Running Away
The soft moonlight from above barely filtered down through the thick trees. He could hear them behind him, their heavy boots crunching against the fallen branches and twigs as they grew closer. His own bare feet had stopped stinging a couple miles ago, but he wasn't sure that was a good sign. Regardless, he kept moving, knowing that if he stopped for even a minute to catch his breath, the chase would be over.
Despite the fact that he couldn't feel his feet, the rest of his body was freezing and he could see his breath in the cold November air. The light cotton t-shirt did little to provide him warmth and the frayed jeans weren't much better. The smart thing to do would have been to stop and allow himself to be captured but then again, nobody ever said Anthony DiNozzo was a smart guy.
His aching body protested painfully as he moved forward, forcing his tired legs into a light sprint. He was determined to put as much space as possible between him and then men tasked with capturing him. Up ahead, he could see the trees beginning to thin out, and the sight very nearly made his blood run cold. Without the cover the trees provided, it was over.
"Shit," he cursed, pausing momentarily to look over his shoulder. He could double back, he decided, though he frowned when he realized he had no idea just how many of them there were. If they were smart, they would have set up a perimeter around the wooded area and then it wouldn't matter which way he turned. They'd be waiting.
For a moment, the fear of what would happen if he was caught paralyzed him. His brain screamed at him to move forward, to keep going, but his body would not cooperate. He'd been on the run for days, maybe even weeks. He'd lost count somewhere but it didn't matter. If he was caught, nothing mattered.
The sound of footsteps grew closer, shaking him from his thoughts. It was all the motivation he needed to keep going. Deciding to double back, he turned left, his body trembling.
"He can't keep going much longer," one of the men shouted to the others.
"Wanna bet?" Tony muttered in response as he moved quietly in the shadows. He could see them clearly now as he hid behind a large tree. They were big and he was positive that if it came down to a fight, they would win. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he whispered.
He waited until the group passed him before he moved again, quick and light on his numb feet. They were close enough that he had to be careful. He turned his head, checking that he was in the clear when he heard a loud snap under his bare feet. He froze, listening carefully as the group of large military types turned, focusing on his general direction.
"Got 'im!" One of the men shouted, his night vision goggles pulled down over his eyes.
He didn't have time to process anything as he broke into a run, his heart thumping wildly in his chest. They'd seen him. The minute he stopped, it'd be over. He couldn't stop.
He could hear them behind him, growing closer. They were big and he was quick, but he'd underestimated them. Or overestimated his own ability. Either way, he wasn't a free man for much longer.
A loud cry of pain ripped from his throat as he ran into something solid before he hit the ground hard, gasping as all the air was forced from his lungs.
"Over here!" The solid mass yelled before he knelt down, pinning Tony to the frost covered ground.
"No," he managed, his voice hoarse as he struggled against him.
"You've fucked up this time, DiNozzo," his captor smirked, grabbing a fist full of his hair.
"No!" He said again, his fingers clawing at the hands that held him in place.
He hadn't realized they were no longer alone at first until he heard the quiet murmurings of approval. All around them, large men stepped out of the shadows, identical grins plastered on their ugly faces. Tony could feel the panic rising in his chest as he bucked underneath the stronger man.
"Don't even try it," one of the others growled as they stepped closer, his boot catching Tony hard in the side. He could feel the tears welling up in his eyes as he tried to curl in on himself to protect as much of his body as possible, though he knew it was to no avail.
He was totally and completely at their mercy.
"Get him up," someone shouted and almost instantly, Tony felt himself being pulled to his feet. Another hand grabbed his hair, pulling his head back roughly.
"Thought you'd grow this out and hide that ugly mark, did you? Didn't work so well, huh? You know the rules about that. We'll take care of it before we return you to your Master."
"I'm not goin' back!" Tony spat hoarsely as he pulled against the hands holding him. "I won't go back!"
A quiet chuckle escaped the man circling him. The leader, Tony guessed. "You say that as if you have a choice in the matter."
A strangle cry escaped Tony as a fist connected with his face just seconds before another caught him in the stomach. Doubled over, he gasped for air as the blood pooling in his mouth dripped down his chin.
The hands released him and immediately, he dropped to the ground, curling in on himself.
"Knew he wouldn't last long," one of the men laughed. "Stay with him. We'll bring the truck."
He didn't hear the response, the sound of his pulse pounding in his ears drowning out everything else. He felt the leader's boot catch him in the belly again and it was all he could do to remain still
Through slitted eyes, he watched as a sea of broad men retreated into the darkness, leaving him alone with a single guard. He waited patiently until he was positive they were alone before he made his move.
It took every ounce of strength he possessed to push himself off the cold ground. The man left with the task to guard him turned at the sound, his eyes wide as Tony caught him hard in the face with his elbow.
He didn't wait to watch the man stagger backwards before he took off in a run, heading for the clearing he'd seen in the trees.
****
Gibbs sighed heavily as he drove down the quiet road, heading toward his house. It had been a long day at the tail end of a tough case, and the silver haired agent wanted nothing more than to go home and work on his boat with a large bottle of bourbon.
Shifting slightly in the seat, he leaned forward and punched the button on the radio, relaxing slightly as the quiet music filled the car, chasing away the ghost of a memory he wanted to forget.
Glancing in the rear view mirror, he narrowed his eyes as another set of headlights approached quickly.
Pulling over to the shoulder, he watched as the vehicle blew past him.
He shook his head, muttering under his breath as he let it go. He wasn't in the mood to deal with a smart mouthed Jar Head tonight.
He leaned back in his seat momentarily, closing his eyes for a second. Sighing again, he shifted the car into gear and started to pull back onto the road when a young man with floppy brown hair darted in front of him. Slamming on the brakes, the silver haired man cursed loudly before he threw the car into park again.
He was bloody, freshly beaten, Gibbs noticed as he stepped out of the car and made his way over to the frightened young man.
He was wearing a thin t shirt and jeans, with no shoes. "Are you okay?" He asked, not surprised when he flinched away from him.
"I... They're gonna come back," the younger man rasped. Gibbs narrowed his eyes when he noticed the blood spill from his lips, staining his dirty shirt.
"Who?" He watched the way his eyes darted back to the woods, shifting nervously on his bare feet. Glancing back toward the darkened trees, Gibbs sighed loudly before he motioned to the car. "Get in."
Turning back to the sedan, Gibbs cocked an eyebrow at the younger man. "You said they're gonna come back. Gonna just stand out here and wait for 'em?"
He didn't wait for a response before he slid back into the driver's seat, barely containing his smirk when the man opened the passenger door and climbed in.
"Got any weapons I should know about?" Gibbs asked, keeping his voice casual as he shifted into gear and pulled back onto the road.
"What?"
"Didn't think so. Can't imagine you'd have taken such a bad beating if you were carryin'. Regardless, I had to ask. What's your name?"
"T...Tony," the younger man responded as he turned in the seat, glancing over his shoulder. A slight whimper escaped him as he moved, and Gibbs couldn't help but wonder if the man's injuries were worse than he thought.
From the corner of his eye, despite the dark hair that curled down over it, Gibbs made out the faint outline of an 'X', just behind Tony's ear.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Gibbs muttered, tightening his grip on the steering wheel before he made a U Turn.
A low moan escaped Tony as he fell back against the window, one hand fumbling for the handle above the door with the other wrapped around his body protectively.
"W...Where are you going?"
"You need a hospital."
"No! N...No, I can't go to a hospital!"
"You need medical attention."
"P...please, let me out here. I can't... I can't go to a hospital!"
Gibbs didn't respond, keeping his eyes focused on the stretch of road in front of him. From the corner of his eye, he watched the way Tony's chest heaved slightly, his breathing becoming more erratic with each passing mile.
The stretch of trees began to narrow as Gibbs merged onto the highway, sighing quietly to himself before he looked over at his passenger.
His eyes widened and a low growl escaped him as he watched the younger man reach for the door handle.
Reaching over, he grabbed him roughly by the scruff of his neck, pulling him away from the handle. "Are you out of your mind? What the hell are you doing?!"
"I can't go to the hospital!"
"You need medical attention!" Gibbs repeated.
"I can't! They'll find me there! Please! Please, I can't go there!"
Lifting his hips slightly, Gibbs pulled his phone from his pocket and flipped it open, squinting at the tiny numbers.
"W...Who are you...?"
"No hospitals," Gibbs agreed, pressing 'send', "but that doesn't mean you're not gettin' checked out." Tony sank back against the seat as he eyed the older man warily. "Duck?" Gibbs greeted as he turned off at the exit, glancing in the rear view mirror as he drove. "I need you to meet me at Abby's in ten. Bring your bag."
Despite the fact that the old man had turned the heat up for him, Tony couldn't seem to stop shivering as they pulled up in front of the large, Gothic looking home. "W... What is this place?" Tony asked, feeling the panic rising in his chest again.
"A friend's house," the man responded as he shifted the car into park and removed the key from the ignition. "You'll be safe here while we get you checked out."
"I d... I can't go in there!"
"I promised you no hospital, but I told you that you were gonna get checked out."
"I c...changed my mind. I can w...walk from here."
"Not an option," the man growled as he climbed out of the car and rounded the sedan.
A quiet moan escaped Tony as he pulled the door open and gripped his upper arm, tugging him from the seat.
His feet screamed in protest as they touched the cold cement. He wrapped his free arm around his midsection as the old guy guided him gently toward the front door.
Raising his hand, he knocked on the heavy wooden door. Tony could feel his eyes on him as he shifted from foot to foot nervously.
His mind screamed at him to run as the heavy door swung open, but as if sensing it, the silver haired man's grip on his arm tightened, preventing him from moving.
"Come on in," the woman said by way of greeting as she stepped back, allowing the two men to enter. "Ducky is set up in the living room. He will need as change of clothes, yes?" She asked, her dark eyes sliding over Tony's beaten body slowly.
"Something warm."
"Very well. My Mistress is waiting for you."
"Thank you, Ziva."
Tony watched as the woman bowed deeply before she retreated into the house.
"Come on," the old guy urged as he stepped into the warm house, pulling him in from the cold.
The sound of heavy heels against the hardwood caught Tony's attention. Glancing passed the silver haired man, his eyes landed on the tall woman. His first impression of her was that she was gorgeous. Even from down the hallway, he could see her bright green eyes standing out brilliantly against her pale skin.
"Hello Gibbs," Abby greeted, smiling brightly at the older man. "Who's this?" She asked, keeping her voice friendly as she motioned to Tony.
He hesitated slightly before he dropped into a bow, his eyes fixed on the floor. "Anthony, ma'am," he responded quietly, his voice trembling slightly.
"Someone has trained you well," Abby said kindly. "You can stand. You're a guest in my home and my guests don't bow, regardless of class."
He eyed the man she'd called "Gibbs" warily from the corner of his eye before he stood upright, wincing at the pain in his side.
He watched, intrigued, as her hands moved quickly, having a silent conversation with Gibbs. With a curt nod, she turned back to Tony. "We're going to get you fixed up," she promised as she stepped closer, pleased when he didn't flinch away from her. "Can I call you Tony?"
He nodded in response, not trusting his voice as she linked her arm through his.
"My friend Ducky is a doctor. He's really good and he's super friendly. A little chatty, but considering the late hour, he might only have it in him to tell you one story," she teased. "Can you tell me what hurts?"
"M...My side," he managed. "And my feet," he added as an afterthought.
"How long have you been without shoes?"
"I d...I don't know." Glancing back, he spotted the trail of blood he was leaving in his wake. His face paled as he pulled away from her. "Oh God. I'm... I'm so sorry!"
Abby reached for his hand again, frowning when he flinched away from her touch. "Tony," she said soothingly, offering him her kindest smile. "Don't worry about it. It can be cleaned up, no problem."
"I'll clean it up while you go get checked out," Gibbs offered, catching Abby's eye, his hands moving quickly.
With a nod, Abby stepped closer, linking her arm through Tony's again. "I'm not concerned about it so I don't expect you to be either. Now come on. Let's get you checked out and then we'll get you into some clean clothes."
He allowed her to pull him down the hallway, his pounding heartbeat slowing as they stepped into the warm living room. "Tony," she said quietly, pulling him over to the couch where the older man sat patiently, a smile on his face. "This is my friend Ducky. We're going to let him check you out but I'll be right here with you, okay?"
She gestured to the comfortable couch, smiling when he sank down on the comfortable cushion with an appreciative moan. "His feet need special attention, Duck," Abby instructed as she sat down beside Tony, reaching for his hand with a smile. "You doing okay?"
"I'm f..." He trailed off, hissing in pain when the doctor lifted his foot, running his hand over the raw soles of his feet.
"You've cut them up pretty well, my dear boy, but it's nothing that we can't fix right up."
True to her word, Abby remained by Tony's side as Ducky completed his examination, which revealed severely lacerated feet, most likely a cracked rib, a split lip and a slight fever.
"Over all," Ducky announced as he pushed himself to his feet, "I think you're rather lucky, considering. Another hour or so in this weather and you may not have been so lucky."
"Thank you so much for checking him out, Ducky."
"It was my pleasure, my dear. I'll leave some medication for the pain, but make sure he doesn't take it on an empty stomach."
"I'll see to that," she assured him with a nod.
"I'll see myself out. It was good to meet you, Tony. Hopefully our paths will cross again under better circumstances!" The kind old doctor smile.
"Thank you," Tony managed, averting his eyes as Abby stood, wrapping the doctor in a hug.
She waited until they were alone before she turned back to Tony. "You must be starving, hmm? Will you be okay in here while I go find you something to eat?"
"You don't have to."
"But I want to," she said with a smile. "You need to eat so you can take your medicine anyway. I'll only be a few minutes."
Abby stepped out of the room and walked down the hallway toward the kitchen, not seeing Ziva sneak into the large living room. The Israeli crossed the room quickly, sitting down on the couch, close to the visitor.
"Hello," she greeted, her brown eyes sparkling mischievously as she looked him up and down. "You have dirt on your face. I really cannot believe that the Mistress allowed you in here in such a state. I am rarely allowed in this room."
"That's because you don't know how to behave," another young man announced as he slipped into the room quietly. "Does she know you're in here tormenting her guest?"
"I would not call it 'tormenting', McGee. He looked lonely. I thought perhaps I could keep him company," she smirked, turning back to Tony. "I am Ziva. The tattlebutt over there is McGee."
"Tale, Ziva. Tattletale."
"Whatever," she shrugged. "You still like to get me in trouble and that is the point that I am trying to convey to our new friend."
"Last time I checked, you were capable of getting yourself in trouble," Gibbs smirked as he stepped into the living room. The older man rolled his eyes as McGee sank into a deep bow before he waved him off. "What have I told you about that?" He asked gruffly.
"S...sorry, boss," the younger man stuttered, a light tint covering his cheeks. "I forgot."
"And someone else has apparently forgotten she's lost her living room privileges," Abby scolded as she stepped back into the living room, a tray of food in her hand. "Ziva?"
The Israeli grumbled bitterly as she pushed herself to her feet. "I was just greeting your guest, Mistress."
"Without my permission. And where are the clothes I asked you to bring down for Tony?"
"I left them in the hallway."
"Well that's a good place for them. Go get them. I'm sure Tony will want to clean up after he's eaten."
"Can I bathe him?" Ziva asked, a devious grin forming on her lips as she turned back to Tony.
"Ziva," Abby said sternly. "He's here as my guest, not your personal toy."
"But he is so pretty."
Abby narrowed her eyes at the woman, unable to hide her smirk when she slumped her shoulders miserably and stomped from the room. "You'll have to forgive Ziva, Tony. We're still working on her manners."
Setting the tray on the coffee table, Abby joined him on the couch, smiling kindly at him. "I hope soup is sufficient. You looked like you could use something to warm you up."
He merely nodded in response, accepting the bowl with a nod of thanks when she handed it to him.
"Timmy, I would like you to go get a bath ready for Tony. My tub will be fine. None of the 'girly' smelling soaps though."
"Yes ma'am," McGee responded as he bowed to his mistress before he hurried out of the room.
"They're both yours?" Tony asked, wincing at how raspy his voice sounded. He couldn't afford to be getting sick.
"They are. I've had McGee for a few years now. Ziva is my newest addition. She's only been with me for a few months," she explained, her fingers moving quickly as she carried on a silent conversation with Gibbs.
"You have two of them and you do your own cooking?" Tony blurted out, flinching in anticipation as soon as the words left his mouth. "I'm s..."
She laughed, patting his leg reassuringly. "I do my own cleaning too. I do, however, get Timmy to cut my grass in the summer, but I've hated that chore ever since I was a little girl. Can I get you anything else?"
"No thank you, ma'am."
"Abby," she corrected. "I told you earlier, you're my guest. You can call me Abby."
"Thank you Abby."
"It's my pleasure," she smiled. "If you'll excuse me, I need to speak with Gibbs for a minute in the hallway. Will you be okay?" He nodded in response, taking another spoonful of the soup with a grateful moan.
Pushing herself to her feet, she patted his shoulder with a smile before she followed Gibbs out of the living room.
"He's been hurt," Abby announced as soon as they were alone. "Even before tonight, Gibbs. I can see it in his eyes."
"I figured as much, Abs."
"I can't, with a clear conscience, send him back to wherever he came from. I can't do it."
"He is not yours to keep."
"I wouldn't be able to anyway. You know that. I have my hands full with Ziva and he's going to need more attention than I'd be able to give him."
"Abby," Gibbs sighed.
"She wouldn't want you to be miserable forever, Jethro. You know that as well as I do."
"I'm not ready."
"There's a reason you found him tonight. It didn't just happen by accident. He needs us."
"I'm not having this conversation."
"You took an oath to protect the innocent. Did you forget that? Or it doesn't apply to him because he's not a Jarhead or Squid?"
"There are laws preventing people from doing exactly what you're suggesting, with the penalty ranking right up there with harboring a fugitive."
"I don't care about damn penalties! Some of us forget that they're not our property, Gibbs. He might be Marked, but that doesn't mean he's not human! They should be cared for, not mistreated!"
"Abby..."
She narrowed her eyes at him momentarily before she glanced down the hallway. "Ziva!"
The Israeli froze, her eyes wide as she offered her Mistress a sheepish smile. "I thought he might be lonely."
"That's two. Do I need to remind you what happens when you get to three?"
"No ma'am," she muttered before she turned, heading back for the stairs.
"Not mistreated, huh?" Gibbs smirked.
"Oh please. Punishing her for directly disobeying me is not the same thing. In fact, I'm pretty sure she enjoys it."
"You're probably right about that."
"Of course I am," she responded dismissively before she wrapped the older man in a hug. "I know you're still reeling from Kate, Gibbs, so I won't push anymore tonight. But please just think about it. You know as well as I do that it's not a good idea to send him back."
He didn't respond, though he wrapped his arms around her slender waist. "It's getting late," he said as he pulled away, offering her a slight smile. "You want me to take him with me?"
"Leave him here with me tonight. He's dead tired. After he takes a bath, I'll get him to bed. We'll decide what we're going to do about him in the morning."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
"You call me if he gives you any trouble."
"I'm sure that won't be a problem. I have Timmy and Ziva here with me."
He nodded, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sleep well, Gibbs."
The older man nodded as he backed out of the house slowly, pushing the thoughts of the shaggy haired man from his mind.
****
Stepping back into the living room, Abby was pleased to see that he'd finished his bowl of soup. He was slumped back against the couch cushions, his eyes drooping heavily, though it was obvious he was fighting sleep.
"You're exhausted," she observed as she made her way over to him, smiling as she ran her fingers through his shaggy hair affectionately. "As soon as we get you cleaned up, I have a warm bed waiting for you. Think you can stay with me that long?"
"Yes ma'... Abby."
"You're learning," she laughed, holding her hand out to him, pleased when he accepted. Pulling him to his feet, she draped an arm around his waist, grabbing the pill bottle from the coffee table. "These should make your feet and rib stop hurting long enough for you to get a good night's rest. Will you be able to make it up the stairs, or should I call Timmy down to help?"
"I can do it," he mumbled stubbornly, though he allowed her to guide his arm around her shoulder as she held onto him tightly.
It was a slow process, getting the injured man upstairs. Each step was painful and by time the reached the top step, he was gasping for air.
"I know you're hurting," she said quietly, rubbing his back reassuringly. "But we're almost there. Just a few more steps and then you can rest."
Gritting his teeth against the pain, he nodded, allowing her encouraging words to move him along. Pushing the bedroom door open, Abby narrowed her eyes in warning at Ziva. "The two of you may go to your room. As soon as I get Tony settled, I'll be in to you."
"You are giving him your bed?" Ziva asked incredulously.
"As you said, it's my bed to give to who I want," Abby reminded her. "I've dismissed you, Ziva. Is this really worth that third strike?"
Nudging the Israeli, McGee bowed to his Mistress, pressing a kiss to her hand. Straightening, the younger man looked at Tony, nodding his head politely. "It was nice to meet you, Tony. Sleep well."
Grabbing Ziva's arm, McGee pulled her from the room, ignoring her irritated curses. "Shut up!" He hissed. "You've started enough trouble tonight!"
Rolling her eyes, Abby turned back to Tony, smiling at him. "They're awful sometimes. Ziva moreso than Timmy, but I can't bring myself to stay mad at them long. They're far too entertaining for that. You ready for that bath now?"
She didn't wait for an answer as she helped him into the adjoining bathroom. The lights were dimmed, casting a gentle, relaxing glow in the large room. Guiding him over to the edge of the tub, she helped him sit before she turned away, pulling a large fluffy towel from the closet. "If anything I do makes you feel uncomfortable, you have my permission to tell me," she said quietly.
Kneeling in front of him, she offered him a kind smile as she helped him out of his soiled jeans and shirt. A quiet moan escaped him as he sank down into the warm water, allowing it soothe his aching bones. It had been so long since he'd taken a hot bath and he wanted to savor every moment.
Reaching for the wash cloth, Abby dipped it into the water, reaching up to clean his face carefully. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes as he leaned into her touch, clearly enjoying the attention she was showing him.
"You don't get this often, do you?" She asked.
"Never."
"Then enjoy it, Tony. Let me take care of you the way you should be taken care of."
She took her time with him, washing his battered body slowly, careful not to aggravate his newest injuries. It was only when she noticed his eyelids drooping again that she stood, grabbing the towel from the counter.
He winced slightly as he pushed himself out of the warm water, shivering as the cool air from the room hit his wet body. She didn't hesitate in wrapping the towel around him, wrapping her arms around his body as well. "Timmy's a little heavier than you are, so his clothes may not fit very well, but at least they're clean and they'll keep you warm. You'll stay in my room tonight, but if you need anything, I'm just across the hall."
Patting his body dry, she wrapped the towel around his waist and led him into the bedroom. She helped him dress quickly before she got him settled against the plush pillows, tugging the covers over him.
"Thank you...for everything."
Leaning over, she pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before she pulled away, pressing the pills into his hand. "Sleep well, Tony. I'll see you in the morning."
Standing from the bed, she backed out of the room slowly, watching as he swallowed the medicine she'd given him. She could feel the tears welling in her eyes again as she pulled the door closed behind her, positive that she wouldn't see him again.
****
He'd been waiting for the phone call for hours before it actually came. From the moment he'd left that broken man with his friend and colleague, Gibbs knew that he'd be gone before morning broke, leaving the kind-hearted woman crushed in the wake of his absence.
"He's gone," she said by way of greeting, her voice hoarse with tears. "He's gone, Gibbs! He's still hurt and he didn't even take the medicine that Ducky left for him!"
"Abby," he sighed, sinking down in the hard backed chair at the dining room table. "You knew he was gonna take off."
"But I hoped he wouldn't!"
He ran a hand through his hair, a pang of guilt making his chest tighten. "He's a grown man, Abby. He has to make his own decisions."
"Gibbs, do you really believe he was ever given that opportunity? You saw him! He..." She sobbed audibly over the phone, making the older man want nothing more than to hold her close to him. "He's been abused. Probably since the day he was Marked. He doesn't deserve that!"
"You can't save them all, Abby. You did a good thing by taking Ziva in when you already had McGee, but you can't take something that's not yours."
"He needs someone who will care for him! Someone who will love him."
"You can't fix everything that's broken either, Abby."
"Only because you don't want to be fixed," she cried. "I have to help him, Gibbs. With or without your help, this isn't right!"
"You know that's not how this works. You got lucky with finding McGee and Ziva. I was lucky with Kate. Not everyone gets so lucky."
He could hear her quiet sobs on the other line. "You think you failed Kate because you couldn't keep her safe. What if this was her way of giving you a do-over, Gibbs? A second chance to give someone else the life you tried so hard to give her? What happened to Kate wasn't you fault. You couldn't have stopped it. But if something happens to Tony, are you going to be okay with knowing we could have stopped it and didn't?"
The words hit him hard like a punch to the gut and he was positive that if he hadn't already been sitting, his knees would have given out.
"I have to go," she sniffled. "Timmy and Ziva will be up soon and I can't let them see me like this."
"Abby..."
"Goodbye, Jethro."
Pulling the phone away from his ear, he dropped it to the table before he lowered his had to his hands. He'd promised himself after Kate that there would be no more. Losing her had hurt him more than he'd ever thought possible and he didn't know if he could go through it again.
Picking the phone up again, he dialed her number, relieved when she picked up. "I'll put in a call to Alan down at the Capital House. He's bound to show up there again," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm not ready to do this again, Abby, but I'll help you get him back, since you're so hell bent on single-handedly saving their world."
"I'll need your help," she cautioned, sniffling slightly. "You know I'm still working with Ziva and I won't be able to do this alone."
"I'll help you," he promised. "If he shows up, I'll help you."
"Thank you," she whispered quietly.
"Don't thank me yet."
He set the phone back down on the table and dropped his head into his hands again. Abby was extremely headstrong, and if there was ever one person in the world that could make him do anything, she was it. He had been wrapped around her little finger since the day they had met, and she knew it, using it to her advantage at every available junction.
He sighed, standing up and heading over to the kitchen counter where he kept his phone book, flipping through it until he found the number he wanted. He wasn't 100% sure that this was the right thing to be doing, but if it would prevent Abby from guilt tripping him, he was willing to do it.
Dialing the number for the Capital House, he waited patiently as the phone rang, sighing gratefully when his friend answered. "Hello, Alan. It's Jethro. I have a favor to ask of you..."
Story Notes:
A Note From The Author:
When I first started thinking about this story, I knew that there was a possibility that it wouldn't be received well. My Universe is drastically different from the NCISverse that we all know and love. The first thing you should know before you begin reading this story is that while I've tried to keep the characters as true to the show as possible, there are major changes. At the beginning of this story, you'll quickly see that Tony does not work for NCIS. He's never heard of the agency, nor has he heard of Gibbs and Company. That'll change, of course, as the story progresses, but for people expecting this to follow the layout of the show, you'll be disappointed.
This is, for all intents and purposes, a slash story. Specifically a Tibbs slash story with a hint of an Abby/Ziva/McGee triangle nd mentions of Kibbs thrown in for good measure. I've borrowed aspects from the BDSM lifestyle and tweaked it a bit as I found necessary. This story will feature physical and mental abuse and non-consensual sex along with the usual smut that you can expect with a BDSM fic.
If you've made it through this note and think this story will still interest you, then please, click away and enjoy. Just please remember that I'm always open to comments and constructive criticisms and that reviews are the highest form of flattery you can offer a writer!
Author's Chapter Notes:
**AU/Slash/BDSM** Tony wasn't given a choice when he was Marked, and neither was Gibbs when he lost Kate.
Chapter End Notes:
A Note From The Author:
When I first started thinking about this story, I knew that there was a possibility that it wouldn't be received well. My Universe is drastically different from the NCISverse that we all know and love. The first thing you should know before you begin reading this story is that while I've tried to keep the characters as true to the show as possible, there are major changes. At the beginning of this story, you'll quickly see that Tony does not work for NCIS. He's never heard of the agency, nor has he heard of Gibbs and Company. That'll change, of course, as the story progresses, but for people expecting this to follow the layout of the show, you'll be disappointed.
This is, for all intents and purposes, a slash story. Specifically a Tibbs slash story with a hint of an Abby/Ziva/McGee triangle nd mentions of Kibbs thrown in for good measure. I've borrowed aspects from the BDSM lifestyle and tweaked it a bit as I found necessary. This story will feature physical and mental abuse and non-consensual sex along with the usual smut that you can expect with a BDSM fic.
If you've made it through this note and think this story will still interest you, then please, click away and enjoy. Just please remember that I'm always open to comments and constructive criticisms and that reviews are the highest form of flattery you can offer a writer!
When I first started thinking about this story, I knew that there was a possibility that it wouldn't be received well. My Universe is drastically different from the NCISverse that we all know and love. The first thing you should know before you begin reading this story is that while I've tried to keep the characters as true to the show as possible, there are major changes. At the beginning of this story, you'll quickly see that Tony does not work for NCIS. He's never heard of the agency, nor has he heard of Gibbs and Company. That'll change, of course, as the story progresses, but for people expecting this to follow the layout of the show, you'll be disappointed.
This is, for all intents and purposes, a slash story. Specifically a Tibbs slash story with a hint of an Abby/Ziva/McGee triangle nd mentions of Kibbs thrown in for good measure. I've borrowed aspects from the BDSM lifestyle and tweaked it a bit as I found necessary. This story will feature physical and mental abuse and non-consensual sex along with the usual smut that you can expect with a BDSM fic.
If you've made it through this note and think this story will still interest you, then please, click away and enjoy. Just please remember that I'm always open to comments and constructive criticisms and that reviews are the highest form of flattery you can offer a writer!