AN...Guys, I totally fubared with the posting and I want to say a big old sorry for that. When I went through the document, I copied and pasted chapter 3 in as chapter 2 so I apologise wholeheartedly and hope it didn't cause too much confusion.

The only thing I can suggest, is you guys reading through it again if you can't remember what happened and I am so so sorry for the mixup.

Shelbylou xxx


Chapter 2

"So the pressure has stabilised?" Ducky was watching the readings from the monitor that had been placed using a burr hole in Tim's skull. They had all been with their friend for the past twelve hours and were exhausted and anxious."That is good news."

"Indeed." The doctor confirmed and finished writing the notes on his patients charts. "It is encouraging but we're still going to monitor him closely. Injuries like these can be tenuous and we don't want to take any chances. Please remember, it's only been twelve hours."

"Thank you doctor. I will keep that in mind, but I'm a hopeful old man...some would say foolish, but still, in the words of Sidonie Gabrielle 'Hope costs nothing'. Our young man is a fighter and for that I am truly grateful for."

The doctor grinned at Ducky. "Are you sure you're an M.E.? You have an infectious way about you which would be wonderful for the world of the living patients."

"Ah but you see, the dead speak to me just as much as the living. In some way more so. If I can bring peace to the living by helping find out how their loved ones died, in effect bringing them closure, then my job is just as fulfilling. Of course, after my dear old mothers' death, the only family I have left is the motley crew you have already met. They mean the world to me and I wouldn't change it for the world. It is a calling and one I chose to answer a long time ago."

"Yes it is." The doctor stopped briefly and patted Ducky on the shoulder. "I'll tell the rest of the team that they can come back in."

"Thank you." Ducky sat down in the chair and looked at Tim. "Ahh Timothy. Out of everyone, you have fared the best with injury over the years and yet here you are in hospital. What will we do with you, young man?"

Everyone walked in at that moment and smiled warmly at Ducky's comment. It was said fondly like a grandfather to their grandchild and seemed to set the family element of the team in stone.

"How is he, Duck?" Gibbs asked gently and made his way to the head of the bed where he glanced at the probe and frowned. "Not much scares me, but the sight of one of my kids in hospital does. Especially with that thing hanging out of his head." He gently cupped Tim's face and bent down close. "You're okay, Tim. You get that? You're okay."

"Jethro, his intracranial pressure has stabilised so hopefully it will start to go down within the next few hours. The doctor is pleasantly surprised though has warned that it may increase again. It's a waiting game, but if our boy carries on the way he is, then the sedation will be dialled back tomorrow."

"Hear that Probie? You're doin' okay." Tony said jovially though it was plain to see the worry that lined his face as he gazed at the very same probe that disturbed is boss. "You okay, Zee?" He asked when he turned his attention to his quiet team mate.

"I am fine, Tony." Ziva moved to the other side of the bed and brushed Tim's cheek with her hand. "We miss you, Tim. I need someone to help me deal with, Tony. Abby's here as well and I know for a fact that she needs a hug, so how about you continue to heal, and wake up tomorrow for us."

"Timmy, we love you. Come back to us soon, 'kay?" Abby stroked Tim's thigh as a tear rolled down her face. "I need my partner in crime helping down in the lab."

Gibbs smiled at his team knowing that even though Tim was in an induced coma, the words would filter through to him and would hopefully help him remember that they care. It was the cathartic release that the team needed as well after waiting haplessly in the waiting room and canteen for their friend. "Alright. Everyone, go home. Get some rest and come back tomorrow. I spoke to Vance and we've all got the rest of the week off."

Shocked faces met his gaze and he couldn't help but laugh softly. "With a bit of persuasion. The case is being headed by Balboa's team and we're off call this weekend anyway. It's only a couple of days."

"I'm staying." Tony said resolutely and stood staring at Gibbs. "No way I'm leavin' him, boss."

"That goes for me too." Ziva replied and Abby was about to put her foot down when Gibbs held up his hand and shook his head.

"Not up for argument. We were workin' the case for 18 hours straight catching the odd hour at our desks. We've been here for 12 and its coming up to 2100. Duck, tell em."

Ducky sighed and glanced at Tim. "Yes well. While I too would like nothing more than to stay with Timothy, he will not be coming round until at least midday tomorrow. Plenty of time for us all to shower, eat and rest. Come now, if you would all like to stay together, I have plenty of room at my house as long as you young ladies don't mind sharing a double bed. Anthony, my sofa pulls out to a bed if that will suffice."

Tony nodded and glanced at Abby and Ziva. During Ducky's small speech, they had found each other and even though Ziva wasn't a hugger, she had let Abby pull her in and had her small arms round the Goth's waist. "I don't mind if Ziva doesn't." Abby replied and felt Ziva shake her head against her shoulder.

"I do not mind."

"Then that is settled. How about we stop off on the way and pick something up for dinner. Jethro, the invitation extends to you as well though I doubt very much that you are going to take me up on it." Ducky smiled tiredly at his friend.

"Got it in one, Duck. I'm gonna stay with him just in case. I'll be alright and can sleep anywhere. Go on, say your goodbyes and bring me some decent coffee in the morning." He watched as his team each offered Tim a goodbye; Tony grasping his hand and whispering something that only Tim could hear; Abby ad Ziva with a kiss on the cheek and caring words and Ducky, not being afraid to show his emotions, with a kiss to Tim's forehead and a squeeze to the cold hand. He said his own goodbyes and settled into the chair to watch over his boy.

***NCIS***

The night had been long with a few hitches along the way. Tim's intracranial pressure had risen a couple of times sparking a little bit of panic as the monitor beeped to let them know. Luckily, it was brought back down again easily with drugs and some kind of cold cap that was placed on Tim's head carefully whenever it rose. Right now, the pressure had decreased and was lying well within normal levels; something the doctor had been more than happy about and surmised that if Tim carried on the way he was going, he'd dial back on the sedation in a few hours. Right now, it was 0730 and Gibbs sat there watching his boy feeing the weight of exhaustion pulling heavily down on him. He's slept, but it had been snatches here and there and every time he got into a deep sleep, either a nurse came in to do the checks or the monitors beeped frantically. He rubbed his hand wearily over his face and yawned.

"You and me are gonna have a talk about you getting hurt, McGee. Seeing any of you in hospital is too much."

"Agent Gibbs. How's our boy?"

"Doc, do you ever go home? You've been here all night." Gibbs smiled at the doctor and accepted the coffee that the man had brought in. "Thanks."

"Double shift. I'm sure you can relate to that. How's he been since the last blip?" The doctor checked Tim's charts before going over the monitor and smiling warmly. "That's it, Tim. You're doing well."

"That good?"

"I'd say so. The last time it went up, the treatments we used brought it down to a more normal level. It's stayed that way for over four hours so I'm going to give him a couple more hours and dial back the sedation. We'll do it gradually so the waking will be calm. If we can keep him calm and relaxed, then there's less chance of the swelling coming recurring."

"I'll stay with him." Gibbs vowed and sipped at the coffee. "Not bad. This isn't the same hospital crap I've had all night."

The doctor laughed and shook his head. "Damn straight. There's a coffee shop just down the street and I had a break due. Thought you could do with some decent caffeine and you're ex marine, so I figured you drank it strong."

Gibbs narrowed his eyes. "How'd you figure that?"

"You never leave a man behind. Been here all night looking after that kid...and I might have heard your team talking last night. It came up."

"Don't even want to know how."

"Aw come on Boss. Nothing bad, we were just sayin' that you're marine...ness shone through in situations like this. Good morning Probie. Not looking as pale today. How's he doing."

Tony sauntered in and handed Gibbs the coffee he had just bought. Gibbs nodded his thanks and placed it on the nightstand before taking a sip of the one he had. "Oh, you've got one."

"uh huh. Doc said McGee's gonna be waking up in a couple of hours. Gotta keep him calm though."

Tony sat down in the chair and grasped Tim's hand. "Hear that McGoo. Stay calm. You know there an old saying that the Brits used in the war. Keep calm and carry on. Seems about right, don'tcha agree." He wasn't expecting an answer but knew that Tim would hear him. "Anyway, Probie you can't stay asleep for long. Ziva's about ready to kill me and you're the only one that can stop her from doing that. So, when they take ya off the good stuff, come back to us alright?"

Gibbs cell rang in the silence that ensued Tony's little speech. With a regretful shrug, he answered and made his way out.

"Gibbs."

"How's our boy."

"Gettin' there. What can I do for ya, Leon?"

"I know I said the team could have the next couple of days, but I need DiNozzo and Da'vid back here to help Balboa's team. They've hit a wall and need help with some background work that you've done. They'll be back with you later on this afternoon."

Gibbs sighed heavily and rubbed his tired eyes knowing that his two team members wouldn't like it. "They're not gonna be happy about it, Leon. I told them they could have the time."

"I know and i'll take the flak. The sooner they get here, the sooner they can be with Agent McGee."

"I'll send them. I'm stayin' here though."

"Wouldn't expect anything else. Keep me informed" The line went dead leaving Gibbs feeling as though the world was going to crap. For the first time, he hated having to tell Tony and Ziva something even though it was something trivial. He sighed heavily and made his way back to the room to see Abby, Ducky and Ziva sitting there with Tony.

"Hey, DiNozzo, Ziva you've gotta go back to NCIS and help Balboa's team with the case." The two agents started to protest but Gibbs simply held up his hand to silence them. "I know. It's just helpin' them with the filler stuff you've already done. Get that done, and come back."

They deflated in front of him and stood up. "Guess we'll be getting back then." Tony said bitterly and turned to Tim. "We'll be back."

"Tony! Seriously? Movie quotes?"

Tony looked at Ziva with a confused frown and started to laugh softly. "That one, was unintentional. And you, Probie, can argue the fact all you want, but you know it's true." He cast his gaze over the still form in the bed and shook his head. "See ya later, McGee. Hopefully you'll be awake."

Ziva said her goodbyes and they made their way out leaving Gibbs, Ducky and Abby sitting in silence. The doctor had slipped out when Tony had arrived, knowing that his patient was in good hands. If anything, the strength that Tim's colleagues showed in supporting him rivalled any families and for that, the doctor was truly grateful.

"Jethro, as much as I want nothing more than to stay here, Myself and Abigail should go to NCIS to hand over any work that we do have. I would like to check on Mr. Palmer to make sure he is behaving himself."

"Ducky, Noooo." Abby whined but stopped when the M.E. gave him a stern look.

"Abigail, you should spend a couple of hours with your TAD helping them with your equipment. You know what happened last time.

"But..but..."

"Abbs, Ducky's right. Go on. Tim's not goin' anywhere and you can come back with him soon, okay?"

Abby seemed to deflate and got up to kiss Tim's cheek. "Timmy we'll be back soon, Kay. You be good for the bossman." She pulled back and turned to give Gibbs a bone crushing hug. "Call! If anything changes promise me you'll call?"

"I will, Abbs." The team leader promised. "Need to breathe though."

"Sorry." Abby pulled away and moved to stand with Ducky.

"Jethro, we shall be back in a couple of hours. Take care of our boy."

"Always, Duck. Always."