"Gibbs!" exclaimed Abby. "Hey McGee."

"Hey Abbs," said Gibbs, giving her a hug at the same time.

"Hi Abby," said McGee.

"Gibbs, I heard that your dad is coming. Tony told me," said Abby. She held up her phone and smiled.

"Okay Abbs." Gibbs smiled back. Abby was so happy now. She had been on the verge of tears when he had told her about Ziva going back for more surgery.

A sudden beep made Gibbs look up. Dr Smith was wheeling Ziva past. Gibbs said goodbye to his agent and forensic tech before rushing after Ziva.

"Agent Gibbs, I was just about to come looking for you. Ziva made it through the surgery nicely. Her vitals are getting stronger, so hopefully she'll wake up this afternoon. You can see her if you like," said the doctor.

Gibbs thanked him and opened the door to Ziva's room. He was just about to enter when he heard someone calling him. He turned around to find his dad behind him. Gibbs waited for Jack to catch up and they walked into Ziva's room together.

Ziva looked the same as she had that morning but the machines were showing that she was getting better. Gibbs was still scared though and allowed himself to cry slightly. He knew that his father was in the room, but he didn't care. Jack would never poke fun at someone for crying.

"What happens if she doesn't wake up Dad?" asked Gibbs.

"She will. Ziva is stronger than anyone I know Leroy. If anyone can pull through, it's Ziva. She won't leave you. She once told me that you were like a father to her, one that actually cared anyway. She loves you, they all do. You are a family before a team. Ziva loves working with you. And she loves Tony. Nothing will keep them apart."

Gibbs smiled at his dad. He knew Jack was right about everything. He always was. But Gibbs wouldn't believe it until he saw Ziva wake up. She was his friend and he didn't want anything to happen to her.

"Leroy, look," said Jack, pointing at Ziva.

"What dad?" asked Gibbs.

"Ziva, look at her."

Gibbs looked up at Ziva and saw that she was starting to stir. He called out to the nurse outside the room and then returned his attention to his agent.

"Ziva, wake up honey," whispered Gibbs.

The nurse came running in and smiled when she saw Ziva open her eyes.

"Welcome back Ziva. My name is Ashleigh, but you can call me Ash if you want to. I'm going to take out the tube from your throat, so it may be a little painful. I'll fix any pain you have when I adjust the oxygen for you," said the nurse.

Ziva followed Ashleigh with her eyes and waited patiently for the tube to be removed. After a few minutes, Ziva sipped the water that Ashleigh offered her and then tried to move away from the nurse. Gibbs held her down gently and waited for the nurse to finish checking Ziva. He noticed that Ziva's eyes were darting back and forth between him, Jack and Ashleigh. She was scared and confused. Gibbs released Ziva and took her hand in his, gently squeezing it to reassure her.

"You're safe here Ziva. It's alright," whispered Gibbs. He saw Ziva relax slightly and felt her squeeze his hand.

Jack and Ashleigh left the room a minute later, leaving Gibbs with Ziva. Jack had told Gibbs before leaving that he would tell the others about Ziva. Gibbs thanked him and turned back to Ziva. She was the most important person in his life at that moment, and he wanted her to know that he was going to be there for her.

"Gibbs, I'm sorry," said Ziva quietly as tears poured down her face.

"For what Ziva?" asked Gibbs.

"I couldn't warn Tony. He didn't know that we were in danger but I did. I should have told him."

"That's not your fault Ziva. And don't apologise, it's a sign of weakness." Gibbs' smile made Ziva happy.

"Thank you Gibbs."

"No problem."

"You woke me up by the way."

"How?"

"You told me that I couldn't die, and that my family wouldn't want me to. You said that everyone here loves me. Is that last part true?"

"Yes. We do love you Ziva. You are the sweetest young woman in the world."

"No-one would agree with you on that."

"Once they get to know you, they will. You may act tough, but inside you are really just looking for someone to understand you, aren't you?"

Ziva gave Gibbs a small smile that conveyed her feelings and gratitude. Gibbs immediately understood.

"Do you want to see Tony, McGee and Abby?"

"Okay."

"I'll be back in a few minutes then. I'll send Abby and McGee in while I get Tony."

"Thank you Gibbs."

"Ziva, you're awake!" said Tony. He was excited.

Abby and McGee had just left, giving Tony and Ziva some private time with each other.

"I am. Are you okay?" asked Ziva. She sounded worried.

"Of course. I get to go home in three days. You got the short stick unfortunately. I wish I could turn back time and save everyone."

"But I should have warned you Tony. I saw him coming but I couldn't tell you quick enough."

"Well that's not your fault. It's his, he shouldn't have been speeding."