Part 2

Gibbs lurked around and outside the bedroom, trying to stay calm every time Tony moaned or grunted with pain. When he finally peaked in he found a sleeping Tony. He couldn't help but smile. He'd never seen anyone who looked as pleased as Tony did to be asleep. The drugs had kicked in around an hour before and he was finally comfortable enough for a deep sleep.

He'd stuck Tony is his own room because of the attached bath. Tony wouldn't get very far by himself yet and he didn't want to worry about him stumbling down the hall. "This is going to be a long night," he thought as he rubbed his eyes. He was exhausted. He needed to make some more coffee. There was no way he'd be able to keep an eye on DiNozzo in the condition he was in.

His cell phone chirped downstairs and he quietly slipped down them to answer it.

"Gibbs."

"Hey, Gibbs. How's he doing?" Kate asked her voice full of concern.

"Tired. He's upstairs, asleep," he said as he moved into the kitchen. He walked to the coffee pot and dumped out the contents of the filter. He grabbed a new filter and began dishing out new grounds.

"Good. He needs his rest. I was meaning to ask…why is he staying with you? I know Tony has family."

Gibbs frowned. "I'll let Tony know you called. Is there anything else you needed?"

"I think we have a lead on Stewart," she replied never breaking stride in the conversation.

He tensed and squeezed the phone. "How good of a lead?" he asked, the coffee temporarily forgotten.

"I'm taking McGee and we're going to check it out."

Gibbs looked toward the stairs torn between taking care of Tony and finding the man who shot him. "Shit."

"We have it covered Gibbs. I just wanted to keep you in the loop."

He began dishing ground again. "I want to know every move that is made on this case. I don't care how insignificant it seems."

"You will be the first person I call."

"Make sure I am, Kate." He grabbed the pot and reached for the faucet.

"Gibbs?"

"Hmmm?" he asked, distractedly.

"You need to sleep. Making coffee so you can stay awake all night and stare at Tony isn't going to help either one of you."

The phone went dead in his ear. He sighed, turned and finished what he was doing. He switched the pot on and sat down to watch it perk.

"Yeah. But it's the only thing I can do," he answered, belatedly.

**

Tony woke slowly, but kept his eyes closed. His head felt funny, and his body was idling at its constant dull ache. The room smelled like sawdust, and it brought forth a small smile.

It smelled like Gibbs.

"What are you grinning about?" a gruff voice asked.

He opened his eyes to find Gibbs standing in the doorway, the ever present cup of coffee in his hands. His hair was wet from a recent shower, and he was wearing a white NCIS t-shirt and blue jeans. His feet were bare and tan, the worn edges of the light jeans showing off the contrast.

His heart constricted painfully in his chest, and he swallowed hoping to push unwanted thoughts from his mind. He started to reply smartly but stopped when he saw the TV sitting on top of the dresser. "Hey. You get another TV?"

"No. Just brought that one out of the basement."

"Wow. Thanks, Boss. You know if there is something you want to watch you can just crawl into bed with me," Tony said.

Gibbs' eyes darted to Tony's and then to the window behind the bed. "Thanks, but I'll pass."

He decided to pretend the answer didn't sting. "I could go for a bath," he said to change the subject.

"You're only allowed a sponge bath until that second wound on your chest starts to heal. You know what the doc said; speaking of…you need your meds. And Ducky is going to come by today. Look you over."

"I'm tired of sleeping, Gibbs. I don't want any more pain meds until I have to." He slowly put his feet over the edge, testing his weight on his feet. "I can't even stand my own smell. I need to change and bathe."

"Sponge-"

"I know, I know. I just can't stand this."

Gibbs moved to his side, and Tony put his weight against him. "Thanks."

"You know, brushing your teeth wouldn't hurt either."

Tony couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. Gibbs helped him into the bathroom, and sat him down on the toilet. His chest hurt mildly, but that was from using muscles that weren't in the mood to be used.

"I'll get you some clean clothes." Gibbs vanished out the door.

He was shocked to see a detachable shower head attached to the faucet. His favorite soap and shampoo sat on the edge, and even a lavender candle.

Gibbs reappeared in the doorway, carrying the clean clothes and a stool. He sat the stool down in the tub. "You need help getting in?"

He waved him off. "Umm…Boss? How did you…" He inclined his head toward the candle and coughed.

Gibbs shrugged. "One morning you came in early and I could smell it on your jacket. I assumed you'd draw the line at lotion and guessed candle."

A warm feeling spread into his stomach. "I can't believe you remembered that," he said quietly.

Gibbs, who had been setting Tony's clothes on the counter, froze. He quickly resumed what he was doing and walked back out into the bedroom. "Call me if you need me," he tossed over his shoulder.

"Wait! Gibbs!" He was gone. Tony growled and scrubbed his hands over his face. "I can't do a damned thing right around you."

**

He was exhausted after his shower. Every muscle was aching and the pain in his leg was bordering on torture.

He did this to himself. None of this would be happening if he hadn't been so damned impetuous. He'd been told that his whole life, that someday he was going to get hurt, but it had never even slowed him down.

The thought made him wince. He knew why he was here. His family really had no interest in taking care of him. His father had called once while he was in the hospital, and his mother had sent a get well card. It wasn't the first time no one had wanted him around.

He'd been unsure of where he would stay when he left the hospital until Gibbs had shown up on his release date.

He winced as he pulled the shirt down over his tender chest and nearly cried out, but bit the inside of his cheek to prevent it.

His face felt flushed and his energy was draining by the moment. All he wanted was a pain pill and a three day nap. That was all. He forced himself to his feet, stopping to lean against the counter.

The door swung open and Gibbs enfolded him in his arms. He leaned heavily against the warmth.

"I told you to call me if you needed me, DiNozzo," he said, and gently helping him onto the bed.

"Gibbs, I'm really tired," he said, not bothering to fight off a yawn.

Gibbs smiled down at him and Tony frowned. "You're turn. What are you grinning about?"

Gibbs didn't answer and Tony felt himself drifting off into sleep. He fought against the feeling and tried to sit up.

"Boss, thanks for taking care of me. I know my family-they're ok, just…I've put them through a lot…"

"Shhh. Sleep, buddy." Gibbs' voice was quiet, but offered no room for argument.

Tony closed his eyes and concentrated on the feeling of his hair being smoothed back by a gentle hand. His last thought was of the soft kiss that graced his brow, and that perhaps he was wanted after all.

END PART 2 (was labeled 3)