Severed Connection- Chapter 5
Chapter 5
AN: Thank you for all the reviews!
Warning: some OOC moments; sick!Tony
McGee, Gibbs, Ducky and Jenny sat in the family waiting area. The team leader was on his second cup of coffee. En route to the hospital, Ducky had called him to inform him of Dr. Pitts’ call. Jethro had told his friend he was already at the hospital but had no information yet. Jenny came soon after Ducky and even though she knew Tony may be angry, she wanted Jethro to hear about his condition. They were waiting for the doctors to talk to them. Gibbs got up to stretch and then turned to Tim. “Why don’t you go get something to eat and call Ziva and Abby.”
McGee did not argue. “Sure, Boss.” He knew Gibbs wanted to get rid of him for a bit, so he nodded and left. As much as Gibbs wanted to scream and shout, at the moment, he just wanted to know what was wrong with Tony.
Dr. Pitt walked in a few minutes later, followed by another physician. “Dr. Mallard, I am sorry to see you again under these circumstances.” Dr. Pitt shook the older gentleman’s hand.
“Yes, indeed, Dr. Pitt. Our poor Anthony seems to gravitate towards these hallowed halls too often.”
He nodded his head and turned to Jenny. “Director Shepard, as you know I am an infectious disease specialist.”
“It is nice to finally meet you.” Jenny answered. “Tony has mentioned you.”
He then pointed to his colleague. “This is Dr. Eloise Reynolds. She is a pulmonary or lung specialist.” He directed everyone to sit at a table. “Dr. Reynolds, this is Dr. Mallard, Tony’s personal physician, and Director Shepard and Agent Gibbs. They are Tony’s superiors.”
“Hello, everyone. Dr. Pitt informed me that you are his support system and that I may discuss his medical condition with you.” The doctor began. “I was brought in to consult on Agent Dinozzo because he came in with a fairly significant right sided pneumonia. He informed us that he had been feeling increasingly ill for approximately four to five weeks prior to his arrival on Christmas.”
Jethro sat stunned at that revelation and then realized, “He was trapped in a cargo container at the docks about six weeks ago.” He couldn’t believe he had not noticed that Tony was feeling sick. He knew something was wrong, but he never pushed.
“Outside?” Dr. Reynolds asked.
“Yes.” Gibbs answered. “For about 5 to 6 hours. It was probably about 40-45 degrees that day.”
“And with his past history,” Ducky interjected, “an ideal set up for pneumonia.” He turned to the lung specialist. “How severe is the infiltrate?”
“A little over 50% of his right lung was affected on xray.” Jenny gasped slightly as the doctor continued. “We started him on two broad spectrum IV antibiotics and some IV steroids. We have not seen the rapid improvement I was hoping to see.”
Gibbs asked, “How is he right now?”
“He is on oxygen and receiving his medications and I added in some breathing treatments. His breathing is becoming increasingly labored. Because of this, he is getting a CT Scan of the chest as we speak and we will know further information after the results.”
“So, Doctor, he is breathing on his own right now?” Jenny asked.
The doctor nodded. “Yes, but if the pneumonia worsens, he may need to be moved to the ICU.” She looked at the group. “With his past history of The Plague, any infection in Tony’s lungs can be very serious. We may need to intervene more aggressively if he does not improve.”
“What about sampling the pneumonia from his chest?” Ducky asked.
“That is a definite possibility.” Pitt answered. “We need to see the Chest CT first.” He paused. “We will know more after those results. Do you have any other questions?”
“Can we see him?” Jenny asked, concern all over her face.
“As soon as he is settled back in after his trip to radiology, then you can. Only one at a time, though.” Dr. Pitt answered and smiled sadly at the group. “Tony survived the Plague. He’s a fighter.” He walked out with Dr. Reynolds.
*
Jenny walked into Tony’s room quietly. She was stunned at how frail and pale Tony looked. He lay on his hospital bed so quietly; the only sound in the room was his rattled, rapid breathing. He had a cannula in his nose providing oxygen. His lips looked ashen, the normal healthy glow of his skin was gone for the moment.
She pulled a chair over to the side of the bed and sat down. “Tony?” She began gently.
His eyes fluttered open as the senior agent turned to the voice. He managed to smile weakly when he saw who it was. He gazed upon the woman who was like an older sister/maternal like figure for him. He felt comforted that she was there. “Jenny…” His voice was raspy as he concentrated to speak.
She stroked his fevered brow. “I should pull a Gibbs and head slap you into next week for not letting them call me.” Her voice held no ire, her tone was gentle.
“Didn’t…want…to…bother…’s Christmas…” Tony forced out, it was obviously difficult to speak with the pneumonia that had settled in his lungs.
She placed her palm on his face and was pleased when Tony turned into the comfort a bit. “You are never a bother.” She smiled sadly. “You are important, Tony. Don’t you ever forget that.” She paused when Tony’s eyes watered. She gazed upon her agent, who at this time appeared to be a scared little boy.
His voice slurred as he whispered, “Don’ feel so good…”
“I know, Tony.” She responded, surprised by Tony’s candor. She knew normally Tony would try to downplay the illness. The gravity of his situation hit home to her with his admission. “Dr. Pitt is working hard to get you better.” She was silent for a time and then began again. She was not sure of his reaction. “Tony, we are all so worried about you. Me, Ducky…Gibbs. Jethro wants to see you.”
Tony’s eyes flew open at the mention of his team leader. “G-Gibbs.” His breath hitched as he shook his head weakly. “Doesn’t…care…anymore…”
“He does, Tony. He is so worried. He wants to make you sure you are alright.” She paused. “Can he come see you?”
Tony did not answer for a time. He shrugged his shoulders and turned away to try to lie on his side. With a last encouraging squeeze of his hand, Jenny stood up and walked back to the waiting area. Jethro practically sprinted to her as she walked in.
“How is he?” He stopped himself from asking more when he saw the sad look on Jenny’s face.
“Jethro…” She took a deep a breath. “He looks awful. I think he’s scared.”
“Jen. I’ve got to see him.” She nodded and he began to walk towards his senior agent’s room; he halted when Jenny spoke again.
“He thinks you don’t care about him, Jethro.” She watched as the lead agent clenched his teeth as he closed his eyes. “He’s hurt over a lot of things that happened when you left; how the team acted when you were gone.” She paused to let her words sink in. “Don’t be hard on him.”
Gibbs stepped toward the Director. “You think I’d do that?” He shook his head. “I just need to see him. I need to make things right.”
Jenny could see the sincerity in her former partner’s eyes. “Go on,” she said as she made her way back to Ducky.
*
Gibbs stepped into Tony’s room. He was taken aback by his appearance. He was amazed how Tony deteriorated so quickly in the four days since he had seen him last. He took the chair by the bed. He watched Tony for a bit as he gathered his thoughts. How was he going to make it up to the younger man? Where to begin? He leaned forward, not sure if Tony was sleeping or not. The senior agents’ back was to him. “Tony?” He said softly. He waited patiently to see how Tony would respond. His heart jumped when he watched the ill man turn back towards him. It must have taken lot of strength because Tony’s breathing sped up as he tried to get comfortable facing his Boss. His heart clenched as he saw wariness in Tony’s eyes as he watched him. The two stared at each other for a time before Gibbs finally found his voice.
“Tony? I’m going to break one of my rules.” Gibbs paused. “But you’re worth it.” Gibbs tried to smile. “Rule Number Six. Never say you’re sorry. I’m sorry, Tony. I’m sorry for the way things have been since I left and came back. I’m sorry for the things I know about and I’m sorry for the things that you will tell me when you get better. When you’re out of here, we’ll have a nice long talk. Okay?” Gibbs voice shook slightly. “I’m here for you. I want to be here for you. Is that okay?”
Tony said nothing as Gibbs’ words settled through him. Had the Almighty Gibbs just apologized? To him? He wasn’t sure he was hearing things correctly. His Boss looked sincere. He wanted so much to believe him but he was scared and still hurt by the team‘s actions. He felt awful and was not sure what was going on. But if Gibbs was here, he’d help. Right? Could he trust him? Should he? Tony wasn’t sure he wanted to see the older man. Right now, he was so confused.
Tony wheezed as a coughing fit took over. He struggled to get air as Gibbs helped him sit up. He pounded on Tony’s back until the fit ended. Tony was draped over Jethro’s shoulder as the older man now gently rubbed circles on Tony’s back. He was worried as he felt how hot and sweaty Tony’s whole body felt against his. Gibbs managed to find the control to the bed and elevated the head of the bed to a more comfortable position. Finally after that, he was able to lower Tony back down onto the bed.
“I’m not going anywhere, Tony.” He said quietly as he wiped the tears that had fallen from Tony’s hazel eyes as he struggled through his coughing. He worried as Tony had said nothing to him as of yet. Guilt coursed through Gibbs as he swept some hair away from Tony’s brow. “We’ll talk about everything when you’re better.” Tony closed his eyes.
“Don’ feel good…”
“Brad said it was pneumonia. They’ll know more after your CT Scan results.” Gibbs added.
“Not…plague…?” Tony responded. “Can’t…blue lights…blue lights…” Tony’s voice rose as he flashed back to his previous nightmare.
Gibbs leaned in and stroked Tony’s face to calm his agent. “It’s not the Plague, Tony. I promise you.” He said in a reassuring tone to calm his increasingly distressed agent.
“Can’t…again…Kate’s not here…Katie…” Tony said with longing.
“You don’t need to be under the lights again, Tony. It’s okay.” Gibbs voice broke as he remembered how brave both Tony and Kate were.
“Miss her…she was…my friend…” Tony whispered as he calmed down and turned his back towards Gibbs. His eyes fluttered as he fought sleep.
Gibbs felt sick to his stomach that Tony was feeling so alone. What had they done? He placed his hand on his Agent's shoulder, trying to offer some support. “Rest now, Tony. I’ve got your six.”
TBC…
Continue to Chapter 6
AN: Thank you for all the reviews!
Warning: some OOC moments; sick!Tony
McGee, Gibbs, Ducky and Jenny sat in the family waiting area. The team leader was on his second cup of coffee. En route to the hospital, Ducky had called him to inform him of Dr. Pitts’ call. Jethro had told his friend he was already at the hospital but had no information yet. Jenny came soon after Ducky and even though she knew Tony may be angry, she wanted Jethro to hear about his condition. They were waiting for the doctors to talk to them. Gibbs got up to stretch and then turned to Tim. “Why don’t you go get something to eat and call Ziva and Abby.”
McGee did not argue. “Sure, Boss.” He knew Gibbs wanted to get rid of him for a bit, so he nodded and left. As much as Gibbs wanted to scream and shout, at the moment, he just wanted to know what was wrong with Tony.
Dr. Pitt walked in a few minutes later, followed by another physician. “Dr. Mallard, I am sorry to see you again under these circumstances.” Dr. Pitt shook the older gentleman’s hand.
“Yes, indeed, Dr. Pitt. Our poor Anthony seems to gravitate towards these hallowed halls too often.”
He nodded his head and turned to Jenny. “Director Shepard, as you know I am an infectious disease specialist.”
“It is nice to finally meet you.” Jenny answered. “Tony has mentioned you.”
He then pointed to his colleague. “This is Dr. Eloise Reynolds. She is a pulmonary or lung specialist.” He directed everyone to sit at a table. “Dr. Reynolds, this is Dr. Mallard, Tony’s personal physician, and Director Shepard and Agent Gibbs. They are Tony’s superiors.”
“Hello, everyone. Dr. Pitt informed me that you are his support system and that I may discuss his medical condition with you.” The doctor began. “I was brought in to consult on Agent Dinozzo because he came in with a fairly significant right sided pneumonia. He informed us that he had been feeling increasingly ill for approximately four to five weeks prior to his arrival on Christmas.”
Jethro sat stunned at that revelation and then realized, “He was trapped in a cargo container at the docks about six weeks ago.” He couldn’t believe he had not noticed that Tony was feeling sick. He knew something was wrong, but he never pushed.
“Outside?” Dr. Reynolds asked.
“Yes.” Gibbs answered. “For about 5 to 6 hours. It was probably about 40-45 degrees that day.”
“And with his past history,” Ducky interjected, “an ideal set up for pneumonia.” He turned to the lung specialist. “How severe is the infiltrate?”
“A little over 50% of his right lung was affected on xray.” Jenny gasped slightly as the doctor continued. “We started him on two broad spectrum IV antibiotics and some IV steroids. We have not seen the rapid improvement I was hoping to see.”
Gibbs asked, “How is he right now?”
“He is on oxygen and receiving his medications and I added in some breathing treatments. His breathing is becoming increasingly labored. Because of this, he is getting a CT Scan of the chest as we speak and we will know further information after the results.”
“So, Doctor, he is breathing on his own right now?” Jenny asked.
The doctor nodded. “Yes, but if the pneumonia worsens, he may need to be moved to the ICU.” She looked at the group. “With his past history of The Plague, any infection in Tony’s lungs can be very serious. We may need to intervene more aggressively if he does not improve.”
“What about sampling the pneumonia from his chest?” Ducky asked.
“That is a definite possibility.” Pitt answered. “We need to see the Chest CT first.” He paused. “We will know more after those results. Do you have any other questions?”
“Can we see him?” Jenny asked, concern all over her face.
“As soon as he is settled back in after his trip to radiology, then you can. Only one at a time, though.” Dr. Pitt answered and smiled sadly at the group. “Tony survived the Plague. He’s a fighter.” He walked out with Dr. Reynolds.
*
Jenny walked into Tony’s room quietly. She was stunned at how frail and pale Tony looked. He lay on his hospital bed so quietly; the only sound in the room was his rattled, rapid breathing. He had a cannula in his nose providing oxygen. His lips looked ashen, the normal healthy glow of his skin was gone for the moment.
She pulled a chair over to the side of the bed and sat down. “Tony?” She began gently.
His eyes fluttered open as the senior agent turned to the voice. He managed to smile weakly when he saw who it was. He gazed upon the woman who was like an older sister/maternal like figure for him. He felt comforted that she was there. “Jenny…” His voice was raspy as he concentrated to speak.
She stroked his fevered brow. “I should pull a Gibbs and head slap you into next week for not letting them call me.” Her voice held no ire, her tone was gentle.
“Didn’t…want…to…bother…’s Christmas…” Tony forced out, it was obviously difficult to speak with the pneumonia that had settled in his lungs.
She placed her palm on his face and was pleased when Tony turned into the comfort a bit. “You are never a bother.” She smiled sadly. “You are important, Tony. Don’t you ever forget that.” She paused when Tony’s eyes watered. She gazed upon her agent, who at this time appeared to be a scared little boy.
His voice slurred as he whispered, “Don’ feel so good…”
“I know, Tony.” She responded, surprised by Tony’s candor. She knew normally Tony would try to downplay the illness. The gravity of his situation hit home to her with his admission. “Dr. Pitt is working hard to get you better.” She was silent for a time and then began again. She was not sure of his reaction. “Tony, we are all so worried about you. Me, Ducky…Gibbs. Jethro wants to see you.”
Tony’s eyes flew open at the mention of his team leader. “G-Gibbs.” His breath hitched as he shook his head weakly. “Doesn’t…care…anymore…”
“He does, Tony. He is so worried. He wants to make you sure you are alright.” She paused. “Can he come see you?”
Tony did not answer for a time. He shrugged his shoulders and turned away to try to lie on his side. With a last encouraging squeeze of his hand, Jenny stood up and walked back to the waiting area. Jethro practically sprinted to her as she walked in.
“How is he?” He stopped himself from asking more when he saw the sad look on Jenny’s face.
“Jethro…” She took a deep a breath. “He looks awful. I think he’s scared.”
“Jen. I’ve got to see him.” She nodded and he began to walk towards his senior agent’s room; he halted when Jenny spoke again.
“He thinks you don’t care about him, Jethro.” She watched as the lead agent clenched his teeth as he closed his eyes. “He’s hurt over a lot of things that happened when you left; how the team acted when you were gone.” She paused to let her words sink in. “Don’t be hard on him.”
Gibbs stepped toward the Director. “You think I’d do that?” He shook his head. “I just need to see him. I need to make things right.”
Jenny could see the sincerity in her former partner’s eyes. “Go on,” she said as she made her way back to Ducky.
*
Gibbs stepped into Tony’s room. He was taken aback by his appearance. He was amazed how Tony deteriorated so quickly in the four days since he had seen him last. He took the chair by the bed. He watched Tony for a bit as he gathered his thoughts. How was he going to make it up to the younger man? Where to begin? He leaned forward, not sure if Tony was sleeping or not. The senior agents’ back was to him. “Tony?” He said softly. He waited patiently to see how Tony would respond. His heart jumped when he watched the ill man turn back towards him. It must have taken lot of strength because Tony’s breathing sped up as he tried to get comfortable facing his Boss. His heart clenched as he saw wariness in Tony’s eyes as he watched him. The two stared at each other for a time before Gibbs finally found his voice.
“Tony? I’m going to break one of my rules.” Gibbs paused. “But you’re worth it.” Gibbs tried to smile. “Rule Number Six. Never say you’re sorry. I’m sorry, Tony. I’m sorry for the way things have been since I left and came back. I’m sorry for the things I know about and I’m sorry for the things that you will tell me when you get better. When you’re out of here, we’ll have a nice long talk. Okay?” Gibbs voice shook slightly. “I’m here for you. I want to be here for you. Is that okay?”
Tony said nothing as Gibbs’ words settled through him. Had the Almighty Gibbs just apologized? To him? He wasn’t sure he was hearing things correctly. His Boss looked sincere. He wanted so much to believe him but he was scared and still hurt by the team‘s actions. He felt awful and was not sure what was going on. But if Gibbs was here, he’d help. Right? Could he trust him? Should he? Tony wasn’t sure he wanted to see the older man. Right now, he was so confused.
Tony wheezed as a coughing fit took over. He struggled to get air as Gibbs helped him sit up. He pounded on Tony’s back until the fit ended. Tony was draped over Jethro’s shoulder as the older man now gently rubbed circles on Tony’s back. He was worried as he felt how hot and sweaty Tony’s whole body felt against his. Gibbs managed to find the control to the bed and elevated the head of the bed to a more comfortable position. Finally after that, he was able to lower Tony back down onto the bed.
“I’m not going anywhere, Tony.” He said quietly as he wiped the tears that had fallen from Tony’s hazel eyes as he struggled through his coughing. He worried as Tony had said nothing to him as of yet. Guilt coursed through Gibbs as he swept some hair away from Tony’s brow. “We’ll talk about everything when you’re better.” Tony closed his eyes.
“Don’ feel good…”
“Brad said it was pneumonia. They’ll know more after your CT Scan results.” Gibbs added.
“Not…plague…?” Tony responded. “Can’t…blue lights…blue lights…” Tony’s voice rose as he flashed back to his previous nightmare.
Gibbs leaned in and stroked Tony’s face to calm his agent. “It’s not the Plague, Tony. I promise you.” He said in a reassuring tone to calm his increasingly distressed agent.
“Can’t…again…Kate’s not here…Katie…” Tony said with longing.
“You don’t need to be under the lights again, Tony. It’s okay.” Gibbs voice broke as he remembered how brave both Tony and Kate were.
“Miss her…she was…my friend…” Tony whispered as he calmed down and turned his back towards Gibbs. His eyes fluttered as he fought sleep.
Gibbs felt sick to his stomach that Tony was feeling so alone. What had they done? He placed his hand on his Agent's shoulder, trying to offer some support. “Rest now, Tony. I’ve got your six.”
TBC…
Continue to Chapter 6