I felt the opening of this story was a bit of a pile-on of angst and that Tony's worsening condition could've been written in a quicker, more suspenseful way. But this does feel like an in-character followup to the movie, especially the line of Tony trying to make a movie reference through his coughing, and that final scene of them both still in the bullpen when they're clearly in no condition to be there.

Love that last line.

Sweet story.

Really well done! I am frustated that the show didn't give us any glimpse into what happened between the rescue and the moment with Gibbs in the basement. Evidently this scene happens a bit later, maybe the day after at the soonest. So what you write fits perfectly and the manner in which Gibbs thanked Tony was very in character. They are both bad at expressing their feelings, so thank you for this nice and much needed little piece. I think maybe there could have been also something with Maddy thanking them too before leaving.

This makes me think that, in that final scene in Gibbs' basement, Tony was probably asleep on the couch upstairs.

fabs

Excellent additional scene!

Tony could use a lot more thank you's in his life. Glad Gibbs finally gave him a few more. Nice job with the fic. :)

Love it. Adore it.

Good tag to the episode and much needed! I loved it when Tony started looking around for his father when they called out Mr. DiNozzo.

Loved it!

Aww Gibbs Is All Proud & Stuff. Very Cute! X3

I Always Did Wonder What Had Happened To Tony After That Dip In The Water. Great Job. XD

and now i am smiling with the gladness your story brings to a fellow HC junkie...

aw I wish this had been in the episode! I'm a hurt/comfort junkie as well. This was great to read :]

I like this ending better. The show didn't do much or say how Tony was. I never liked the fact that it seemed like no one cared if he was alright or not. Wish it coulda happened like this.