A/N - This is the sequel to the one-shot I wrote titled 'Dying'. Reading that first will help with knowing who Alex (OC) is and what it is she wants for Callen. You don't have to, details about Alex will be revealed as we go.

This is my first Callen/Kensi story, so help in the form of reviews, constructive criticism, encouragement etc will be greatly appreciated.

The story is set between the Legend episodes and Identity, during Callen's recovery time. AU, as Callen and Kensi aren't together in the show.

Rating may change to M later, still working on those chapters though.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything you recognise, do claim my oc's though. Just having fun.

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Chapter 1

Inside Kensi's head.

Three weeks.

Three weeks since Callen had been brought into the hospital.

Three weeks since the shooting that had changed their lives.

Three endless weeks. She'd spent every waking and sleeping moment she was allowed here, beside him. Waiting and hoping for him to wake up.

Three weeks with three terrifying moments when his heart had stopped beating. Long enough to send doctors rushing in with the crash cart, but not long enough for them to actually use it; his heart starting to beat before they could.

Each time she was sure hers had stopped along with his.

She loved him. It had taken until now for her to admit it. Taken her years to free herself to love someone other than James. Seeing Callen lying so pale in ICU, hearing those monitors scream out for someone to help him. Knowing that there was only a slim chance of him pulling through such a destructive assault on his body. She'd had no choice but to admit it, because if she didn't now, she may never get the chance again.

It was the third night she'd spent in his room when she told him, whispered it quietly in his ear, hoping it would reach him and give him a reason to come back. She'd heard the door to his room close just after she had said the words and turned around to see Hetty standing behind her. She still remembered that conversation so clearly.

"Miss Blye, make sure you tell him that when he is awake. In the meantime, you need to go home and sleep."

"But Hetty-"

"No. I will stay with him until you return. At least a few hours sleep in your own bed, otherwise you will be no good to any of us, let alone Mr Callen when he does wake up. And do not doubt it, he will."

She'd nodded and reluctantly left. She had to admit though, that Hetty had been right. She did need some decent sleep. When she returned to his room later, she was surprised to find a new addition to the room. A small sofa. Hetty had smiled at her.

"If you are going to stay here so often, you might as well be comfortable. I will see you at the office later."

With that Hetty had left.

The vigil at his bedside was shared between her, Sam, Hetty, Nate and Eric. They had a system. Nate and Hetty were there during days when she, Sam and Eric had to deal with cases. She came straight here from the office and Sam would come in about three am for the hours before work, whilst she grabbed a few more hours of sleep in the comfort of her bed. Eric filled in whenever needed, though he usually showed up around eight pm with some dinner for them each night, keeping her company for an hour or two, before heading home. Weekends and days off were a free for all, though she still claimed the night shift.

Three weeks.

Three weeks, with not a sign that he was getting close to coming back to them; to her.

Three weeks. It felt like longer. It felt like a lifetime.

Three weeks before he finally drifted back to them and she was there for it, holding his hand.

Three weeks and three words. It gave her hope. Made her believe that he was still fighting. That he would come back soon.