Please just read this story. I'm new to this so any pointers you can give will be appreciated. I'm sorry for any OOC but I wrote this the best way I knew how. If you don't like it, please don't send flames, but reviews would be awesome.

Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS. All ownership rights belong to DB, CBS, and Paramount, etc. I am simply borrowing them for my own entertainment. I also do not own the book Five People You Meet in Heaven which belongs to Mitch Albom and I just used the idea as a little inspiration.

Read, Enjoy, and review. :)


Prologue

The team has just stormed into a building of a known drug dealer. Gibbs is the first to be spotted while the rest of the team are easing their way into the room. Gibbs calls out first, "Freeze, NCIS! Put your weapons on the ground and your hands on your heads!" The drug dealers laugh for they do not realize that there are more people there with him. The ring leader of the group turns and fires at Gibbs. Despite having on a bullet-proof vest, the bullet still penetrates and nicks Gibbs through his left upper chest, just another inch lower and Gibbs surviving long enough for his pulse to be checked would be futile.

Tony and Ziva are swift with shooting the man who has gotten a round into Gibbs. The other culprits drop their weapons and place their hands on their heads. Tim kicks their guns to where they will not be able to reach them while he rushs over to where Gibbs is now lying in the floor. Tim realizes that Gibbs has almost lost consciousness and starts to apply pressure to the wound. "Guys, Gibbs has lost consciousness. We need to get an ambulance fast."

Ziva is already on the phone with 9-1-1. "-We need an ambulance here quick. There is a man who has been shot. He has lost a lot of blood and he is no longer conscious." Ziva ends her phone call and turns to the men that are in the car. "Tony, how about you and I take our suspects in while McGee takes care of Gibbs? The paramedics should be here soon and then we can go to the hospital to see how he is doing." As Ziva finishes this statement the siren from the ambulance can be heard pulling up outside.

The paramedics rush over to Gibbs and load him onto the gurney. McGee steps out of their way so they can do what they must. Finally, after they have Gibbs back to the ambulance, McGee jumps into the back and motions for Ziva and Tony to take care of the others. They turn to the vehicle. This time Tony throws the keys to Ziva without speaking any words, because he just wants to get things taken care of soon so that he can be there when Gibbs gets out of surgery.


A little while later at the hospital, the entire team has assembled at the hospital including Abby, Ducky, and Palmer. Abby has become a nervous wreck and is clutching to McGee, who has changed into a pair of scrubs upon arriving at the hospital for his clothes are covered in Gibbs blood. Abby's sobs are slowly becoming less words and more babble as the time rolls on. Ziva is leaning against Tony while she sleeps in the chair. Tony has wrapped his arms around Ziva's shoulders and is pulling her closer to him while maintaining a face of steel and concern. Ducky is pacing around trying to be patient while he waits for the doctor to come out and give them the details on Gibbs's condition. Palmer is at a loss for what he should be doing. He just looks down at the floor and worries about how long until they hear any news.

At about this time, the doctor finally walks out and asks, "Family of Mr. Leroy Gibbs?" The team all jump up and the doctor's speaking. Ziva turns to stare at Tony for she has just realized how they were lying on the chairs together. Abby is still in McGee's arms for she refuses to allow him to take his arms from around her. Ducky has turned his full attention to the doctor along with Palmer directly beside him standing as if he is in the military.

"We are the family of Agent Gibbs," Ducky replies while hoping that the doctor does not actually question them, because he knows he would not be able to lie at this point for he is too exhausted from the worry.

"Well, sir. We have successfully got the bullet out. There were no complications with the surgery. He should be fine physically within the next few weeks. We are however a little concerned about his mental state," the doctor informs them while staring at each of them noting that while they could all be family, he is not really believing it.

"Excuse me, doctor. What do you mean by he will be fine physically but you're concerned about him 'mentally'?" Tony asked while the fear becoming more evident on his face. Abby begins to clutch McGee more closely to her and her sobs are barely being suppressed.

The doctor turns towards Tony, and stops to consider the best words to say. He finally speaks, "I am sorry to say this, but Agent Gibbs is in a coma. We figured he would awake after the surgery, but when he did not, we ran some tests. We have analyzed the tests, and they all turn up with nothing being out of place. The problem is something within his thoughts. We will continue to monitor for any signs of him awaking. You all are able to go in and see him now if you wish." After this the doctor turns and walks away for he feels that this "family" needs a moment to themselves.


In Gibbs' room, none of the team knows quite what to say. They all remember the last time Gibbs was in a coma with no reason besides the psychological one. They all stand back a little ways for they are afraid to go any nearer because of the machines attached to Gibbs believing that if anyone goes nearer, then they are admitting that their boss has the ability to be that weak. They are all standing there until Abby finally decides that she doesn't want "Papa Bear" to be alone anymore and sits next to his bed. She grabs onto his hand as if it is a lifeline when there is a mumbling coming from the man on the bed. The rest of the team doesn't hear it, but Abby does and what she hears scares her for the name she just heard Gibbs utter is of a woman no longer living. "Shannon-", Gibbs mutters again still only audible by Abby.

Now you've read it, should I continue or not? Let me know. :)