”
“No ,Tony! I’m not calling you stepdad.”
It wasn’t much longer before Vance opened the door and motioned for Tim and Tony to enter the room. Gibbs had his head back on a pillow, eyes closed, but Tim could tell he was just resting from the way he curled his fingers around Tony’s hand.
“Tony, I know that asking you to leave the room was disrespectful, but I needed to talk to Gibbs about this from a director standpoint. And you have to remember Gibbs has been your team leader the entire time. I had to make sure that there was no...unwanted actives going on.”
“Director, it sounds like you asked Gibbs if he was sexual herrassing me. And why not ask me?”
Vance’s stare was answer enough. Even for Tim.
“Were you satisfied with the answer, Director?”
“Tony. We discussed it and it’s fine. The Director understands.”
“Yes. But now, DiNozzo, we need to discuss what happens from here. Other than the occupants of this room, no one knows about the two of you?”
“No. I told McGee this morning.”
“Okay, DiNozzo, I’m going to be honest with you, like I was with Gibbs. This is bigger than just the four of us.” Vance pointed at Tony and Gibbs and then included him and Tim in the mix. “But we deal with politics, and anytime they want to dig into what we do here--”
“Yeah, I get it. We’ve all been on the wrong side of an investigation.”
“Tony,” Gibbs broke in, squeezing Tony’s hand, “I know you don’t like it. But I told Vance we’ll keep it under wraps. As long as we can bring Abby and Ducky in on it.”
Tony looked at Gibbs for a few heartbeats. Tim could nearly hear the silent conversation.
“Okay, Director. As long as the rest of our family knows, that’s what's important.”
“And just wait until Abby finds out you two have been keeping secrets, Tony.” Tim wagged his finger mockly.
“You think she’ll be kind to us, with you being all laid up?” Tony asked Gibbs, worry around his eyes.
“She’ll probably ask us to kiss, just to make sure this isn’t something I dreamed up on the operating table.”
Tony bent down until his lips were right above Gibbs. “I can handle that.”
Tim felt himself blush when Tony went in for the kiss. Luckily, he was saved by his cell ringing. Abby was calling.
After Abby had found a match--not on the bullets, but on a partal she found and ran through AFIS--the rest of the case went down fast. The print belonged to a young man that had a prior for assault. After a background check, McGee found out that his father had been arrested by Gibbs years ago, and had died in prison.
And he snapped, blaming Gibbs for all his problems.
Telling Abby the family news had been fun to watch. Tim was just glad he got a small glare when she found out he knew a week before her. But from that point on, she was their biggest supporter, even if, to Tony’s dismay, she also refused to call Tony stepdad.
Ducky congratulated them and wrangled time off for Tony to help Gibbs when he was released from rehab.
Gibbs might have been moving a little slower and they were missing Ziva. But they were together, strong and a makeshift family again.
Something no rule or politician could take away.
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