Fiction: Ducky Challenged
TITLE: Ducky Challenged
AUTHOR: ashley_pitt
CHARACTERS: Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Donald "Ducky" Mallard, Jimmy Palmer, OMC
WORD COUNT: 2753
GENRE: Slash
SUMMARY: What if the scene from Smoked never happened? Submitted for the September Challenge --mostly Wrath, but a little Gluttony,Lust and Envy too.
DISCLAIMERS: I don't own these characters, nor am I making any money from them. I borrow then once in awhile, but put them away tidily.
Ducky was irate…how could Ziva ever say “You really should cut Gibbs some slack.”?
If she only knew how many times and how much slack Ducky had cut Gibbs over the years. Why he could hang himself with it.
Gibbs had not only disappeared into the depths of Mexico without an inkling of a good-bye but he had re-appeared, suddenly with out even a “Sorry Ducky, my lover of many years. I forgot to say good-bye, but now I am back and I missed you….”
Not a word! ! Ducky thought as he slammed shut yet another file cabinet drawer .
And now Gibbs had taken up with that Lieutenant Colonel Mann …Hollis…..Hol…what the hell kind of name was that??
Ducky grabbed his rolling desk chair and shoved it across the room.
The chair narrowly missed Jimmy Palmer who was just entering through the Autopsy doors.
“Dr.Mallard?”
“Oh, just go and retrieve the damn chair, Mr. Palmer.”
As Palmer pushed the chair back to the desk, Ducky said,” I am sorry Jimmy, I am in rather a foul mood today.”
“It’s because of Agent Gibbs, isn’t it?” the young man asked brightly.
“What? Yes..er no.. Mr. Palmer, I think you may go home early today…I will finish up here”.
“But Dr.Mallard..”
“Go!”
Once alone, Ducky sat down wearily at his desk. He really should not take out his anger on the poor boy. Better he should take it out on the source. The ME felt his face reddened and his blood pressure rise as he again thought of Gibbs’ behavior.
Well, it was time that the gray-haired agent had a taste of his own medicine. Ducky would go out with other men. He knew of several gay clubs nearby. Clubs with dancing and drugs on the glittering main floor and sex and drugs in the dark back room. But no, Ducky was not in search of an anonymous fuck, he wanted to make love to someone…to have someone make love to him. And he thought he knew of just the place to find him.
About an hour later Ducky was sitting at a table in the Bonhomme Richard, a quiet upscale bar, that was frequented by many “on the hill.”
Ducky sipped his scotch and looked around.
“My God, they look so young.” he thought to himself. Slowly his firm resolve to get even with Jethro began to waver. He would just finish his drink and leave.
“Is this seat taken, then?” a soft Irish voice queried
Ducky looked up into the twinkling green eyes of a hand some dark-haired young man.
“Er, no. please sit down.”
“My name is Liam. And yours?”
“Ducky,, er Donald…Ducky.“
Liam looked quizzically at the ME..
“My given name is Donald, but most people call me Ducky.”
“Well, I shall call you Ducky Donald. And I haven’t seen you in here before, have I?”
“ No, I guess you might say that I am here trying to forget about someone.”
“Ahhh.”
For the next hour the two men talked about many things. Then Liam asked,
“Are you hungry, Ducky Donald? There is a fantastic pub around the corner that serves the best fish and chips. Or bangers and mash. Or shepherds pie.”
The ME’s stomach rumbled at the mention of the food. “Yes, indeed. I am.”
It was a short walk to O‘Donnell‘s Pub. Although the place was crowded Liam and Ducky were quickly ushered to a table in the back. Liam whispered into Ducky’s ear, “My uncle is the proprietor”
Menus and pints of Guinness magically appeared on the table and the men ordered.
Dinner was as good as Liam promised.
After several more pints, Liam asked, “Ducky Donald, would you like to come back to my place for a night cap?”
“Er, um..yes, I would but I can’t tonight . I am sorry.” the ME felt the tips of his ears reddened in embarrassment.
“It’s all right, I understand ..but I would like to see you again. Tell you what, I will write my phone number furtively on the inside of this matchbook and pass it discreetly to you.”
Ducky looked at the young man half expecting to see a hint of mockery in his eyes, but saw only kindness.
“Yes, I would also like to see you again.. Would you let me take care of the bill?”
“No, it is all taken care of. I told you. My uncle is the proprietor”
Monday morning came all too soon and Autopsy was busy. Gibbs came by often to check on results Ducky found himself stealing glances at the gray-haired man’s profile and feeling his resolve start to waver. Perhaps he had been too hasty. Perhaps the coma was still affecting Gibbs’ emotions.
By Wednesday, Ducky had given in. He knew that the senior agent was working late at his desk. The ME stopped to get an extra large, extra hot, black coffee and headed to the squad room.
Just as he was about to turn the corner, he heard Jethro say “Hi Hol, how did the meeting with the Director go?”
Ducky stopped dead in his tracks and listened.
“Fine Jethro.. I think she will offer me a job when I retire.”
“Hol, that is great. Are you ready for dinner…or did you want to just skip to dessert?”
Ducky didn’t wait to hear the Lieutenant Colonel’s answer. He slammed the coffee cup into the nearest trash can and hurried back to Autopsy.
Once there, he pulled out his cell phone and punched in a number.
“Liam.? Ducky Donald here. Are you free for dinner Friday?”
The weekend could not come soon enough for the ME. He hurried over to O’Donnell’s Pub.
Maeve, the waitress met him at the door.
“Liam will be a bit late, but he said to be sure to make Ducky Donald comfortable.“
Ducky was ushered to Liam’s table and a glass of neat single malt soon appeared in front of him. He took a sip.
“Thought you might be needing that. ’Tis Talisker from the Isle of Skye” Liam said as he sat down.
Ducky smiled up gratefully.
The combination of the fine scotch, the good food and Liam’s ebullient conversation caused Ducky to feel better than he had in a long time.
“Liam, I should like to take you up on that nightcap”
“Are you sure, Ducky Donald?”
“Yes…”
It was a short walk to the young man’s hotel. Once inside the room, he poured two glasses of scotch and handed one to Ducky.
“Slainte” he said and took a sip “You know Ducky Donald, you have the most beautiful eyes” He put down his glass and gently kissed the older man.
Ducky emboldened by the scotch and the tenderness of the gesture, placed his arms around Liam and returned the kiss with passion.
As the two moved against each other, Ducky felt his arousal growing.
“Ah, Ducky Donald.. the bedroom for us now,” Liam said huskily as he nuzzled the ME’s ear.
Ducky’s spine tingled as his ear was kissed, just as it always did when Jeth…
All passion suddenly fled from his body as he thought of Jethro. He pushed out of the embrace.
“Ducky Donald? Is something wrong.?”
“It is not you, it is me.” the ME said sadly.
“Ahh, you are thinking of him. Perhaps it is too soon. I understand .”
“I will get my coat and leave. Thank you for dinner…”
“You will do no such thing. It is far too late and we have both had far too much scotch to be traveling about. You will stay here tonight and in the morning, I will make you the best pot of tea this side of the pond.”
Ducky smiled asked, “Liam, are you always this kind?”
The young man looked at him and replied,” A very dear friend of mine once told me, Liam ,when it is all said and done, the only thing that matters is how we treated one another. I just try to hold to that.”
Liam true to his word, made Ducky a fine pot of tea in the morning. Ducky returned to Reston House certain he would never hear from the young Irishman again. Wednesday afternoon, however, he got a call.
“Ducky Donald, are you well?”
“Yes, Liam I am fine. I rather thought I might not hear from you again.”
“Ahh,, but we are still friends. I have something I need to tell you in person. Can you meet me for fish and chips this Friday?
“Of course”
Ducky was signing off on the last reports when Jethro strode into Autopsy.
“Hey Duck…okay if I bring Chinese to Reston House tonight?”
“Well, no actually.”
“What is the problem Ducky? This is the ‘every other Friday‘…our night to have dinner…”
“You see Jethro…I have other arrangements…I have a date….Excuse me,” Ducky said as he brushed past the gray-haired agent.
If ever Leroy Jethro Gibbs was caught off guard, this was the time. He was shocked.. Ducky he had never refused him before. And he had a date??
Gibbs waited a few minutes and then went to his car to follow the ME.
He trailed him to O’Donnell’s. Ducky walked into the pub and was ushered to a back table. Gibbs sat at the bar and ordered a beer. He watched as Ducky was joined by a handsome young man. As the two men talked over dinner, a strange empty sensation started creeping through the gray-haired agent’s gut.
Finally, the two men finished and began to make their way out of the restaurant. Jethro tossed some money on the bar and followed them.
“Dr. Mallard?”
Ducky turned at the sound of Jethro’s voice, “Agent Gibbs… It is alright Liam, he is a friend. Would you give us a few moments alone?”
The young man nodded and moved a short distance away.
“What the hell are you doing, Ducky? This is our night for dinner. Oh, I know I missed a couple of weeks when I was in Mexico, but..”
“Jethro, you were months in Mexico. And then…then you take up with that Lieutenant Colonel woman when you return. Oh, Jethro can you not see that she is just waiting to sink in her predatory talons and drag you to the altar?”
The muscle in Gibbs’ jaw twitched slightly.
Noticing this Ducky said,”Oho..I see. She threw you out. Let me look. No, I do not see any cuts or bruises on you. Well, either she has very poor aim or you are getting much better at ducking. Good thing too. I am through with patching you up and taking you back. I am tired of waiting for you to want me again. For all I care, you can go to hell, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.”
The gray-haired man’s jaw tightened and he balled up his fist to strike the older man. He swung his arm narrowly missing Ducky’s chin and hitting the brick wall with a sickening crunch.
Blood began to drip copiously from his hand. Ducky looked him in the eyes and said quietly, “ You should go to the Emergency room. You have most certainly broken your hand.”
He turned on his heel and re-joined Liam.
“I gather that was him?”
“Yes.” older man replied in a whisper.
“Come, let us get you a drink.”
Once back at the hotel, Liam poured them each a glass of scotch.
“I do not want a drink, I want you, now!” Ducky said hoarsely as he grabbed the young man’s face and kissed him violently.
“No Ducky. Not like this.”
“Yes..” the older man said as he pushed himself against the younger man…“I am ready..”
“Ducky.. Stop. You are only doing this to hurt him…to hurt Jethro..”
The ME spun away and moved quickly to the other side of the room.
“Yes, I am.. Oh, Liam I have mucked things up.”
“Come, sit here on the couch. I think you both have mucked things up. Now, you and Jethro have been friends a long time?”
“Yes, we have been friends for over twenty years. Friends and lovers. Jethro has been married four times and has had numerous affairs with women.”
“So you have been the once constant in his life, then?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“Do you love him, Ducky?
“Yes, I do”
“Does Jethro love you?”
“I do not know anymore.”
“Well, Ducky, I believe he does. I saw his face when you told him to ‘go to hell’. Oh, he was angry certainly, but there was something else. A look like his heart was breaking.”
“Ah, Liam, what am I to do?” Ducky sighed.
“You will do what is right.”
“What about us?”
“We will always be friends, Ducky Donald.. But you already have a lover. And I am being sent back to Ireland. They decided that my work is done here.”
“Thank you for being so kind, Liam.”
“Just trying to hold on to what my friend said.”
Ducky drove over to Jethro’s house. He grabbed the small first aid kit he kept in the car and walked up to the door. It was unlocked. He knew where to find the gray-haired agent.
Gibbs was sitting against the wall in the basement. His right hand was in a bucket of ice, his left hand gripped firmly around a bottle of whiskey.
As Ducky descended the stairs Gibbs called out, “How the hell are you Duck? Oh, wait a minute…I think I am pissed off at you…or are you pissed off at me?”
Ducky crouched down near his friend “A little of both I think.. How does your hand feel?”
“It hurts…but not as much as when you told me to ‘go to hell’ and went off with Liam.”
Ducky swallowed hard, tears starting to well in his eyes. “Let me see your hand.”
The ME began to peel away the several layers of paint rags that Jethro had wrapped around his hand.
“Ah” he said as he finally saw the skin. “ The abrasions seem to be relatively superficial, but I am afraid that you have dislocated your knuckle.”
“Yeah, I thought it looked a little funny. Can you fix it?”
“Of course, but it may hurt…a lot..”
“Do it.”
Ducky positioned his hands around Jethro’s hand. He gave an out ward pull to the finger at the same time he gave a downward thrust.
Gibbs face whitened considerably. Through a tightened jaw he said, “Nope, it still hurt more when you told me to ‘go to hell’.”
The ME place some antibiotic ointment and clean gauze on Jethro’s hand. “I think I should like to take an x-ray tomorrow just to make sure there is not a fracture”
“Duck…is that how you felt when you saw me go out with women….like I felt when I saw you with Liam?’
“Yes” Ducky said simply as he finished up with the bandaging and sat next to Jethro against the wall.
“Oh”
The two men sat in silence for several minutes until the gray-haired said,
“Ducky. I am sorry…I missed you …and I love you….” as leaned his head against the older man’s shoulder.
The ME nuzzled the gray hair and said, “ I am sorry,too. I missed you so much. And I do love you…”
Jethro was so quiet that Ducky thought him to be asleep, when he said,” For what it’s worth…I walked out on Hollis.”
Epilogue
Hollis Mann did get a job with NCIS but promptly requested a transfer to Hawaii. With Gibbs and Ducky again speaking to each other, all was right again in the squad-room.
One day two months later, Gibbs was working late. Ducky stopped by with an extra large, extra hot black coffee.
“Thought you might be needing a refill.”
“Thanks. Ducky, you need to see this” the gray-haired agent said as he handed the ME a piece of paper.
UPI--Dublin.
Liam O’Donnell, lawyer for the Sinn Fein was found gunned down outside his flat in Dublin. No suspects are in custody”
“I am sorry Duck.”
“As am I Jethro. He was a kind man. It is a terrible shame for his life to be ended in this way.”
Gibbs moved around his deck to stand near the ME. “Did you love him, Duck?”
“In a way. I loved him for what he taught me. And I am thankful to him. I think we both are.”
Jethro gathered the older man in a tight embrace, “Thanks” he murmured quietly.
AUTHOR: ashley_pitt
CHARACTERS: Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Donald "Ducky" Mallard, Jimmy Palmer, OMC
WORD COUNT: 2753
GENRE: Slash
SUMMARY: What if the scene from Smoked never happened? Submitted for the September Challenge --mostly Wrath, but a little Gluttony,Lust and Envy too.
DISCLAIMERS: I don't own these characters, nor am I making any money from them. I borrow then once in awhile, but put them away tidily.
Ducky was irate…how could Ziva ever say “You really should cut Gibbs some slack.”?
If she only knew how many times and how much slack Ducky had cut Gibbs over the years. Why he could hang himself with it.
Gibbs had not only disappeared into the depths of Mexico without an inkling of a good-bye but he had re-appeared, suddenly with out even a “Sorry Ducky, my lover of many years. I forgot to say good-bye, but now I am back and I missed you….”
Not a word! ! Ducky thought as he slammed shut yet another file cabinet drawer .
And now Gibbs had taken up with that Lieutenant Colonel Mann …Hollis…..Hol…what the hell kind of name was that??
Ducky grabbed his rolling desk chair and shoved it across the room.
The chair narrowly missed Jimmy Palmer who was just entering through the Autopsy doors.
“Dr.Mallard?”
“Oh, just go and retrieve the damn chair, Mr. Palmer.”
As Palmer pushed the chair back to the desk, Ducky said,” I am sorry Jimmy, I am in rather a foul mood today.”
“It’s because of Agent Gibbs, isn’t it?” the young man asked brightly.
“What? Yes..er no.. Mr. Palmer, I think you may go home early today…I will finish up here”.
“But Dr.Mallard..”
“Go!”
Once alone, Ducky sat down wearily at his desk. He really should not take out his anger on the poor boy. Better he should take it out on the source. The ME felt his face reddened and his blood pressure rise as he again thought of Gibbs’ behavior.
Well, it was time that the gray-haired agent had a taste of his own medicine. Ducky would go out with other men. He knew of several gay clubs nearby. Clubs with dancing and drugs on the glittering main floor and sex and drugs in the dark back room. But no, Ducky was not in search of an anonymous fuck, he wanted to make love to someone…to have someone make love to him. And he thought he knew of just the place to find him.
About an hour later Ducky was sitting at a table in the Bonhomme Richard, a quiet upscale bar, that was frequented by many “on the hill.”
Ducky sipped his scotch and looked around.
“My God, they look so young.” he thought to himself. Slowly his firm resolve to get even with Jethro began to waver. He would just finish his drink and leave.
“Is this seat taken, then?” a soft Irish voice queried
Ducky looked up into the twinkling green eyes of a hand some dark-haired young man.
“Er, no. please sit down.”
“My name is Liam. And yours?”
“Ducky,, er Donald…Ducky.“
Liam looked quizzically at the ME..
“My given name is Donald, but most people call me Ducky.”
“Well, I shall call you Ducky Donald. And I haven’t seen you in here before, have I?”
“ No, I guess you might say that I am here trying to forget about someone.”
“Ahhh.”
For the next hour the two men talked about many things. Then Liam asked,
“Are you hungry, Ducky Donald? There is a fantastic pub around the corner that serves the best fish and chips. Or bangers and mash. Or shepherds pie.”
The ME’s stomach rumbled at the mention of the food. “Yes, indeed. I am.”
It was a short walk to O‘Donnell‘s Pub. Although the place was crowded Liam and Ducky were quickly ushered to a table in the back. Liam whispered into Ducky’s ear, “My uncle is the proprietor”
Menus and pints of Guinness magically appeared on the table and the men ordered.
Dinner was as good as Liam promised.
After several more pints, Liam asked, “Ducky Donald, would you like to come back to my place for a night cap?”
“Er, um..yes, I would but I can’t tonight . I am sorry.” the ME felt the tips of his ears reddened in embarrassment.
“It’s all right, I understand ..but I would like to see you again. Tell you what, I will write my phone number furtively on the inside of this matchbook and pass it discreetly to you.”
Ducky looked at the young man half expecting to see a hint of mockery in his eyes, but saw only kindness.
“Yes, I would also like to see you again.. Would you let me take care of the bill?”
“No, it is all taken care of. I told you. My uncle is the proprietor”
Monday morning came all too soon and Autopsy was busy. Gibbs came by often to check on results Ducky found himself stealing glances at the gray-haired man’s profile and feeling his resolve start to waver. Perhaps he had been too hasty. Perhaps the coma was still affecting Gibbs’ emotions.
By Wednesday, Ducky had given in. He knew that the senior agent was working late at his desk. The ME stopped to get an extra large, extra hot, black coffee and headed to the squad room.
Just as he was about to turn the corner, he heard Jethro say “Hi Hol, how did the meeting with the Director go?”
Ducky stopped dead in his tracks and listened.
“Fine Jethro.. I think she will offer me a job when I retire.”
“Hol, that is great. Are you ready for dinner…or did you want to just skip to dessert?”
Ducky didn’t wait to hear the Lieutenant Colonel’s answer. He slammed the coffee cup into the nearest trash can and hurried back to Autopsy.
Once there, he pulled out his cell phone and punched in a number.
“Liam.? Ducky Donald here. Are you free for dinner Friday?”
The weekend could not come soon enough for the ME. He hurried over to O’Donnell’s Pub.
Maeve, the waitress met him at the door.
“Liam will be a bit late, but he said to be sure to make Ducky Donald comfortable.“
Ducky was ushered to Liam’s table and a glass of neat single malt soon appeared in front of him. He took a sip.
“Thought you might be needing that. ’Tis Talisker from the Isle of Skye” Liam said as he sat down.
Ducky smiled up gratefully.
The combination of the fine scotch, the good food and Liam’s ebullient conversation caused Ducky to feel better than he had in a long time.
“Liam, I should like to take you up on that nightcap”
“Are you sure, Ducky Donald?”
“Yes…”
It was a short walk to the young man’s hotel. Once inside the room, he poured two glasses of scotch and handed one to Ducky.
“Slainte” he said and took a sip “You know Ducky Donald, you have the most beautiful eyes” He put down his glass and gently kissed the older man.
Ducky emboldened by the scotch and the tenderness of the gesture, placed his arms around Liam and returned the kiss with passion.
As the two moved against each other, Ducky felt his arousal growing.
“Ah, Ducky Donald.. the bedroom for us now,” Liam said huskily as he nuzzled the ME’s ear.
Ducky’s spine tingled as his ear was kissed, just as it always did when Jeth…
All passion suddenly fled from his body as he thought of Jethro. He pushed out of the embrace.
“Ducky Donald? Is something wrong.?”
“It is not you, it is me.” the ME said sadly.
“Ahh, you are thinking of him. Perhaps it is too soon. I understand .”
“I will get my coat and leave. Thank you for dinner…”
“You will do no such thing. It is far too late and we have both had far too much scotch to be traveling about. You will stay here tonight and in the morning, I will make you the best pot of tea this side of the pond.”
Ducky smiled asked, “Liam, are you always this kind?”
The young man looked at him and replied,” A very dear friend of mine once told me, Liam ,when it is all said and done, the only thing that matters is how we treated one another. I just try to hold to that.”
Liam true to his word, made Ducky a fine pot of tea in the morning. Ducky returned to Reston House certain he would never hear from the young Irishman again. Wednesday afternoon, however, he got a call.
“Ducky Donald, are you well?”
“Yes, Liam I am fine. I rather thought I might not hear from you again.”
“Ahh,, but we are still friends. I have something I need to tell you in person. Can you meet me for fish and chips this Friday?
“Of course”
Ducky was signing off on the last reports when Jethro strode into Autopsy.
“Hey Duck…okay if I bring Chinese to Reston House tonight?”
“Well, no actually.”
“What is the problem Ducky? This is the ‘every other Friday‘…our night to have dinner…”
“You see Jethro…I have other arrangements…I have a date….Excuse me,” Ducky said as he brushed past the gray-haired agent.
If ever Leroy Jethro Gibbs was caught off guard, this was the time. He was shocked.. Ducky he had never refused him before. And he had a date??
Gibbs waited a few minutes and then went to his car to follow the ME.
He trailed him to O’Donnell’s. Ducky walked into the pub and was ushered to a back table. Gibbs sat at the bar and ordered a beer. He watched as Ducky was joined by a handsome young man. As the two men talked over dinner, a strange empty sensation started creeping through the gray-haired agent’s gut.
Finally, the two men finished and began to make their way out of the restaurant. Jethro tossed some money on the bar and followed them.
“Dr. Mallard?”
Ducky turned at the sound of Jethro’s voice, “Agent Gibbs… It is alright Liam, he is a friend. Would you give us a few moments alone?”
The young man nodded and moved a short distance away.
“What the hell are you doing, Ducky? This is our night for dinner. Oh, I know I missed a couple of weeks when I was in Mexico, but..”
“Jethro, you were months in Mexico. And then…then you take up with that Lieutenant Colonel woman when you return. Oh, Jethro can you not see that she is just waiting to sink in her predatory talons and drag you to the altar?”
The muscle in Gibbs’ jaw twitched slightly.
Noticing this Ducky said,”Oho..I see. She threw you out. Let me look. No, I do not see any cuts or bruises on you. Well, either she has very poor aim or you are getting much better at ducking. Good thing too. I am through with patching you up and taking you back. I am tired of waiting for you to want me again. For all I care, you can go to hell, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.”
The gray-haired man’s jaw tightened and he balled up his fist to strike the older man. He swung his arm narrowly missing Ducky’s chin and hitting the brick wall with a sickening crunch.
Blood began to drip copiously from his hand. Ducky looked him in the eyes and said quietly, “ You should go to the Emergency room. You have most certainly broken your hand.”
He turned on his heel and re-joined Liam.
“I gather that was him?”
“Yes.” older man replied in a whisper.
“Come, let us get you a drink.”
Once back at the hotel, Liam poured them each a glass of scotch.
“I do not want a drink, I want you, now!” Ducky said hoarsely as he grabbed the young man’s face and kissed him violently.
“No Ducky. Not like this.”
“Yes..” the older man said as he pushed himself against the younger man…“I am ready..”
“Ducky.. Stop. You are only doing this to hurt him…to hurt Jethro..”
The ME spun away and moved quickly to the other side of the room.
“Yes, I am.. Oh, Liam I have mucked things up.”
“Come, sit here on the couch. I think you both have mucked things up. Now, you and Jethro have been friends a long time?”
“Yes, we have been friends for over twenty years. Friends and lovers. Jethro has been married four times and has had numerous affairs with women.”
“So you have been the once constant in his life, then?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“Do you love him, Ducky?
“Yes, I do”
“Does Jethro love you?”
“I do not know anymore.”
“Well, Ducky, I believe he does. I saw his face when you told him to ‘go to hell’. Oh, he was angry certainly, but there was something else. A look like his heart was breaking.”
“Ah, Liam, what am I to do?” Ducky sighed.
“You will do what is right.”
“What about us?”
“We will always be friends, Ducky Donald.. But you already have a lover. And I am being sent back to Ireland. They decided that my work is done here.”
“Thank you for being so kind, Liam.”
“Just trying to hold on to what my friend said.”
Ducky drove over to Jethro’s house. He grabbed the small first aid kit he kept in the car and walked up to the door. It was unlocked. He knew where to find the gray-haired agent.
Gibbs was sitting against the wall in the basement. His right hand was in a bucket of ice, his left hand gripped firmly around a bottle of whiskey.
As Ducky descended the stairs Gibbs called out, “How the hell are you Duck? Oh, wait a minute…I think I am pissed off at you…or are you pissed off at me?”
Ducky crouched down near his friend “A little of both I think.. How does your hand feel?”
“It hurts…but not as much as when you told me to ‘go to hell’ and went off with Liam.”
Ducky swallowed hard, tears starting to well in his eyes. “Let me see your hand.”
The ME began to peel away the several layers of paint rags that Jethro had wrapped around his hand.
“Ah” he said as he finally saw the skin. “ The abrasions seem to be relatively superficial, but I am afraid that you have dislocated your knuckle.”
“Yeah, I thought it looked a little funny. Can you fix it?”
“Of course, but it may hurt…a lot..”
“Do it.”
Ducky positioned his hands around Jethro’s hand. He gave an out ward pull to the finger at the same time he gave a downward thrust.
Gibbs face whitened considerably. Through a tightened jaw he said, “Nope, it still hurt more when you told me to ‘go to hell’.”
The ME place some antibiotic ointment and clean gauze on Jethro’s hand. “I think I should like to take an x-ray tomorrow just to make sure there is not a fracture”
“Duck…is that how you felt when you saw me go out with women….like I felt when I saw you with Liam?’
“Yes” Ducky said simply as he finished up with the bandaging and sat next to Jethro against the wall.
“Oh”
The two men sat in silence for several minutes until the gray-haired said,
“Ducky. I am sorry…I missed you …and I love you….” as leaned his head against the older man’s shoulder.
The ME nuzzled the gray hair and said, “ I am sorry,too. I missed you so much. And I do love you…”
Jethro was so quiet that Ducky thought him to be asleep, when he said,” For what it’s worth…I walked out on Hollis.”
Epilogue
Hollis Mann did get a job with NCIS but promptly requested a transfer to Hawaii. With Gibbs and Ducky again speaking to each other, all was right again in the squad-room.
One day two months later, Gibbs was working late. Ducky stopped by with an extra large, extra hot black coffee.
“Thought you might be needing a refill.”
“Thanks. Ducky, you need to see this” the gray-haired agent said as he handed the ME a piece of paper.
UPI--Dublin.
Liam O’Donnell, lawyer for the Sinn Fein was found gunned down outside his flat in Dublin. No suspects are in custody”
“I am sorry Duck.”
“As am I Jethro. He was a kind man. It is a terrible shame for his life to be ended in this way.”
Gibbs moved around his deck to stand near the ME. “Did you love him, Duck?”
“In a way. I loved him for what he taught me. And I am thankful to him. I think we both are.”
Jethro gathered the older man in a tight embrace, “Thanks” he murmured quietly.