Gibbs cradled his friend close. "You hang on you hear me?"

The Doctor nodded with all the energy he had. He tried a few times to open his mouth to speak but couldn't. He always knew what to say, how to say it and when to say it, but now for the life of him, he struggled to choose the last words he may ever express.

"Jethro…"

His friend held him tighter to ensure him he was there. "Duck, don't talk."

He opened his eyes for a few moments before closing them again. This cycle continued until he found his hand intertwined with that of his friends.

"Because I have loved life…" He stopped to regain his strength and continued. "I will have no sorrow to die…goodbye my dear boy…" He closed his eyes finally and his hand fell limp.

Gibbs pulled his friend closer and softly kissed his forehead. "Sleep well my friend."