Ok, this is a longer chapter then normal….but I couldn't break it up into a two-parter and have it come out right. Reviews are welcomed! Oh, and check out my song fic too! Thanks.

(A Few days after the Rig incident)

Abby, Ziva and Bella are all sitting around Ziva's coffee table, a box of half eaten pizza in front of them, drinks in hand and they are all giggling.

"So Bella, what is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?" Ziva asks.

Abby's laugh dies off, and says, "Yeah, cause my already mini skirt getting shut in the door of my Hurst and tearing giving Tony a floor show wasn't bad enough."

Bella taps her finger to her face; "Well I would have to say the day when I was mid-change in the locker room after being in the Gym and that Palmer accidentally came in."

Before Abby has a chance to respond, Ziva speaks, "That is not true, Bella."

Abby looks between the two agents and arches an eyebrow, "What do you mean that's not true, Ziva?"

Ziva looks to the Goth, "She is lying."

She turns to Ziva, confused,"No I'm not. Ziva why would I lie about something like that? Palmer kind of creeps me out."

"Because! You have told me yourself that my driving the truck the other day was double handedly the most embarrassing day of your life," Ziva says, then rolls her eyes, "I swear you are a drama queen."

Realizing what Ziva was referring to, Bella gave her a look. "I stand corrected. I had almost successfully blocked that memory out Ziva, thanks for the reminder."

Abby smirks and says, "Yes, Ziva thank you. I wasn't buying the Palmer story. Spill Bella."

Cringing, Bella straightened her sitting position. "Well, now that I have been so lovingly reminded, the other day responding to a crime scene, Tim and I were in the back of the rig. Thanks to Ziva's lovely driving, when we stopped Tim and I went flying...and I wound up on top of him right as Gibbs opened the rig doors."

Abby's mouth falls open, "Holy Crow! Ziva's driving is dangerous; I'm surprised you didn't think about that. I can just imagine what your Uncle thought! And Tony! I always miss the good stuff!"

Ziva squints her eyes at Bella, "That is not all. Tell her Bella. Why was it so embarrassing for you?" Ziva crosses her arms, "And it is not my driving."

Crossing her arms, she gives Ziva the "Gibbs-look". "I think I have shared more then enough of that particular story."

"But I want to know! Come on Bella, we're like best friends. You can tell me anything," Abby presses.

"Yes, Bella, we are all friends here. You may feel better knowing that you can openly talk about this issue with the girls than keep it all locked up."

Groaning, she rubbed her hand on her face before taking a deep breath. "I like Tim, as in every time he's close I freak, can't breath, like him. Then Tuesday, here I am totally laying on top of him. The worst part is...Gibbs knows."

Abby looks at Bella dumbstruck; Bella likes Tim. She remembers when he first joined the team, and how they were dating. She even at one point thought that she was in love with him. She enjoyed his company, but once they were working together, things became awkward. She quickly realized why Gibbs had all his rules, so she broke it off with Tim. In the long run, it all turned out okay; she and Tim are best friends. "So, you like Tim? And Gibbs knows? You were lying on top of him, and the whole team saw. That sounds embarrassing. That sucks, Bella. Have you confronted him about your feelings? Does he know that Gibbs is your Uncle? Oh, Gibbs! That's gonna be a problem. I can see the Christmas cards: you and Tim with your arms around each other; and Gibbs glaring at him for taking your hand."

Ziva laughs, "Abby, you are getting ahead of yourself. They are not even together yet."

Turning red, Bella buried her face in her hands. "Yes, everybody saw. This is why I have been on "watch" every time I'm with Tim at work. And no, he doesn't know about Gibbs being my uncle Abby. Oh, I am so screwed aren't I?"

Abby pulls a face, and looks to Ziva who shakes her head. "No, you are not screwed, Bella. Take it from someone who has been in your shoes. Gibbs will come around," Abby says, grabbing one of Bella's hands from her face and squeezing it gently.

"Yes, Bella. All Gibbs would want is for you to be happy. If McGee will make you happy, then Gibbs will circle around," Ziva says, grabbing her other hand.

Shaking her head she laughs, "I just hope it's before he shoots Tim."

Abby laughs, "If Ziva's driving didn't kill Timmy McGee; Gibbs' bullets won't damage him."

Her eyes shone with hidden laughter, "Still, I think for a while I'm going to take the bullets out of his guns...just in case."

Abby and Ziva laugh, "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Bells."

"Oh, you cannot tell me you wouldn't do the same thing if he was your Uncle. I mean come on."

"I would," Ziva says, "But I can't say the same for my guns and knives. I am a Ninja, as Tony says."

Abby nods, "Yeah, no bullets for Gibbs. But you gotta remember, Bella, Gibbs knows how to fight. Either way, Timmy needs protection."

Bella's eyes flicker to Abby. "Almost everyone needs protection from Gibbs when it comes to protecting his girls."

"True," Abby and Ziva both say, and Abby jumps into a story about one of her ex-boyfriends first time meeting Gibbs.


(The following day)

Tim walks into the lab, placing a Caf-Pow! in front of Abby, who is resting her head on her arms. Her face lights up at the huge drink; "Thank you, McGee," taking a big gulp.

He laughs as he watches her, "Well it had been a few hours since Gibbs last brought you one, and we all remember what you're like without caffeine."

Releasing the straw she eyes Tim, "I resent that. I'm pleasant at all times of the day, Secret Agent Man. Today, however seems to be getting longer by the minute."

Grinning at her, "No offense was intended Abby. You are always in the greatest of moods and it was foolish of me to ever say otherwise."

Abby smiles and pats him on the head, "Good boy, Timmy. What brings you down here, other than this lovely cup of sugary goodness?"

"Well it's a slow day up in the office and there is only so much of Tony that I can handle in a day, especially when the boss is gone. So, I thought I would come down and say hello."

"Tell me about it," Abby says, taking another sip of her drink. "These tests are taking forever. You left Bella up there with Tony alone?"

Smiling to himself, "Trust me, I think she can handle Tony. After that smack she gave him during the jogging incident he's been treading softly when she's around."

Abby smiles, "I still can't believe I missed that. You really need to start taping these things, McGee."

"Trust me Abby I was just surprised as Tony was...well maybe not as surprised. I did see her coming. I swear it was like watching a lion attack its prey, but for once, I wasn't the intended target."

Abby smiles, noticing how Tim's eyes light up when Bella's name is mentioned, He so likes her back. I have to get him to tell me. Think Abby, think! "So, what do you think of Bella, McGee? Is she fitting in up there with all you whack-jobs, or is she just hanging back?"

Trying to casually shrug, he moved so he was leaning on some counter space, careful to avoid her precious machines. "She definitely knows what she's doing in regards to her job. Plus she's not as crazy as the others so it's nice."

Of course not; she's related to Gibbs, Abby thinks. "Good, good. I'm trying to make sure she's ok. Cause I'm not up there to see for myself, she's a good friend," Abby says, then looks at Tim, "Do you guys ever talk about things not work related?" Careful Abby, he may get suspicious...

Smiling more to himself then to Abby, he started thinking back, "Yea. She was in the military before NCIS; you could easily fit my place into hers twice if not more. And oddly enough, she knows how to speak five other languages, including Italian. She doesn't really talk about her family though. It's kind of sad."

"You've been to her house? What were you doing there, McNaughty?" Bait him, Abby, and then he'll stutter and lose his train of thought. You know his mind to well.

Turning bright red he gave her a shocked look, "Abby, it, it's not what you're thinking. She needed computer help. She called me to help, I came. That's all."

"If that's your story, McGee," Abby says, eyeing him, knowing that he's not telling her everything. "Come on, Tim. We are best friends. You can tell me. I can keep a secret-unless bribed-but even then I do try!"

"That's the truth Abby. She called with computer issues, I came over. Well, she scared me because she wouldn't answer the door but-" moving his hands through the air, moving on "I came over, I fixed it, she made lunch and because she hurt herself I took her to dinner. End of story."

Abby points at him, "Aha! You took her out for a date! Admit it, McGee! You're crushing on the Probie!"

Sighing, he closed his eyes, "I said she hurt herself Abby. She sliced her hand making us lunch." Pausing slightly, "I was making it up to her." Oh god, if Abby knew I almost kissed her, I'm doomed.

"It was a date"

"No it's wasn't Abby."

"Come on Tim! I'm stuck down here all day; I need to know what's going on in your life. Who you like, and how you're going to get her to agree that you taking her to dinner was a date."

"Abby, I promise if there was anything going on I would tell you. To begin with, I can honestly tell you she is not interested in the least. Secondly, I'm sure she agrees it was not. a. date."

Oh, Tim, if you only knew what was going on inside her head. "So you do like her. See, it wasn't so hard, was it?" Abby asks, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Besides, she would be crazy not to feel the same as you."

Tempted to tell Abby about the other incidences, he opened his mouth then shook his head. "Sure Abby." His tone, completely saying otherwise.

Abby tilts her head to the side. "I swear, Tim. She would be crazy. Trust me; I know you remember, probably better than you know yourself." Abby says, smiling at the memories of their time together. "I also know Bella, and she is anything but crazy. A little disturbed maybe, but not crazy." Abby says, trying to get a smile out of Tim.

Giving her a small smile, he sighs, "It's so hard to read her sometimes." The memory of her flying out of his apartment played through his head. "Then it's like you look at her and you can see her soul."

Abby smiles sadly at him, "She's had a hard few years. She'll open up when she's ready. But you just have to give her time. She's got to know that you're not going anywhere. That you really want to be a part of her life, not just a name she says; or a face she sees."

"Like I said Abby, I really don't think she's interested. Although I do give her points for still talking to me after what happened at her house." Realizing what he just said, he closed his eyes, hoping that she didn't hear him.

Abby straightens up, "What happened at her house? It's bigger than her hurting herself, you're ears are turning red. Spill it, Elf Lord."

Looking away from Abby, he paused to gather his thoughts, "If I told you I almost kissed her…?"

Abby squeals and throws her arms around him, and then she pulls away, confused, "What do you mean almost? Did you not have a tic-tac or something?"

Chuckling at her, "No, thank you very much Abby. We were standing in her kitchen and I had fixed her hand. As I was going to, she turned away. I figured it was better not to push."

Bella, what were you thinking?! Your dream guy was going to kiss you and you turn away! I have to have a talk with you. Abby nods, disappointment written on her face, "Oh. Well, maybe she didn't have a tic-tac." Abby smiles at Mcgee, "Everything will work out, I'm sure of it."

Giving her an actual smile, he gave her a hug, "Thanks Abby." Pulling away from her, his cell goes off. "McGee. Abby's lab. Yes, boss, I'll meet you downstairs." Giving her an apologetic smile "Gotta run. Thanks again Abby."

Abby smiles at him, "Anytime McGee." Making sure he was out of earshot, and out of the lab, she picks up her phone and dials a number. "Hey, Mark, it's me...I know, this day is going by too slow...Aw, you're sweet, listen, I have a plan, but I'm gonna need your help..."

(Later on that same day)

The elevator door dings and Abby turns to see Bella walk in with a box of evidence. "Hey, Bella. What do you have for me?" Abby says, walking over and peaking inside the box of bagged and tagged items.

"The usual, clothes, fingerprints, blood, I think we may even have hair and random bits of god knows what in there too."

Abby smiles and reaches for the box, "I love blood. Gibbs is good to me."

She takes the box over to the table and starts unloading it items, and looks over to Bella. "So, how's everything going with my new favorite agent?"

Shrugging, she leaned against one of the counters, "Busy as always. You know how it's like."

Abby smiles, "Nope. I'm in the lab all day. You get to play with guns and handcuffs. Tony still has mine."

She pauses, not exactly quite sure how to interpret that statement. "I don't think I want to know about Tony, but I can promise that I have not been using mine on anything other then bad guys."

Abby giggles, taking a sample of bloody clothing and starts running it, "Those are the best kind."

Thinking of the man that she had last arrested, Bella asks, "Best kind?"

"Bad boys Bella," Abby says, turning to her friend, "You've never dated a bad boy before? God, you really were sheltered growing up, weren't you?"

Laughing at her mistake, "Sorry Abs. My brain has been overworked the past few days. I dated a few bad boys, but they never stuck around to long after meeting Gibbs."

Abby nods once, "Good point. I'm surprised that Gibbs didn't shoot them for even thinking of dating you."

"Yes, well that is what's nice about the military life. I could be on the other side of the U.S. and he never knew until I brought them home...and then I would never hear from them again. You know, it was the best way to get rid of some of them."

Abby laughs and turns back to her work, "That's a plus I guess. At least he never took a blunt object to them. There was this one guy I dated, and he went one step too far, Gibbs found out. I thought the poor guy was going to be in the ICU," Abby rambles, then thinks back, "Nope, not a blunt object, just a lot of threats that were really promises, which I guess could be used as blunt objects. But that's Gibbs though."

Laughing, Bella thinks back. "I think I can beat that one Abs. I was dating another naval officer, cute, sweet guy. I brought him home over one of my breaks. I think within the first five minutes Gibbs told him how many guns he had in the house and if he broke my heart, he would have plenty to choose from."

"Poor guy must have run for the hills," Abby says, frowning. "So, any guys right now that Gibbs should be choosing guns for?" Abby asks, not so discreetly changing the subject.

Carefully watching the woman, "You mean am I dating anybody? No, I'm not seeing anybody Abby."

Abby arches an eyebrow, "Re-eally...in that case, would you like to join me and Mark on Friday for a movie in the park?"

Crossing her arms, "Abby, I may not be as brilliant as you, but I smell a setup here. Whatever you're planning, it's not going to work. I said that I wasn't dating anyone, not that I wasn't interested."

Abby turns to Bella and with a semi-upset face frowns at her, "I am offended, Bella. Would you really think that I would set you up on a blind date? This is just a few friends getting together to watch a movie and eat chocolate bats."

"To answer you're question, yes, I have no doubt that you would set me up on a blind date. But what in the world are chocolate bats?" Sticking her hands up, "You know what; I don't even want to know."

"It's not a blind date, Bella. There will be no blindfold over your eyes. Promise," Abby vows, and looks at her friend with the face she gives Gibbs when she wants a new piece of equipment for her lab, "Please?"

Inwardly groaning at what she was about to do she nodded, "Alright, fine Abby. I'll go."

Abby smiles and wraps her arms around Bella's neck, "You will have a blast, I'm sure of it. Oh, bring some snacks if you don't want to eat the bats."

Smiling at Abby's excitement, "Alright Abby, I'll do my best. I make no promises though. You know how work is."

"That's all I ask," Abby says, turning back to the evidence she's analyzing, "We have a problem."

Bella groans realizing knowing she would get royally chewed out, "What is it?"

"There are two different patches of blood that was found with the victim, problem is," Abby starts, and then looks to Bella. "One is A+ the other B-. There is another body out there, or the killer is really sloppy."

"Oh, Gibbs is not going to like this." Thinking about earlier that day she let out another groan, "That means I'll have to go back out to evidence hunt with Tony."

Abby looks at her friend with sympathy, but inwardly she is bouncing up and down. That means that I can corner McGee. "Have fun telling Gibbs. Sorry about Tony. I hear he has a new girlfriend. If you can call someone who looks like she's twelve a girlfriend..."

Rolling her eyes at the mention of his girlfriend, " I swear I am going to block her number myself if she doesn't stop calling my desk phone when she can't find him." An evil gleam suddenly appeared in her eyes, "Actually, I could have some fun with this. I'll see ya later Abby."

"Don't let Ziva know about her," Abby whispers, thinking of how her Israeli friend feels about Tony, and how clueless he is. She looks back at the evidence before her, "I swear, I'm going to lock all four of them in the evidence locker. Not together although that would be fun. Ok, what other secrets do you have for me?" She asks, picking up her remote and turns Brain Matter up full blast.

(Bella and Tony-Crime Scene…again)

"Tony, how big did you say the perimeter search was?"

"About 15 feet over, all the way to the road. Why?"

Adjusting her NCIS cap, "Well, what if he dumped the other body further back?"

He put his hands on his hips, "We don't even know for sure if there is another body back there Bella. Abby said he could have cut himself right?"

"She said that, but what if there is another body? You're willing to sit to hear from Abby before you go look?"

He gave her a look, "Listen Probie, I would rather wait to know what to look for before I go on a wild goose chase."

Sticking her hand in the air, "You know what DiNozzo, I'll go look. If I find anything worthy of your investigative skills, I'll call you. Just make sure your phone is on." Stalking off, further beyond where the tape was. Getting further away from Tony, she noticed a few broken branches. Slowing down, and pulling out her gun, she gazed carefully noting everything that she saw. Pulling out her phone, she called Tony.

"Did you find anything worth us looking at Probie?"

Suppressing a growl towards the Senior Field Agent. "I've found some broken branches, a few footprints that look about the same size."

Basically hearing him roll his eyes, "You called to tell me that?"

Pushing the last few branches out of the way, she smiled. "Actually, I found an old well that was hidden from our view." Looking down into the well, she had to fight back her nauseous feeling. "Tony, you need to get over here."

Concern filling his voice, "What did you find?"

"I found-" Turning at a noise, she barely caught a glimpse of movement before she felt the impact.

"Bella? Bella!" Tony stared at his phone as he heard the phone connect to the ground and a sickening thud as well as a grunt. Grabbing his radio, he took off running towards where he had last seen her. "I am a Federal Agent located off Interstate 66. I need backup now, possible agent down."

Turning her head around, she managed to roll as the man attempted another swing at her with the tire iron: both her phone and gun out of reach. Fight or Die Bella. Get up! Shoving herself up from the ground, she immediately went into a fighting stance.

Making another swing at her, he glares as she avoids it. "Damn agents, always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

Where are you Tony? Seeing him take a wide arc, she kicked him in the solarplexis. Taking a step away from her, he staggered. She acted like she was going to kick him again, but when he went to block; she stepped in, nailing him in the rib cage causing him to drop the tire iron. As she reached for it, his fist connected with her shoulder. Falling, she managed to push the tire iron away trying to by enough time. The pain so intense, she stumbled as he grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arms around her throat.

Getting the perfect hold, he started squeezing as hard a possible. Feeling her lose the drive to fight back, he bent down so his face was by her ear, "You're the first woman I'll have killed. You should feel special."

Trying one last attempt she reached up trying to claw his eyes. "I don't think so missy." He threw weight into her shoulder causing her to scream as she heard a loud pop. As the world start to darken, she thought she heard yelling. The next thing she knew there was a loud ring and the hold on her neck loosened. Falling to the ground, she heard footsteps and felt a hand reach for her. Shoving herself away, she raised her hands to defend herself.

(Tony's pov)

Running through the trees, he pauses not quite sure which direction she went. Suddenly, hearing her scream rip through the trees, he takes off in the direction it originated. Bella hang on, I'm almost there. Finally seeing her, he raises his gun at the man. "Federal Agent. Let her go." He's going to snap her neck, "I'll shoot. Let her go." Now, Tony, Now! Firing the gun, the man dropped as the blood covered Bella, falling on her knees to the ground. Rushing to her side, he dropped to his knees to reach for her as she threw her hands up to fight him off. "It's Tony. Bella, look at me." He showed her his hands, slowly moving them closer to her. As he touched her, she flinched. "You're safe." He saw her gaze up at him, slowly piecing together who was standing over her.

"Take your freaking time why don't you DiNozzo." She gave him a small laugh before steadying herself. "Call Jenny, tell her what happened."

Confused, he wondered if she didn't receive any cracks to the head, "Why would I call the director?"

"Because if you call Gibbs, you'll be dead before you reach the Navy Yard."


After dropping Bella off in Autopsy, Tony made his way to the bullpen. She was in bad shape. The ride back to base was horrible because of her shoulder. I hope Ducky can fix it. Slamming his hand against the elevator, he let out a slow breath. How could he have been such an idiot? Hearing the elevator reach his destination, he slowly made his way out of the elevator, debating how to tell Gibbs how he almost got Bella killed.

Gibbs looked over to see Tony step off the elevator alone. As Tony looked up at him, he noticed the disheveled look and saw the guilt rolling off his shoulders. "Where is Agent Woods?"

Cringing at the sound of his boss' voice, Tony turned towards his boss trying to find the right words to say. Bella was not kidding when she said he would probably strangle him. They had some weird connection, but it being his boss, he decided it would be better not to ask. "She's down in Autopsy being checked over boss."

"What the hell happened, DiNozzo?!"

Tony shook his head trying to gather his thoughts. "We went out like we were supposed to. I wanted to wait to hear from Abby on the second blood type and she went off by herself. She was jumped." He could see her eyes glazing over as she lost air. His arms wrapped around her neck. "I got there as fast as I could. I'm sorry boss, I never should have-"

Gibbs growled ready to lunge at Tony when his phone went off. "Gibbs. Yea Duck, I'll be right down." Giving Tony a murderous glare, he stormed to the elevator heading down to Ducky's autopsy.

Sighing Tony turned to his desk to get out the extra clothes that always had stored for things like this. Getting up from her desk, Ziva approached him. "Tony, what happened?"

Looking into her eyes, she could see the shame in them. "I almost got her killed because I was being too stubborn to listen." Turning away from Ziva, he headed down to Abby's lab.

(Autopsy)

Gibbs stepped off the elevator and headed into Autopsy to see Ducky and Palmer analyzing a shirtless Bella. "Now Jimmy, we have to be very careful trying to place her shoulder back into socket. This reminds me of a time where-"

"Duck, if you don't mind, skip the stories and update me on Bella's condition."

Hearing her Uncle's voice, Bella's head snapped up. Gibbs stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the blood splattered across her face, her split lip, and the deep purple bruises that were forming on her neck. "I am going to kill DiNozzo," He says, as Bella reaches out for him, he walks up to her he grips her hands as he looks at her shoulder. "It's definitely dislocated Duck. Was there any breakage?"

"None that I could find Jethro. We did some x-rays and everything looks in order. My main concern is when we go to put it right, we could do some slight nerve damage or even cause a few hairline factures."

Gibbs glanced down at his niece, "What do you want to do Sweetheart? Duck can try to set it or you can go to a hospital."

Shaking her head no, "Duck, please just do it. No matter how much I scream ok? Please, just fix this."

"As you wish my dear; Jimmy, I am going to need you to hold her here and here. Hold on tight lad, we don't want to do more damage."

Placing his hands where Ducky instructed he was ready. "When ever you're ready Doctor."

Gibbs felt her hold tighten at the slight pressure that Ducky placed on her shoulder. As Duck placed some weight to put it back in place, he heard her let out a whimper. Seeing the uncertainty in Duck's eyes, he gave him a nod. "All right my dear, here we go."

Throwing the needed weight into her shoulder, Bella let out a loud scream as Gibbs heard the snap of her shoulder being put into its proper place. After Ducky and Palmer backed up, he wrapped his arms around her as she whimpered into his chest. "It's all right. It's done. Can you move it ok?" Feeling her nod, he looked over at Duck, "run another batch of x-rays. I'm going to go talk to Tony."

"Uncle Jay, please don't blame him. Tony was there when I needed him. That's all that really matters."

Palmer stood silently shocked as he watched the exchange between Gibbs and Bella. Ducky noticed the expression and drug him to the side. "Mr. Palmer, I have the utmost respect for you as an assistant. However, what you saw today cannot be discussed with anyone outside this room. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, of course doctor. I understand completely."


McGee stepped off the elevator to see Palmer standing in the hallway. Giving him a curious look, Palmer motioned to the Autopsy room. "Dr. Mallard booted me out until she was dressed. Helping her while shirtless is different then standing around in there while she's shirtless."

Unsure exactly how to take that, McGee just pointed to Autopsy. "Can I go in or not?"

"I guess so."

Walking past Palmer, McGee entered Autopsy to see Bella sitting on one of the gurneys facing away from him as Ducky was trying to x-ray her shoulder. "Mr. Palmer, I-oh hello Timothy. I was expecting Ziva with Bella's shirt, but come here then. Is it a button up shirt? It will be easier for her to put it on."

Walking closer to the table, he could see the bruises starting to form around her shoulder. "What happened? Did the guy beat you with a pipe or something?"

Looking over her shoulder she gave him a smile, "Tire iron actually. Thank you for asking."

"Bella, this is no laughing matter, you could have gotten seriously hurt."

Her eyes holding his, she dropped the teasing tone. "If you think that is bad then I wouldn't recommend coming any closer."

Ducky sensing the situation decided to grab the x-ray film. "I'm going to go get these developed. I'll be right back."

Watching Ducky walk out the door, he caught some of the fainter marks around her throat. Throwing her shirt on the table, "Bella-what did he do to you?" Stepping around the table so he was in front of her, he gently rubbed his fingers along the bruising. "If I ever see that guy, I-"

Grabbing his hand, she looked up at him. "Tony got him. Or at least, I think he did. By that time I was blacking out from the air loss so I'm not really sure. But most of the blood that was on me wasn't mine so…" She could see the conflict in his eyes and against her better judgment she laid her head on his chest listening to his heart.

Glancing around, mainly in fear of Gibbs randomly popping up and seeing this (and then exploding), he slowly wrapped an arm around her good shoulder. Thinking back of the all too familiar words from Abby earlier, he placed his other hand on the back of her head running his fingers through her hair.