poorlywrittenbutentertaining

[poorlywrittenbutentertaining]

Caring for a Duckling

Gibbs x Fem!oc

warnings: medical stuff, and boats... i guess?

summary: Gibbs is volunteered to care for Elaine after her concussion.

The sun splotched across Elaine’s face as her brain pulsated in her skull, splitting pains shooting down her spine. She attempted to open her eyes only to be met by a fresh spike of pain in the back of her head. She squinted against the light and tried to focus on her unfamiliar surroundings. The sheets she layed under were not her usual bamboo thread, but a homely, soft, cotton. The room she was in was unfamiliar. It was scarcely decorated, with what looked like quality, hand built furniture. She pulled the sheets from her body and looked down to find herself not in her scrubs, but a large, worn tee shirt and a pair of far oversized basketball shorts. Her brain scrambled to remember the events of the previous night, but it was like trying to collect water in a sieve.

Memory came in short, blurry flashes. A red hoodie here, a gurney there, and an old truck. Like watching a brief slideshow of her own evening. She didn’t remember drinking, let alone leaving her apartment. She rubbed her forehead, to be met with the soft scratch of gauze. Right, she had been hit in the head, hard. She began running a mental checklist.

Pain: moderately high

Memory loss sustained

Blunt force wound to the back of the head

Vision mildly blurry 

Delirium: no

Nausea: mild 

She sighed and looked out the window. She was greeted with a view of a small, well maintained garden. A face flashed through her head. Gibbs. She had been on the phone with him and he had been there when she woke up.

The door creaked lightly on its hinges and Elaine twisted towards the sound. Gibbs stood in the threshold holding a tall glass of water and some medicine.

“I was gonna leave these, but I guess you’re awake,” Gibbs said, “how are you feeling?”

“Bad,” Elaine answered honestly. Gibbs nodded and entered the room. He walked by her and placed the items on the carved bedside table, “you came to my house.”

“I did. I heard some commotion and came to check,” Gibbs shrugged.

“How did you get in?” Elaine asked.

“Same way the petty officer did. He broke your lock.”

“Oh…” At that moment something Dawned on Elaine, “did you change my clothes?!”

Gibbs chuckled, “no, you woke up and raided my closet before passing out again.”

“Ah,” Elaine nodded. She leaned her head into her hands and let out a long sigh, “what a nightmare.”

“Here, take these,” Gibbs held the pills and water in front of her, “it’ll help the pain.”

Elaine took the medicine, “I’m a doctor, gunny, I know what Tylenol does.” She quickly swallowed the pills dry and then took a few long gulps of the water. Gibbs gave a half smile and nodded.

“S’pose you do, doc.”

“Well I’m fine now, you can take me home,” Elaine moved to stand, ignoring the pounding in her head.

“Na-ah-ah,” Gibbs grabbed her upper arm, “I told Ducky I’d watch you today.”

“I’m a doctor, I can take care of myself.”

“Notorious fact that doctors make the worst patients.”

“And how would you know that, Gunny?” Elaine sassed.

“Because Ducky said so,” Gibbs' voice was even, he moved in close to her and Elaine felt her heart stammer for a moment, “now lay down.”

“Fine, fine,” Elaine put her hands up. Jethro released her arm and lifted the sheets for her, “I can get myself into bed.”

“I know.” 

Elaine rolled her eyes and scooted in, allowing him to fluff the sheets over her. She had to admit, the bed was nice.

~~~

The house had been quiet for a few hours and Elaine felt like she was going stir crazy. She slid herself out of the bed and began looking closer around the room. The furniture seemed unused, and if the fresh scent of laundry detergent was anything to go off of, Gibbs had probably retrieved her fresh sheets and blankets for the bed. There were no paintings or pictures on the walls, and while the decorations and furnishings were scarce they all held the signs of being homemade. Some from mismatched woods, others with intricate carvings. Elaine ran her hand over the dresser and slid open the top drawer. An assortment of linens, seemingly random. She closed the drawer and walked to the door, slowly turning the handle and cracking the door open with nary a squeak.

“Well oiled,” Elaine noted as she peeked down the hall. There were a few other doors, but what interested Elaine was the staircase down at the end of the hall. She padded down them quickly to be met with a much more open space. It was more decorated, the ghost of a woman’s touch fleeting in the details. A stack of coasters here, a small lamp there. Elaine smiled as she moved around the living space. It was clean, if not a little dated. There were books around the fireplace and a large TV hanging over the hearth. The leather couch was particularly worn on one cushion. The coffee table in front of it had a ring from a cup being placed over and over again. Elaine could imagine Gibbs sitting to watch TV in the same place every night, setting his cup on the edge of the coffee table.

While the space was inviting, it felt lonely. Like the ghost of Jethro would occasionally pass through the space, a specter in his own home. 

Elaine’s ears picked up a small scratching sound coming from an open door. She peeked through, finding the entrance to a basement. The scratching echoes through the cement room, a small amount of light being let in from the high windows. She approached the railing and peeked over, finding the boning of a wooden boat, and Gibbs dutifully sanding at one of the timber boards. The railing creaked under her weight.

“You should be laying down,” Gibbs said, the sanding stopped as he glanced up at her. Elaine simply shrugged and padded down the wooden stairs. Gibbs rolled his eyes and resumed his work.

“You build boats?” Elaine asked. Gibbs just nodded towards the wooden structure, “You know they make those automatic now.”

“Don’t use power tools,” Gibbs dusted the piece he was working on and resumed sanding.

“Really? None?” Elaine meandered to the workbench and took in the neatly organized tools. A series of manual drills, chisels, hammers, sanding blocks, and other woodworking tools Elaine didn’t recognize.

“Nope.”

Elaine peeked into his mug to find an amber liquid, she lifted it to her nose and sniffed. The scent burned in her nose and she cougehed, “bourbon?”

“It’s an acquired taste,” Gibbs said.

“That’s code for, ‘it’s gross until you get used to it’,” Elaine gave him a cheeky grin over her shoulder as she continued looking around the basement, “Got anymore sandpaper?”

“You should be resting, Dr. Wright,” Gibbs turned to her.

“I’m bored and something deep inside me tells me that I can handle some sandpaper after bumping my head,” Elaine leaned back against the workbench. Gibbs let out a sigh and held the sandpaper out to her. She grinned and took it, stepping around him and approaching the boat. She began sanding side to side and gibbs quickly stopped her, placing his hand firmly over hers and then guiding it up and down.

“With the grain of the wood,” He said. Elaine swallowed and peeked at him out of the corner of her eye.

“Right,” She nodded. His hand pulled away as he returned to the workbench.

Elaine spent the rest of the day practically tailing Gibbs until he placed a book firmly in her hands and had her sit down on the couch with an order to rest for the remainder of the day. It wasn’t long until she fell asleep.

~~~

Gibbs peeked out of the kitchen to find Elaine curled up on the couch. She laid in the worn spot he usually sat in. He sighed and shook his head. He grabbed a blanket from the closet and flicked it open. He laid it over Elaine and tucked it softly around her. He took the book from her hands and noted the page she was on before returning it to its place on the shelf.

His eyes flicked over to the front door when it creaked open. In the threshold stood Ducky, his coat draped over one arm and his briefcase in the other.

“I believe you are housing a little duckling, I’m here to take her home.”

(enjoyed it? Let me know what scenarios/episodes you want to see from Elaine and Gibbs next!)

[poorlywrittenbutentertaining]

Consultant

Gibbs x Fem!oc

Warnings: light swearing, canon typical warnings

Summary: sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes.

Gibbs leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head as he looked over the screens in front of him. He had examined and re-examined the evidence several times and yet he felt stuck. A dead Navy officer whose circumstances and crime scene pointed to murder but death implied natural causes. All roads led to a dead end. Gibbs let out a frustrated sigh and sat up, deciding a coffee would be a good way to clear his mind. He grabbed his coat and threw it over his shoulder as he exited the building. The sun felt refreshing as he walked out of the navy yard, flashing security his badge and ID as he passed.

The streets were surprisingly quiet for noon, but he couldn’t argue. After years living alone he’d come to appreciate quiet. A brief walk later and he stepped into his favorite coffee shop, the one he frequented often enough that the entire staff had memorized his order. Not that it was difficult, large black coffee, Jamaican blend. The barista behind the counter simply nodded and him and rang up the coffee as Gibbs provided his card to pay.

The bell over the door chimed behind him as a voice flooded through the small shop, “-Well I know that, but he’s not stable enough. His wound is volatile enough as is, if he leaves the hospital the risk of infection is too high… don’t tell me that, tell him that!… ugh, push 100 Ml.s until I get back and can handle this myself. Don’t let him out of your sight.” Gibbs peeked over his shoulder to see a somewhat familiar face, however she looked disgruntled and minutely irritated. He stepped out of the way as he listened to her order. Her drink order was complex and (he assumed) would be very very sweet by the end.

“Lotta sugar for a doctor to be drinking,” Gibbs said casually. The girl looked over at him and he managed a half smile, “Dr. Wright.”

Elaine’s face broke out into a wide grin as she turned to him, still dressed in her work scrubs, her badge clipped to her lapel. On her lunch break, he assumed.

“Agent Gibbs,” her voice was surprised, but pleasant, “I don’t think you should come after my sugar consumption. I’ve heard just how high your caffeine intake is.”

Gibbs chuckled, “fair enough. Tough patient?”

“Yeah, you could say that,” Elaine stood next to him, “tough case?”

Gibbs nodded and mimicked her words, “yeah… you could say that.” He looked down at her. Her flaming red curls were stuffed into a tight bun on the back of her head. A few stray curls bounced around her head, free from the elastics holding everything else in place.

“Tell me about it,” Elaine glanced up at him, “Consider me a… consultant. Y’know like those psychics on TV.”

“Are you a psychic, Elaine?” Gibbs asked.

“No, but I’m a doctor,” Elaine said, “and a little birdie told me that cause of death looks natural, but you’re investigating murder. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes is what you need?”

Gibbs stopped a moment and considered. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes was what he needed. Ducky had gone over the body several times and all of the evidence had been scoured for forensics. A different perspective could be enlightening.

“Gibbs!” The barista called. Gibbs grabbed his coffee and took a sip.

“You free today?” Gibbs asked.

“For the case? Or… something else?” Elaine cheekily smiled. Gibbs rolled his eyes. Elaine laughed, “What time do you want me there?

“1700 hours,” Gibbs said.

“Copy that, gunny.”

~~~

The elevator dinged and Elaine ran her hands down the front of her shirt, smoothing it out after taking a deep breath. The last time she was here, she had held a bomb for four hours, and then developed a slight crush on the leading investigator, who also happened to be her godfather’s best friend. She had woken up in his home, after receiving a serious concussion where he had monitored her for the full day.

Elaine had changed out of her scrubs into more office-appropriate attire. As the elevator doors slowly opened in front of her she was greeted by the familiar sight of the orange squad room. She stepped out and quickly made her way to the bullpen.

“Dr. Wright,” DiNozzo stood and moved to her side, “how can I help you?”

“I’m looking for agent Gibbs, he asked me to be here.”

“For what?”

“Elaine,” Gibbs rounded the dividers. Elaine smiled and walked to him, “with me.”

“Yes, sir,” Elaine fell into step with him as he guided her to the second elevator, “so read me in.”

“Navy officer, 35, house was trashed and raided, there was a significant amount of deer blood on the body but when the body was examined, all roads lead to a heart attack,” Gibbs said, “but the officer was perfectly healthy when we pulled his medical records.”

“Huh,” Elaine rolled her lips, “I might have an idea.”

When the elevator opened Elaine was greeted by the sight of a serile autopsy room, and her godfather.

“Hello dear,” Ducky smiled and walked over to her, embracing her tight.

“Hi dad,” Elaine smiled and returned the hug, “i’m here as a fresh pair of eyes.”

“Yes Jethro told me,” Ducky pulled away and retrieved her a fresh set of protective equipment, “our dear officer is right here.” Elaine pulled the PPE over her clothing and approached the body. He looked healthy, for a dead guy who had been autopsied. Nothing immediately struck her as strange. Elaine rolled the body’s arm out and inspected its veins.

“Did this man go to the hospital before he died?” elaine asked, grabbing a magnifying glass to zoom the area.

“No,” Ducky said. Elaine pulled away from the glass, and showed Ducky. He hummed, “Looks like an IV. But there were no drugs in his blood.”

“No, there wasnt,” Elaine said, “They didnt inject medication. They injected air. Of course you wouldn’t see it on a tox screen. An injection of air can cause what looks like a heart attack. The air bubbles block the flow of blood, it’s the reason we watch so close for air bubbles in shots, and IV drips.”

It was that moment that Gibbs realized just how smart this woman was, “The injection was professional. Straight into the vein. You’re looking for someone who works in a hospital or medical testing lab. A phlebotomist maybe, or a nurse.”

A nurse, that was it. Gibbs nodded and began walking off.

“Say thank you, Jethro!” Ducky called. Gibbs halted and turned, approaching Elaine as she took her gloves off with her back turned to him. When she turned she froze to see he was mere inches from her. She looked up at him with a small blush dusting her cheeks.

“Good work, doctor,” Gibbs’ voice was low. Elaine swallowed and smiled at him.

“Told you, you needed fresh eyes,” She smiled slightly. Gibbs turned and walked away and Elaine took a deep breath, leaning against the sinks.

“You’re swooning, Elaine,” Ducky said. Elaine laughed slightly.

“That man is worth swooning for,” She answered.

[poorlywrittenbutentertaining]

Hit it off

Gibbs x fem!OC

Warnings: canon typical violence, light swearing, bomb, concussion

How Elaine and Gibbs met

Elaine smiled at the delivery man as he dropped off the package. She signed for the box before the delivery man nodded at her and walked away.

“I need to move this to the cooler,” She said. The nurse next to her nodded and Elaine grabbed the box. It felt strangely heavy for a shipment of vaccines. She pulled open the cooler room and stepped in. She heard a click from the box and froze as the door to the cooler shut behind her. Slowly she transferred the box to one arm and pulled the tape of the top. She opened the flaps and gasped. Inside was an amalgamations of wires, and a brick of explosive material. Elaine looked at the blinking light and swallowed thickly. A nurse opened the cooler behind her.

“Dr. wright?” The nurse asked. Elaine straightened.

“Ynez, I need you to call the authorities,” Elaine spoke evenly.

“Why?” Ynez stepped into the room.

“STOP!” Elaine barked. She heard Ynez’s footsteps cease. Elaine took another deep breath and watched the air puff in front of her, “Ynez I am currently holding a bomb, call the police.”

~~|

It was a matter of minutes before NCIS was on the scene. Elaine heard the cooler door ease open.

“Dr. Wright?” A male voice called from behind her.

“That’s me,” Elaine said. She heard careful footsteps enter the cooler. Out of her peripheral she saw a man step around her, “close the door,” She said, “these medications need to stay cold.”

The door clicked shut or clicked shut. She turned her eyes towards the man. He was tall with silver hair and some of the bluest eyes Elaine had ever seen. She gave him a slightly nervous smile as he stepped around him.

“Special Agent Gibbs, NCIS,” The man showed her his badge and is card.

“Gibbs,” Elaine smiled slightly and laughed, “I know that name.”

“Yeah? How?” Gibbs asked.

“My godfather works with you,” Elaine said, “Donald Mallard.”

“Ducky,” Gibbs said back. Elaine nodded.

“He would not be all too pleased to know I’m currently holding a bomb,” Elaine said.

“You’re calm for the circumstances,” Gibbs said.

“Not my first rodeo, agent Gibbs,” Elaine said.

“Military?” Gibbs asked. Elaine nodded.

“Marines,” Elaine said, “fought with the boys out front for two tours, got a back injury, and then returned to do medical. Back in the tents they called me Ms. Mend,” she looked Gibbs up and down, “you a military man?”

“Marines,” Gibbs said, “Gunnery Sergeant.”

Elaine smiled, “Staff Sergeant.”

Gibbs cracked a small smile, “bomb squad should be here soon.”

Gibbs sat and talked with her, feeling the chill from the cooler slowly slip past his clothes and into his skin. When the bomb squad arrived Elaine’s lips had begun to turn blue but she stayed still, suppressing the shivers threatening to course through her. The squad pushed in and took Gibbs spot as they began setting up barriers and getting to work. Her muscles strained to keep the bomb up in her arms. There was a silent tension as the men around her worked. Gibbs returned eventually and placed a coat around her shoulders gently. Elaine could only manage a chattered, “thanks.”

It was 45 minutes before the bomb squad cut the final wire and carefully took the explosive from Elaine’s hands. A crushing relief washed over her as she dropped her arms and allowed the shivers to run through her. When she stepped out of the hospital Ducky stood there with a hot coffee and blanket. Elaine rushed to him and allowed the doctor to gather her in his arms. Her whole body shivered from the aching cold her body had been exposed to for so long.

“Jethro called me and I got here as fast as I could, my dear,” Ducky said, “are you alright?” His voice was soft as he pulled away and held her shoulders. He unfolded the blanket and threw it around her shoulders, pulling it snug against her. Elaine nodded

“M-my patients?” She asked, taking the coffee and holding it in her hands, reveling in the warmth that seeped through the cup.

“All safe and accounted for,” Ducky said, “now, Jethro wants me to take you back to the Navy Yard. He has a few questions.”

Elaine nodded and followed him to his car.

~~~~

The conference room was quiet as Elaine sat. She studied the map hung on the wall opposite of her. When the door opened and closed she stood and turned.

“Doin’ alright Sarge?” Gibbs asked as he walked in, holding yet another warm drink for her. Tea this time.

“Just call me Elaine,” She said, “I’m doing alright, a little cold but nothing too bad.” Gibbs nods and takes the end seat next to Elaine. He gives her a moment to sip her tea. He observes her quietly.

“Who gave you the bomb?” Gibbs asked.

“Delivery guy,” Elaine answered, “it was supposed to be a shipment of insulin, and it wasn’t the normal guy who delivers.”

“What did he look like?” Gibbs continued to interview her, taking notes on what she said and descriptions she gave, “can you think of anyone who would want to hurt you?”

Elaine huffed a laugh, “yeah, a few.” She sighed and placed her tea down, “marines, mostly, ones I had to take off the battlefield for medical purposes. Amputees, transplants, those kind. They get mad about their injuries, and then get madder when I have to fix them.”

Gibbs nodded and jotted down a few notes, “we’ll keep you in the loop.”

“Thanks, gunny,” Elaine stood and shook Gibbs’ hand once more, “if you have any more questions-“ she took out a small pad of paper from her pocket and a pen. She jotted down her number and folded the piece up, handing it over to Gibbs, “just gimme a call.”

~~~

Elaine’s house was quiet as she flicked the lights on. She placed her purse down on the entrance table and kicked her shoes off in front of the rack. She sighed and rolled her shoulders before working out her braid. It had been a week since the hospital incident. Gibbs had called her a few times to ask a few more questions but other than that it was practically radio silence.

She padded into the kitchen and grabbed some leftover Chinese from the fridge and popped it into the microwave. As she leaned against the counter she looked down at her phone. As though on command it began to ring. The caller is reading ‘Gunny Sergeant Gibbs”. She flipped her phone open and answered the call.

“Awfully late for a work call, agent Gibbs,” She said as she pulled the Chinese from the microwave.

“Just had a few questions,” Gibbs answered. Elaine hummed and went to sit down.

“What’s up?”

“Do you know a Petty Officer Garrett Blanche?” Gibbs asked.

“Yeah, came in three months ago. He had practically shattered his leg. I placed 4 rods and 12 screws to get that thing back together,” Elaine took a bite, “he should be doing PT now, no way they’ll let him stay active though. Didn’t seem the type to blow me up though.”

“They never do,” Gibbs said. Elaine laughed lightly at that. She stood up, and then black.

~~~

When she woke again she was on her kitchen floor, the Chinese noodles spread by her hand, “Elaine?” There was a hand on her back as a blurry face came into view, “you alright?” She squeezed her eyes shut and opened them again as a ringing began in the back of her head and a thump began pounding in her skull. The face blurred and crossed. She blinked a few more times and it came into view.

“Agent Gibbs?” She croaked, “what happened?”

“Took a metal bat to the head,” Gibbs said. She moved to sit up and her head swam, nausea roiling in her stomach. She swayed and Gibbs caught her, “careful, paramedics are still on their way.”

“Damn,” Elaine put her hand against the back of her head and came back with blood.

Elaine’s eyes blurred again and she leaned heavily on Gibbs, “whoa, you staying with me Doc?”

“How did you know I got hit? Are you stalking me?” Elaine asked.

“We were on the phone, remember?” Gibbs scooted her to the counter cupboards and leaned her against it as he stood and grabbed a cloth. He soaked it in tepid water and pressed it against her head, “I was asking you questions about Petty Officer Blanche.”

Elaine’s eyes squinted, “no… I don’t remember. I remember coming home… and then… and then…”

“Don’t worry too much, we got the guy, that’s what matters,” Gibbs squatted in front of her. Her focused eyes relaxed before zeroing in on Gibbs.

“You know-“ Elaine reached up and grabbed his hoodie string, “you’re really handsome.”

“You’re delirious, Elaine,” Gibbs said.

“Yeah probably,” Elaine closed her eyes, “but I’m not kidding… you’re one of the most handsome men I’ve met. Ever. You could never have been my Gunny or I would have been distracted. And in your civvies? Like damn. You look good in a suit, Agent Gibbs, but red is your color.”

Gibbs laughed lightly as the paramedics knocked. They entered the house and began inspecting Elaine while Gibbs described what happened.

“She’s a little delirious but that should clear, she shouldn’t be alone though,” The paramedic said to Gibbs. He nodded, “anywhere she can stay?”

Gibbs looked at the clock. It was 3:00 AM at this point, “she can stay with me.”

A/N: leave of comment on what you want to see next!

[poorlywrittenbutentertaining]

Remember me

Leroy Jethro Gibbs x Fem!OC

Warnings: hospitals, mild swearing, drinking (I’ve never done these kinds of tags before so lmk if I need to add more)

A/N: first post and definitely not proof read so… yeah. Have fun!

“Elaine,” Tony’s voice was urgent.

“Tony I’m a little busy the floor is packed,” Elaine said as she filled multiple syringes and replaced the protective caps.

“Yeah we have one coming your way right now,” Tony said. Elaine straightened.

“What? Who? Is everyone okay?” Elaine asked.

“It’s Gibbs,” Tony said, “he was in an explosion. Bus just took him and they’re en route to you. I thought you would want some warning.”

“Yes thank you Tony,” Elaine looked at a passing nurse and handed her the syringes, “room 4.” The nurse looked puzzled but nodded, “ETA?”

“2200 ma’am,” Tony said.

“Copy that, I’ll take care of it,” Elaine said before hanging up the phone. She looked to the bustling nurses before shouting, “I need a trauma bed prepped stat! IV and intubation on hand!” The nurses around her quickly sprang into action. It wasn’t long until Elaine heard the ambulance pull up to the bay, “This one is mine!” She shouted. She ran to the offloading dock and looked down at Gibbs. His face was harshly burned and his eyes seemed to be bleeding. As the team of nurses walked along his side Elaine spoke to him, “Leroy! Leroy!” She held a small light into his eyes, watching the pupils slowly dilate.

“Do we have an ID?” one of the nurses around her asked.

“Special Agent Gibbs, NCIS,” Elaine said quickly as they pulled up to the bed. They heaved his body onto the hospital bed and began further examination. One nurse prepped the IV, another intubated him, while a third began assessing injuries. Elaine shouted orders and began pushing medication into the IV. Her heart seemed to pound in her ears, the sounds around her blurring into one another. THe only thing in focus, Gibbs.

“Skip the X-Ray, Go straight to a CAT scan,” Elaine said to a nurse as they left.

For the next hour Elaine moved with Gibbs from room to room as they began to slowly stabalize him from the explosion. She took a detailed record of all of the injuries. She looked down at him quietly, standing by his bedside, eyes darting from one burn to another.

“Ma’am, a call for you at the nursing station,” A male nurse popped his head into the room. Elaine followed them quickly. From the other end was Jenny’s voice.

“I’m trying to see him but your head nurse won’t let me into trauma,” Jenny sounded irritated. Elaine sighed and looked to the trauma doors. She slammed the phone down and jogged to the doors, pulling them open, “Jenny,” She nodded into the trauma room. Jenny quickly slipped in. Elaine looked at the head nurse with a withering glare, “If anyone else comes for Gibbs you let them back, do you hear me?” She said.

“Yes ma’am,” The head nurse said just as the doors began to close. Elaine looked at Jenny.

“You look nice,” Elaine said as they quickly began walking back to where Gibbs lay, surrounded by machines taking tests and keeping him stable.

“I came from a dinner at the whitehouse,” Jenny said. Elaine raised her eyebrows and nodded, “Is he going to be okay?”

“I-” Elaine sighed and ran a hand over her face, “It’s bad, Jenny, but we’re doing everything we can,” Jenny nodded, ‘Once he’s stable we can move him to a bed in the trauma bay-, something a little more permanent.”

“Sounds good,” Jenny looked at Elaine, “You look like hell.”

“Oh yeah?” Elaine smiled slightly and shook her head, “I guess you took all the good looks for yourself tonight.” Jenny laughed. Soon the telltale clunking of platform shoes echoed down the hall.

“Ellie?” Abby cried, throwing her arms around the doctor. Abby pulled back and held Elaine by her shoulders, “Is he going to be alright?”

“I think-”

‘You think?! No! I need an ‘I Know’! ‘I think’ isn’t positive news!” Abby said, “you have to do something!” Jenny pulled Abby back.

“Abby, that’s enough.”

“No! There has to be more-!”

“Abby!” Jenny scolded, quieting abby, “she’s doing everything she can.”

Elaine, abby and Jenny stood by as they moved Gibbs into a room. Elaine looked down at him. His eyes seemed to be darting around behind his eyelids. Elaine told them everything she knew about the situation, and what was happening to Gibbs.

“Neurology will be back in tomorrow, and hopefully we can assess his brain better then,” Elaine crossed her arms, “Until then… It’s just about keeping him stable.” She looked back down to the man on the bed and felt her hands start to shake. For the first time since the call, the gravity of the situation was actually beginning to weigh on her. Her hand moved to softly take Gibbs’ limp one. She gave it three small squeezes before laying it back down, “I’ve done everything I can, for now,” Elaine’s voice was quiet. Scared.

“You’ve done well, Elaine, thank you,” Jenny said, placing a reassuring hand on Elaine’s shoulder. Elaine felt tears burning at the back of her eyes. She coughed and cleared her throat with a sniff.

“Um, ill be in throughout the night to check on him. One of you is welcome to stay the night though. Let me know if anything changes. My nurses will take care of him,” Elaine said. She walked from the room, stopping momentarily to look back at him before taking a deep breath and returning to work.

~~~

Morning came slowly, and with the strike of 700 hours the neurologist was in and briefed by Elaine. Jenny had stayed the night to look over Jethro, as well as Elaine. The neurologist looked down at Gibbs’s sleeping form as he performed tests. Elaine stood in the back with Tony and Jenny. Tony had her tucked against his side as they watched the doctor work.

“Off the clock now, Duckling?” Tony asked. Elaine nodded, “You should go home then.” Elaine shook her head.

“Not until Leroy is awake,” She said. Tony sighed but relented, tugging her in tight and resting his chin on her head.

“Very Ducky of you,” He said. Elaine smiled weakly.

“Doctor,” Jenny called, “is he in pain?”

The doctor seemed contemplative as he looked down at Gibbs. Jenny called to the doctor again, “Did this man serve in desert storm?”

~~~

Elaine sat alone in Gibb’s room. While Tony wasn’t able to talk her into leaving, he did managed to get her fresh clothes. The director had left hours ago as the rain still pelted on the windows outside. Gibbs was completely still and yet still somehow looked restless. She sat there in the silence, just looking at him, watching his chest rise and fall with each breath, remembering that he was alive.

“You know, to the untrained eye, you just look asleep,” Elaine spoke. She traced gentle patterns into the back of his uninjured hand, “I know better, but it’s nice to pretend sometimes.” She sighed and put her head down on the bed. Tears pricked at her eyes as she’s turned her head to look up at Gibbs, “please wake up,” her voice was a weak whisper.

“Ah, Tony told me I would find you here,” Ducky stood at the opening of the room. Elaine sat up and rubbed the tears from her eyes with a smal sniffle.

“Hey dad.”

“Hello, sweetie,” Ducky moved across the floor and Elaine stood. Ducky opened his arms and Elaine quickly moved to his embrace. The dam broke and the tears fell. She clung to her father and sobbed into his shoulder as he gently pet the back of her hair, “I know, my dear Elaine, I know.”

Ducky and Elaine sat with Gibbs for hours, telling stories. Until the neurologist came in.

“Doctor Wright,” The neurologist said. Elaine stood.

“Doctor Gelfand, hello,” She moved to him.

“Forgive me I shouldn’t have been eavesdropping but your company was telling a fascinating story,” Dr Gelfand said with a smile. Elaine laughed lightly and nodded.

“This is my Godfather Dr. Donald Mallard,” Elaine said, “he’s a medical examiner.”

“Yes I’ve heard, it’s nice to meet you,” Dr Gelfand shook Ducky’s hand, “did you know Agent Gibbs was wounded in Desert Storm?”

Ducky shook his head, “Jethro doesn’t speak much of his past. I consider myself one of his closest friends but even I do not know much about before we met.”

“He has an ‘always moving forward’ mentality,” Elaine said. Gelfand nodded and moved to Gibb’s side to begin performing tests.

Suddenly Gibbs’ heart monitor began increasing. Elaine rushed to his side as Gibbs’s eyes shot open and he began gasping and straining.

“Gibbs? Gibbs! Can you blink?” Gelfand watched as Gibbs squeezed his eyes closed and open again, “okay and then stuck out your thumb!” Gibbs’ straining hand formed a fist and lifted it thumb, “do you want the tube out?” Gibbs nodded and Elaine quickly removed the tube from his throat and put an oxygen mask over his nose and mouth.

“Good job, Leroy,” Elaine said as she put her stethoscope to his heart.

“I’m Doctor Gelfand, this is Doctor Mallard and Dr Wright,” Gelfand said as Gibbs’ eyes darted around the room.

“He knows me as Ducky,” Ducky corrected.

“You were in an explosion, so you remember?” Gelfand asked. Gibbs nodded and looked at Elaine and Ducky. His shaky hand removed the mask.

“I don’t know them.”

~~~

Elaine stepped out of the hospital, her breathing ragged as tears blurred her vision. In Gibbs’ brain it was just after desert storm. The last 15 years of his life were completely blank meaning everything between them was gone. With all of the power she could muster she shouted into the air, hoping some god somewhere would hear her and return Jethro’s memory.

Gelfand said he was having a potential depressive relapse from desert storm after losing Shannon and Kelly. When Jenny heard of the news she began looking for other desert storm operatives that Gibbs may have known.

As the tears slowed Elaine pulled out her phone and flipped it open. She typed in DiNozzo’s number and held it to her ear.

“Super special agent Anthony DiNozzo,” he greeted. Elaine took a deep breath.

“Hey, Jenny’s coming to give you more information but… Leroy is awake.”

“That’s great!” DiNozzo said. Elaine sighed and ran a hand down her face, “that’s… not great?”

“He has amnesia,” Elaine said, “he thinks he just got back from desert storm.” Tony was quiet on the other end, “I neeed… I need to go home and get ready for my next shift.”

“Elaine, are you sure you shouldn’t call out?” Tony said.

“I’m fine, Tony,” Elaine said, “Leroy is still my patient, it’s my job to take care of him. I’ll call you with any more updates.”

~~~

When Elaine arrived to her night shift she couldn’t help but peek into Gibbs’ room first, “good Evening Mr. Gibbs!” She plastered on her best professional smile, “I’m Doctor Elaine Wright. Im the doctor in charge of your case.”

Gibbs looked at her and studied her face, “you were here earlier,” he said, “when I woke up.”

Elaine nodded and stepped further into the room, “yes I was.”

“You called me Leroy,” He said sitting up, “the doc said I knew you.”

Elaine nodded and sat down next to him, “you do,” her voice was soft, “but it’s okay if you forget for awhile. It’ll come back.”

“How do we know each other?” Gibbs asked. Elaine smiled and looked down momentarily, debating whether or not to tell him the truth. She looked at the engagement band on her finger and played with it slightly. Gibbs’ eyes followed the movement and he visibly deflated, “oh.” He ran a hand down his face with a long sigh, “well that’s one way to make a man feel like an ass.”

Elaine laughed lightly, “it’s okay. As long as you are like this we are simply Doctor and patient,” she patted the back of his hand and stood, “I’ll be in throughout the night so let me know if you need anything.” She gave him her professional smile again and turned to walk out.

“Are we married?” Gibbs asked. Elaine shook her head.

“Not yet,” and she left.

~~~

In the early hours of the morning Elaine felt Gibbs eyes on her as she looked through charts at the nursing stand. she looked back at him to see him studying her face with a concentrated expression. She put the clipboard down and slipped into his room.

“You should be sleeping, Mr. Gibbs,” Elaine said to him as she approached the computer next to him to enter his vitals for the hour. Gibbs was quiet as he watched her work.

“Your ring,” he reached his hand out towards her. Elaine turned to him and placed her left hand in his to present the engagement ring, “it was Shannon’s.” His thumb rubbed over the modest diamond. Elaine nodded.

“You said it just felt right for me to have it,” She said, “you can take it back for now,” she whispered.

“No, keep it,” Gibbs said, “feel bad enough not remembering my apparent fiancée, taking your ring too just doesn’t sit right with me.”

Elaine laughed lightly and pulled her hand away, “it’ll come to you. Now, get some rest,” She fake glared at him, “or you will be in serious trouble Mr. Gibbs. I’ll be off the clock soon so let the charge nurse know if you need anything.”

~~~

Entering the house felt strange without Jethro at her side. The usually familiar and warm walls felt claustrophobic. She sighed and dropped her bag on the ground, kicking her shoes to the side in the way she knew Gibbs would scold her for.

Elaine rolled out her shoulders and approached the kitchen, throwing open the fridge and retrieving one of Gibbs’ beers. She used the edge of the countertop to pop the lid off and took a long swig before padding her way to their shared bedroom. She threw on one of his sweaters and some spanks before making her way to the basement door, grabbing another cold one on the way. She stared at the boat from the top of the stairs. She chugged the remainder of her first beer, tossing it into the garbage can beneath her before descending the stairs.

“It’s quiet down here without him, huh?” She spoke to the boat, patting its hull. She then cringed at herself, “I’ve been spending too much time around my godfather.” She plopped down on the stool by the boat, looking over the various tools lying out on the workbench. Her eyes caught in the sandpaper. She sighed and cracked open the second beer before grabbing the sandpaper and walking over to the boat. Carefully she sanded the wood, “with the grain,” she said to herself, as though trying to create a Gibbs in her mind. Preferably one that knew who she was. She felt the sting of tears behind her eyes and rested her forehead against the wood. Small dark spots appeared where her fears fell onto the wood, “Dammit Leroy,” she whispered to the empty room. She grabbed her beer and chugged it before frowning. She dropped it next to her and let it shatter.

She moved back to the workbench and shuffled through the shelves before her hand found what she was looking for. The half empty bottle of bourbon Jethro hid down here. She uncorked the top and took a long swig, suffering through the hot burn down the back of her throat. Once she swallowed she coughed and looked down at the bottle. Elaine wiped her eyes and sat down as she took another long swig and waited for the old buzz to hit.

~~~

“Duckling?” Elaine’s eyes opened, her head throbbing as she squinted into the midday light let down from the high windows, “Elaine,” she rubbed her eyes, the person in front of her coming into focus.

“DiNozzo?” She rasped.

“The one and only,” Tony placed his hand on her shoulder as she tipped over, “let’s get you away from the sharp woodworking tools.”

“I feel like shit,” Elaine said as Tony helped her to her feet.

“You don’t look much better,” he said. They reached the top of the stairs and he shut off the light before helping her over to the couch, “how much did you have to drink?” He asked as he helped her sit.

“Two beers,” Elaine said, Tony side eyes her and she rolled her eyes, “one and a half beers and some of Leroy’s bourbon.”

“Ah,” Tony said, “that stuff is practically paint thinner and you, sweet doctor, are what the professionals call a ‘lightweight’.”

“My liver is screaming at me,” Elaine grumbled, “and my head, and my-“ she gagged, “stomach.”

“Where do you keep the Advil?” Tony asked. Elaine pointed to the bathroom and Tony quickly returned with a few tablets and a glass of water. “Had anything to eat?”

“Whatever Leroy didn’t finish last night,” Elaine said.

“Delicious,” Tony said.

“I should go to the hospital,” Elaine said after chugging the water, “check on Leroy.”

“Na-ah,” DiNozzo said, “you are gonna stay right here. The director is with him right now.”

“The director is my competition,” Elaine said.

“Something about that ring Gibbs gave you tells me otherwise,” Tony sat next to her. His phone rang and Elaine groaned. Tony flipped the phone open and spoke quietly into the receiver, “right, on my way.” He flipped the phone shut, “duty calls. He stood and looked down at her with a frown, “no more drinking.”

“No more drinking,” Elaine repeated.

~~~

“Where is Leroy?” Elaine asked as she clocked into her shift. The room was empty where he was supposed to be.

“Some guy took him out front,” one of the nurses said. Elaine sighed and quickly made her way outside. Her eyes darted around before landing on him shoveling in a steak and fries across from an older man. She began walking over when Gibbs’s eyes got wide and he dashed to a trash can quickly emptying out that steak. Elaine dashed forwards, “Mr. Gibbs? Are you alright?” She called. The other man stepped in front of her and put his hand out to halt her.

“He just got some… bad news,” the man said. Elaine glared at him.

“Your nurse was right doc,” Leroy said, wiping the corner of his mouth, “I wasn’t ready for that steak.” Elaine sighed, “Mike, this is my doctor, Elaine Wright.”

“Oh the fiancée,” the older man said. Elaine furrowed her brows looking at him.

“And you are?” She crossed he arms.

“Mike Franks,” The man stuck out his hand, “I’m your parents first boss.”

“Well my patient needs to come back inside,” Elaine said. Franks laughed.

“Sassy redheads,” He said, “Gunny always did have a weakness.”

~~~

It was late into the night when Ziva came to visit. Elaine showed her to his room where he laid asleep in bed.

“Do you mind if I speak to him? Alone?” Ziva asked.

“Of course not. Give me a shout if you need me,” Elaine squeezed Ziva’s hand nod walked off to check on other patients. It wasn’t 30 minutes later when Gibbs’ voice rang through the quiet halls.

“Elaine?! Elaine?!” He shouted, rounding out of his room. Elaine turned around from the nurses station.

“Over here!” She said. When Gibbs looked at her Elaine knew something had changed. There was recognition in his eyes. He rushed to her, grabbing her face and slotting his lips to hers. Relief flooded through Elaine’s body as she melted against him. One of his hands moved down her neck and left arm before clutching her left hand. He ran his thumb over the engagement ring before pulling away. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the ring, “Leroy?” Elaine asked tentatively. He nodded.

“I need to get to NCIS,” He said softly.

“You are in no state to drive, Leroy,” Elaine said, eyes darting between his.

“It’s important,” he said, voice urgent. Elaine nodded.

“Okay, okay, I’ll drive you,” She said. She began to pull away but he pulled her close again, kissing her breathless once more.

“Sorry I forgot,” He whispered against her lips.

“Don’t apologize, it’s a sign of weakness,” was her reply. Gibbs placed one last kiss on her lips before pulling away with a small smile.

~~~

They rushed into the NCIS building. Elaine had given Gibbs’ a pair of scrubs from the nurses station. Gibbs sped out of the elevator with Elaine trotting behind him.

“Boss!” Tony quickly stood.

“MTAC,” Was all Leroy replied all of the team stood up and began following him. Gibbs suddenly stopped and turned around. He took Elaine by she shoulders and guided her backwards to his desk where he plopped her down in his chair, “stay.”

“I’m not a dog,” Elaine said with a raised brow. Leroy smirked and kissed her forehead before turning and rushing up the stairs speaking quickly to his team and greeting Abby and Ducky.

While Elaine was elated to have him back, there was a familiar anxiety gnawing at the back of her mind that something bad was about to happen. She watched the MTAC doors shut and leaned back in her chair. Abby and Ducky moved to greet her as well.

“Are you doing okay?” Ducky asked quietly. Elaine nodded quietly and looked to the older man.

“What happened?” She asked.

“I’m afraid that’s strictly-“

“Need to know,” Elaine finished for him. Abby nodded with a sympathetic look. Elaine sighed but nodded.

It wasn’t long until Gibbs stormed down the stairs, an icy glare painted on his face. Elaine jumped to her feet, “Leroy-?” But he just shouldered past her and opened his desk, retrieving his gun and badge before storming off again, “Leroy!” She called after him.

When he came down next, he was calm, almost too calm. He looked around at his team and his eyes landed on Tony, “you’ll do,” He said, taking Tony’s hand and placing his badge into him, “they’re your team now, DiNozzo.”

Elaine’s eyes widened, but when Leroy looked over at her she felt that familiar calm. She just nodded, “Let’s go home, Ellie,” He said.

Elaine looked over at him on the couch. He still had burns across his face but he looked content with her legs pulled over his lap, tracing mindless shapes into her skin as he watched the television. She studied the side of his face over her book taking in every detail. She felt grateful. Grateful that he had survived, thankful he had gotten away from the bomb. And now, grateful that when he looked over at her, his eyes sparked with that familiar fondness.

“Ellie,” He looked over at her and she felt that sub she felt every time they locked eyes, “you look like you want to say something.”

Elaine smiled and put down her book, scooting closer to cup his cheek in her hand and gently stroke it, “I’m just glad you’re home,” her voice was soft.

“Yeah?” The corner of his mouth ticked up in a small smile as his arm hooked around her waist and pulled over flush to his chest.

“Yeah,” was all she replied. The sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the closeness and the comfortable quiet.

“What do you think about Mexico?” Gibbs asked just before kissing the top of her head, “you, me, a beach. No screens, no phones, no emergencies,” He murmured into her hair. Elaine smiled against his chest.

“Mexico sounds nice.”