Tony sickfic

Chapter 23

Dr. Craft had been to the room every day that the boys were there. He was the only person who could enter the room without waking Gibbs, and the ex-Marine wasn't sure how the man did it. But today was different. Today Gibbs felt the presence of the man when he entered the room.

"Good morning, Special Agent Gibbs."

"Doc, so Tony can go home today?" Gibbs asked quietly, not wanting to wake Tony just yet.

But Tony was stirring anyway, instinctively knowing his lover was awake and wanting to seek him out. But Gibbs didn't want to wake him. Instead he was petting Tony, running his hand over his head and back, letting him know everything was fine and he should go back to sleep.

"Yes. His blood work is a better, he's well hydrated and the latest X-Rays show no sign of the pneumonia. I have a feeling that he's in good hands and won't be pushing himself in his recovery."

"That is correct. He won't be alone. I'll make sure he behaves."

"Good. I also hear congratulations are in order."

Puzzled, Gibbs looked at him.

"The young girl two doors down will be in your custody, I'm told. It was a tragedy about her mother, but I think Ms. Blass was smart leaving the child with Mr. DiNozzo here."

"Yes, and thank you. It is a tragedy, but Jenny is strong, and she'll come out of this a much better person."

"You talk like you've seen death a few times Special-"

"Just Gibbs."

"Okay, Gibbs."

"Yes, Dr. Craft, I have. I saw it in Desert Storm, and I see it on the job almost everyday."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Now, about young Mr. DiNozzo, I'll leave a few scripts with the charge nurse, and he can leave within the hour if you like."

"I don't think he will. He'll want to sit with Jenny and explain what will be going on."

"That's fine. She's scheduled to go up to peds sometime this afternoon, so the two of you can sit with her till then."

"Thank you, Doctor." Gibbs got off the bed and shook the man's hand. 

"You're more then welcome, and you both have a nice and safe life together."

The doctor left. Gibbs had expected to see Beth in the nurse's station when he looked up, but she wasn't there. Instead it was a nice, older, very thin black lady. She didn't look like she could lift more than five pounds. Dr. Craft spoke with her. She nodded, then went into Tony's room. 

"Good morning, Special-"

"Just Gibbs, ma'am."

"Okay, then, Gibbs. How is the young man this morning?" 

"Not sure yet. I was about to hit the head, then grab some coffee before waking our Sleeping Beauty."

"Good. The young girl two doors down has been asking for him."

"Thanks."

She left the room, and Gibbs used the bathroom before going to get himself a cup of coffee. He then stopped in Jenny's room, glad to see her awake. 

"Hey there, Sunshine."

"Hi, Jethro."

"What's with the long face?" he asked, walking in and sitting in the chair next to her bed. 

"They said Tony is leaving today."

"Yes, he's better and can go home. But we'll stay with you till you go up to the pediatrics ward."