A/N: Written for the NFA In Sickness Challenge. It's pretty much my standard: angst, fear, teamwork, family, etc. etc. Tim-centered...as always. One difference is that this is not case-based. It's about my first multi-chapter fic that does not center around a case. It is all about the people. I hope you like it anyway. I have done a lot of research for this one, but I have no practical experience. If I've gotten something hugely wrong, feel free to tell me.

Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever own NCIS whether the real thing or the series. More's the pity. Maybe if I'm really good I'll get it for Christmas. :)

What Is in the Marrow
by Enthusiastic Fish

Prologue: Diagnosis

"The tests are back."

"And?"

"Well, you're right."

There was no happiness in knowing that...only dread. "I am?"

"Yeah...AML. Fairly advanced."

A sigh...a very long sigh. "You have the death warrant ready?"

"It's not a death sentence."

"It's not?" He leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees.

"Now, I refuse to believe that you didn't look up every possible diagnosis before even setting foot in my office. You know the details already."

"It's different hearing it from you...instead of some random online medical site."

"Better?"

"Only because I know you're reliable."

He smiled. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. What now?"

"Now? Take a couple of days and let it sink in. Tell your friends and family. They'll need to know. Talk to Mandy out in the office and schedule your next appointment. It's going to be a rough few months and we'll want to get started fairly soon."

"Yeah."

"Hey, remission happens more often than it doesn't. There's no reason to think that you couldn't fight it off and live the rest of your life without it."

He laughed. "Remissions almost always fail at least once."

"Let's not put the cart before the horse. Let's get you there first, okay?" The doctor stood up and walked around his desk. "This isn't the end of the world."

"Three of my grandparents died of cancer."

"That doesn't mean that you will." The doctor squeezed his arm. "This is a shock, I know. It always is, even if you know it's a possibility. Tell your family and friends. Let them help."

"Doctor's orders?" He stood.

"Yes."

"Okay."

"Enjoy the rest of your weekend...if you can."

"I'll try." He shook the doctor's hand and walked out of his office. After scheduling his next appointment, he walked out into the sunshine. It was supposed to be a beautiful weekend...perfect weather. How can I enjoy the weekend, knowing this?

Acute. Myeloid. Leukemia.

Cancer.

Timothy McGee looked around at all the normal...non-cancerous people walking on the streets and he wondered why it was that he already felt cut off from them.

The reason came out as a simple whispered declaration.

"I have cancer."