The next week was filled with tension. Everyone tried their best to return to normal, but it was almost impossible. It had been reported later that all of the aliens all over the word had delivered the same message in the language of that respective country. During this time they were testing the devices and the best scientists all over the world were conferring with each other over their findings.
McGee had gone to Gibbs’ house every night that week, but they hardly spent any time together. They were too lost in their own thoughts but the comfort of holding each other at night caused them to continue their routine. It was a little after lunch when an announcement came on TV from the President. The office came to a standstill as everyone waited to hear the how they were going to proceed.
“My fellow Americans. As you are aware we have been told by another sentient race that our world is under attack. Upon their advice we have tested the device with which to free the people of this world. Researchers worldwide, including our own top scientists, have tested the device and found it to be exactly what this race proclaimed. It was in fact during the testing of this device that we encountered one of our race who was already infected.
Speaking with the leader of those offering aid we have more information which will hopefully stall the spread of infection from occurring. All males and females should stop any form of intercourse. That includes married couples. One partner could be infected and one could not. We have learned as well that even if a child is born infected it can have the parasite removed with the same device. All children born in the next two years will be tested upon birth.
The only other way for the parasite to be shared is through the mixing of salvia. Even in small amounts the parasites components can infect. Examples of this include sharing drinks, food, or especially kissing. That being said it is now a requirement that you wear a mask whenever you leave your home. It is in fact recommended that you wear them at home as well if you live in a shared household.
If you leave your home with no mask on you will be arrested and confined until you can be tested. No one is exempt from this law even your children must wear a mask. They will be provided at clinics and your place of work is required to provide them to all employees. This law goes into effect in two days time. If someone is found to be infected they will be placed into quarantine and tested again in a week’s time. Once they are free of the infection they will be released.
In the meantime we are going to start a sweep of the country to test everyone. One team will start on the East Coast and one on the West Coast working their way inland. This will take time but it is our main priority as a nation. Once the sweep is done we will start again and do this at least three times. Then once every year for the next twenty years. This may seem severe but it’s our way to make sure that no one stays infected.
As of right now there is also a restriction on leaving the country. No one who is in the United States at this time may leave and no one in another country may enter. This has also been agreed upon worldwide regarding other countries. I know this will be difficult, but I know as a country we can pull through. I wish to convey this by being the first one to put on my mask.” The president picked up a plain white mask surgeons used before putting it on. “Through this we will endure.”
The announcement ended and people looked around at each other numbly. There would be more waiting and more fear. It took only until just after lunch for someone to come around with a box of masks. McGee was the last to receive his out of the main team. It was so strange to see everyone wearing one and trying to continue with their work.
It soon became uncomfortable. The heat of his breath pooling in the small space in front of his mouth. He already wanted to take it off and it hadn’t even been two hours. This was in its own way confinement but he knew it was necessary. Looking toward Gibbs all he could think about was going home.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
He entered their meeting place to find the other already there barely refraining from pacing. He wondered what the elders would say about the news that their pursuers had arrived. He wondered if they even knew. They had never left a planet before completing their mission, but he wondered if this time would be different. The meeting time came and went without the elders appearing. That could mean only one thing. “They are dead.” The other jerked his head in his direction.
“You don’t know that. They could just be late.” He shook his head slowly. “These meetings take place on an astral plane for a reason. That way no one can be late and we don’t have to worry about getting back to the ship. They have been destroyed. Our only means off of this planet is gone and our pursuers have just given our prey a weapon to destroy us. Our race will become extinct on this world.”
The other was angry and finally had to pace. “You are wrong! The elders are revered! They would not lead us into our deaths!” He held back a sigh. This one was still very young. “The elders do what they wish for themselves. I suggest that you find a human to settle with and stay out of the way of the testing. Do not infect anyone. That has become the only way to survive.” The other had stopped pacing and tried to maintain his anger although it was easy to see it was just a mask for the youth’s fear.
“What you say is against our laws. They will lock you away for treason. I will tell the elders what you have said as I must, but I will ask mercy for you as you are not in your right mind. The fear of death is causing you to say these things.” He looked at the youth for just a moment more before mentally saying goodbye to his old way of life. “You wait for the elders as long as you wish. They will not come. When that happens try to think on what I have said if you wish to survive.” Not waiting for a response he turned and walked away. His mind sinking back into his borrowed body within seconds.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next few weeks passed by sluggishly. The outside world full of people wearing their protective masks. Fearing each other and looking on each other with suspicion. Tony had joked one day that he couldn’t wait for someone to use the alien parasite made me do it defense, but in truth that would probably happen. People would use any excuse to pass the blame to someone else. In these following weeks more things about the parasites had been reported.
According to several news stations the aliens actually mellowed people out so the whole alien defense probably wouldn’t work. The people who had been found to be infected so far tended to cough up more when they’ve been infected longer. The longest length of time they had determined so far is almost four months. In every city there had been at least two males who have been infected that long. There was no certain type that was infected. Young or old, short or tall, skinny or heavy it didn’t matter.
The only common thread was they were all healthy. Which, really if you thought about it, did make sense. If you were invading a planet you would want healthy people to make sure they got the job done. Some of the victims had already been on TV explaining how they were attacked and forced to drink a vial of blue liquid. McGee couldn’t watch more than the beginning of the interviews as he could feel his terror growing by the day.
The sweeps were coming closer to DC. They would be tested soon, but he still couldn’t calm down. ‘What if someone he knew was infected? Would that change who they were before? Would things ever be the same again?’ Somehow he didn’t think so. He hadn’t kissed Gibbs since the masks were passed out at work. McGee just felt grateful that he had been able to before work that morning. He wanted to kiss him desperately but knew that it wasn’t safe.
He was thankful at least that they could still have sex. Although even that had been causing his fear to deepen. Gibbs could be leaning over him, causing his body to come alive with want, and all he had to do was look up and the fear would return. Even during something so intimate he had to see the mask on Gibbs’ face. It made him feel like he was having a nightmare he couldn’t wake up from.
Not able to stand it anymore he’d started to turn his head away and shut his eyes until they finished. Gibbs never said anything but held him just a little tighter then before afterward. More time passed as McGee lived in a daze of minute blurring into minute. All of it taking too long and not making any sense. The sweep was almost in their city and tension was finally at the breaking point.
He was trying to concentrate on hacking into a personal email account when someone finally snapped. “I can’t take this anymore!” McGee jerked his head turning to the left to watch Tony stand up and slam his mask unto his desk. Gibbs responded immediately. “DiNozzo put your mask back on.” Tony’s frame shook and he shook his head almost violently.
“No, I’m tired of this. It’s constricting. It’s hot. I finally get my cast off and can’t even go out to meet up with a lady. I’m done.” Gibbs wasn’t having any of it. “DiNozzo! Put the mask on!” Tony shook his head gently this time and McGee could see his frame starting to shake even worse. The determined posture deflated and he placed both hands on his desk as his gaze fell to its surface.
Gibbs stood up and moved over to Tony’s side. He picked up the mask and placed it in Tony’s view. The senior agent looked up at the mask before letting his gaze go higher. It connected with Gibbs’. “Tony put the mask back on.” Tony dropped his head again before grabbing the mask and putting it on. He dropped down into his chair and reclined back letting his eyes slip shut. He went back to the email account trying to forget that anything was wrong. Everything would be fine. It had to be.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When McGee and Gibbs returned home that night they tried to pretend the outside world’s problems didn’t exist. Gibbs went to cook dinner and McGee edited some pages from his novel. He’d brought over some of the pages so that he had something to do if Gibbs needed to have some alone time. He was called in to the small dining room when dinner was done. Setting aside his pages he walked into the other room and took his place at the table.
They removed their masks to eat. Their dinner that evening was vegetable soup and rolls. It was delicious as always and McGee’s flagging appetite returned. They both finished and replaced their masks. Gibbs was getting ready to gather up the dishes when McGee caught his attention. “Jethro.” The other man looked up and watched as McGee reached out and wrapped his hand around his stationary hand.
Gibbs looked down briefly before looking at McGee and smiling. The only way McGee could tell was how Gibbs’ eyes lit up and the way small wrinkles showed more at his eyes. McGee let him go as he mourned not being able to see that smile. He gathered up some of the dishes and between the two of them the dishwasher was loaded in no time. Gibbs started the dishwasher and they went into the living room to watch TV.
Over the next few hours they sat on the couch and watched old comedy reruns. The primary channels were showing the news too frequently and they just wanted to avoid that topic when they got home. McGee laughed as Lucy Ricardo slurred yet again while trying to film the Vitavetavegamin commercial. It had to be one of his favorite episodes. Gibbs laughed too and McGee enjoyed the gentle shake lying next to his chest caused when he laughed. The deep rich sound was also more than pleasing to hear.
They kept on ‘I Love Lucy’ until bedtime and then headed up stairs. After getting ready they laid in bed resting and holding each other until they could doze off. At least that was what they normally did unless of course they were in the mood to have sex. Tonight was different though. McGee couldn’t pretend anymore and he saw things more clearly then he wanted. They were going to be tested soon and he was terrified.
For the first time in a long time he was genuinely happy. He was in a relationship with the man he loved and they had just started growing closer. He was already practically moved in, but the last few weeks had broken up that foundation. He could have sex but he couldn’t kiss Gibbs. He couldn’t love the other man’s body freely anymore. He couldn’t even look at Gibbs’ face anymore while they had sex.
Things were so restrictive and everyone was on edge. There would be people infected and they would be carted off into quarantine for a week. It was all just a big mess and the thought that they all could have been infected was horrifying. If it hadn’t been for the aliens warning them their whole plant would have been taken over. Suddenly he couldn’t stand it anymore.
He pulled away from Gibbs and propped himself up on an elbow. “Jethro, let me kiss you.” Gibbs had been startled when he pulled away and now he looked shocked. “Tim you know I can’t do that. It’s not safe.” McGee could feel his lip quivering but had no control over himself at the moment. The tears gathering in his eyes couldn’t be stopped either regardless of what Gibbs would think of him later.
“Please Jethro, I need it. Please I can’t…it’s too much…and I need.” He sobbed as his eyes fell closed. The heat of tears streamed down his cheeks into the mask but he couldn’t stop them. He felt himself drawn down and he followed weakly. He was disappointed but tried to understand. That was why he was surprised when the mask was slowly removed and gentle lips pressed against his own.
McGee’s open mouth released another sob before he pressed inward and kissed his lover back. He tried to stop his crying but he still continued. He was getting what he had wanted but he’d been holding too much in for too long. Gibbs seemed to understand and just kept kissing him regardless. They didn’t deepen the kiss beyond light touches but it was more than enough. Eventually the tears stopped and McGee could feel his body starting to relax. The kisses continued even as he became so weary he couldn’t respond. The gentle pressure of Gibbs’ lips leading him into the most restful slumber he’d had in weeks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The day McGee had been dreading and looking forward to had finally arrived. Several government officials had come to perform the testing. They had started from the bottom and were working their way up. Abby came upstairs looking somewhat mournful as people behind the team were tested. When Tony asked what was wrong she became somewhat teary. “Ducky and Palmer were both infected.”
Everyone was shocked into silence. “They said that it’s only been about a month for both of them. The government guys are taking them into quarantine. Gibbs, I don’t understand, why Ducky? I can understand Palmer because he’s exposed to more people. He hangs out with his friends and goes to clubs. I mean I’m not saying that I wanted him infected either I just don’t understand.”
She was closer to tears now and without hesitation Gibbs wrapped her in a loose embrace and kissed her on the head. “It’ll be okay Abby. They will be back before you know it. Maybe you can get them a welcome back cake shaped like an alien space ship.” Abby laughed slightly. “Gibbs, you always know how to cheer me up. I think I’ll do just that.” Gibbs chuckled slightly as he let her go. “I’m going to get some coffee.”
McGee watched Gibbs walk over in the direction of the coffee pot until his visual was blocked off by a wall. A few moments later the testing began on their group. Ziva was cleared, Tony was nervous but blew out a breath when cleared, and McGee tried not to be sick as the device was put in his mouth. The vibrations tickled but he had no reaction other then slight nausea from his frazzled nerves.
He knew he wasn’t infected because reports always said the person infected was aware of being taken over. It was still nice to see that everyone else was okay though. Well everyone except Gibbs. He needed to get back so they could get this over with. McGee was already planning a big celebratory dinner, after which he would take Gibbs upstairs, and let the other man ride him until they broke Gibbs’ bed.
The testers moved on to another area and declared the floor finished before Gibbs returned. He approached McGee with no mask obscuring his features. McGee just had to voice what he was thinking. “That was one long cup of coffee.” Gibbs just smiled and McGee reveled in being able to see it again. “I got tested over by the machine. Now that we’re done why don’t we go out for lunch? I know this bistro that serves a killer sandwich. It’s in one of the already tested areas too so it should be open.”
McGee smiled warmly at the suggestion. “That sounds great.” Gibbs told the team they would be heading out and they would see them tomorrow. Gibbs easily evaded the questions about why they were leaving together by telling them he was giving McGee a ride home. It had already been decided long ago that testing day would be a day they could go home early. Everyone waved them off as they grabbed their things and made their way to the elevator.
They had just passed the desks when Gibbs threw McGee for a loop. “I think we should tell the team about us. They’ll keep our lives private enough that we won’t have to worry about the higher ups.” Gibbs turned his head to give McGee a grin. “That is of course, if you want them to know.” McGee let a blazing smile spread over his features as Gibbs pressed the button for the elevator. The agents who had been guarding it earlier gone now that the floor had been cleared.
They were just about to enter the steel box when the Director called out. “Gibbs hold on.” They stopped and Gibbs faced the director. “The testers are saying they don’t have you marked off as being tested.” Gibbs just lifted an eyebrow. “I just took my test over by the coffee machine.” The Director still shook his head. “I’m sorry Gibbs, but if they don’t have it marked down then you can’t leave.”
Gibbs growled slightly. “Fine but I would like to know who cleared the floor if I haven’t been tested?” The Director just sighed and nodded in agreement. “Some people aren’t as thorough as you Gibbs.” The Director walked back over to the testers, and after a brief conversation with McGee that ended with a thorough kiss, Gibbs followed ignoring the shocked looks of everyone including his lovers. McGee’s shock didn’t last long however, as he stood waiting for Gibbs to get tested again, a small warm smile gracing his features. Gibbs looked at him with a soft smile of his own before facing forward and steeling his features.
McGee was going to remind him that it wouldn’t hurt but they had already started. The device was removed and McGee stepped forward to hand Gibbs’ his coat. He stopped after only one step forward, his expression falling into shock again, when Gibbs leaned forward and a black trail escaped from his mouth. As Gibbs fell to his knees choking on copious amounts of the black substance McGee backed into Ziva’s desk. His knees gave out on him as he recalled the conversation that he’d had with Gibbs just moments earlier.
The Director had just left when Gibbs turned to him with a soft look. “I want you to know something. I love you Tim. I’ve loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on you and I can honestly say that’s never happened before. I want you to be happy. More than anything, that’s what I want. Promise me that you’ll at least try to be happy with me. That you’ll try to make us work.”
McGee had smiled. The answer was an easy one. “I’m happier with you then I thought possible Jethro. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make the both of us this happy for the rest of our lives.” Gibbs leaned in and gave him a thorough kiss on the lips. His eyes widened in shock. ‘Well that was one way to break the news. Although it wasn’t very secretive.’ Gibbs didn’t seem concerned as his smile just became mischievous. “That’s all I ask.”
The conversation looped through his mind as he slid to the floor. The items he’d been carrying falling to his sides as Gibbs braced himself against the floor continuing to choke. Even through the numbness he was able to pick up a tester speaking. “With this amount he had to be one of the first one’s infected. A little over four months ago.” He started to sob and shake his head. ‘That means it’s been a lie from the very beginning.’
Someone knelt in front of him and called his name but he couldn’t see them. All he could see was Gibbs finally choking out the last of the substance. A tester starting to help him to his feet. The black substance was scrapped off the ground and put in a jar. Someone else was on his other side, a hand gently rubbing his head, but again he didn’t know who it was. It really wasn’t important anyway. Everything that was important was gone now. He had nothing left.
He heard voices but couldn’t really follow what they were saying. “They had contact. He needs to be retested.” Another voice only this one sounded angry. “He’s upset. Can’t you wait a minute? We need to try to calm him down.” The rubbing on his head stopped and he felt something pushed into his mouth. A tickle went through him but through it all he didn’t move. The great sobs causing his chest to heave even with the obstruction blocking his airway.
The first voice sounded again in surprise. “He’s clear.” A pause. “I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t he infect him given the chance?” McGee heard nothing again until his world tilted. He was moving he just didn’t know how and the male voice was back. “Geez Probie you need to lay off the Chinese. I’m going to take you home now, okay pal?” McGee didn’t try to make sense of anything all he wanted to do was sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
McGee blinked sleepily and took in his bedroom. He sat up confused as to how he got home when he saw the note next to his bed. It was from Tony.
McGee,
I bought you a sandwich for lunch. It’s in the fridge. I saw you were a little low on food so I picked up some things. If you need anything just give me a call on my cell.
Tony
McGee slowly started to remember what happened at the office and laid down again feeling sick to his stomach. He had known that nothing would ever be the same again for some people, but he never thought he would be one of them. At least not to this degree. He lay in bed for the rest of the night dozing on and off. His waking moments were tormented by what happened at the office and his dreams were tormented by happy memories with Gibbs.
The next day McGee crawled out of bed and went to the couch. Flopping down on it he turned on the TV. The only time he moved was to get food on the rare occasion he was hungry and to go to the bathroom. Three days went by when he heard a knock on his door. He didn’t move to answer or call out anything but thought to just let them go away. That plan didn’t pan out as someone opened the door with a key. He heard the door close and footsteps approach.
“Hey Probie, how are you feeling?” McGee didn’t speak so Tony continued. “How are you doing on food? I’ll tell you what I’ll run to the store for you later. Did you want to come with me? We could flirt with the check out girl.” McGee just stared at the TV. Tony moved forward and dropped a stack of mail in front of him on the coffee table. “Okay well, I’ll be back in a bit McGee. Did you want anything in particular?” Greeted with more silence Tony just kept going. “Okay, I’ll be back.”
The footsteps went to the door and it was shut a moment later. McGee’s eyes dropped to the mail briefly before going back to the TV. They dropped again though as McGee realized what he’d seen. Leaning up on an elbow he reached forward and shoved the other mail aside until he uncovered the letter that caught his attention. The plain white envelope was addressed to McGee in Gibbs’ handwriting.
He lay back down and held the letter gently in both of his hands. The appendages shook as he opened the envelope. Being very careful he withdrew the letter. Setting the envelope back on the coffee table he unfolded the white sheet of paper. After reading the first line he sobbed and stopped reading. It took several minutes but he forced himself to read the letter. He had to know if it was all a lie.
My Dearest Tim,
If you’re reading this letter then I’ve died. I decided to send this just in case that happened. I’m going to try to get around the sweep but if I can’t then you’ll at least know the truth. The only reason I didn’t tell you about what I was before is because I knew you wouldn’t want me to stay inside Gibbs. I need a host to survive. That is the way of my kind. I would have needed to occupy him and I know you couldn’t have lived with that arrangement.
In truth we should never have left our own planet but the elders got greedy. They couldn’t be happy just ruling one people. Due to their greed our homeland was destroyed when our enemies learned of our origin. I’m actually quite old. I’ve been around since before the elders decided to take us from our home. I’m what would amount to a warrior on your world. I’ve taken over so many beings I can’t tell you a number, but this time was different.
I don’t how but you captured my heart Tim. Normally I would complete my mission and then exit the host. Letting someone else infect him, but this time I wanted to stay. Even if we hadn’t been followed, even if we had succeeded, I would have stayed. For the first time ever I haven’t been able to complete my mission. I had a female selected. One who was random and would get the job done.
It should have been easy, but when it came time to sleep with her, I thought of how hurt you would be if my infidelity was ever discovered. I left and came home to you. I was going to stay on this planet with the sole person not infected by my kind. That’s right Tim. I wouldn’t have let you become infected. Even before my kind became know of I never would have let anything change you. The beauty you possess is far too special to be tampered with. Inside and out. You are truly the loveliest creature I’ve ever laid my eyes on. In any form.
If you are grieving at all for me then please don’t. I want you to move on and be happy. More than anything, that’s what I want for you. If I can’t make you happy then hopefully someone else can. I wish things had been different. That I could have spent the rest of my life with you. I would have gladly lived and died as Gibbs to make that a reality.
There is much that was untrue, but my touch was real. My love for you is real. Keep that thought in your heart if you think of me with hatred. For truly my love for you was my greatest achievement in my long life. In farewell I would like you know to my real name. It is too complicated for humans to pronounce so I will abbreviate it so that you have at least something of my real nature to hold onto.
Forever Yours,
Thebis
McGee couldn’t contain the fresh tears that streamed down his face. It was real. Even though he felt horrible that Gibbs had been infected the fact still remained that it was real. He had been loved just not by the person he believed. He held the letter to his chest and couldn’t help but think about all he had lost.
TBC...
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