Over There

Epilogue

Director Vance, Ducky, Jimmy and Abby stood in the light drizzle holding large black umbrellas over their heads as a military medical transport taxied down the runway. Gibbs stood a little away from the crowd, one hand on his senior agent’s back hoping to keep him calm.

The medivac plane landed and taxied to a stop near the waiting group and several ambulances. It seemed like forever for the large bay doors to open and the passengers to disembark. Since it was a medical flight, military personnel were taken off the plane on gurneys and wheelchairs.

Tony’s heart was pounding as he awaited his special passenger. Finally, he was at the door, partially supported by Ziva and a corpsman.

Tim knew the exact moment Tony saw him and smiled. He was home.

“Welcome home, Agent McGee,” Director Vance said, shaking Tim’s hand. “The ambulance will take you to Walter Reed for a checkup. We’ll worry about the formalities later once you’re feeling better.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Abby, of course, gave him a hug, although not one of her energetic bear hugs. “Timmy, I’m so glad to see you. I was so worried.”

“I know, Abs. Sorry.” Tim accepted another hug.

Gibbs could see that Tim was getting tired. “McGee,” he said simply. “DiNozzo’s going to accompany you in the ambulance. Thought you could use a friendly face.”

Tim stared at his favorite person. “Yes, I could.”

Tim was assessed at the hospital and deemed healthy enough to go home as long as he had someone to take care of him for a few days. Tony assured the doctor that Tim would be well taken care of.

That night they were once again lying together in the same bed. They kissed for, like, the hundredth time since Tim got home. Tim was given strict instructions for ‘no strenuous exercise’ so they were careful to follow those orders…at least as much as possible.

Tim had his head on Tony’s shoulder and was rubbing Tony’s chest. Tony reached up and grabbed Tim’s hand, holding it tight.

“I’m never letting you out of my sight, Tim. I don’t think I could stand going through this again. You were so far away and there was nothing I could do.”

“I knew you were thinking about me. I dreamed about you…about us.”

Tony pulled his arm from under Tim’s head and turned to his side so he could look into his eyes. His hand caressed his cheek. “I love you so much.”

“And I love you, too, my little Sugarplum.”

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