Authors note: My tech knowledge is horse crap, and I've taken some loose liberties with Abby's age in flashbacks in reference to a certain flashback. Nothing major. It feels GREAT to be writing again, please review if you're still reading. I do it for you guys. I smile like an idiot every time I read them. They totally make my day. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

The rhythmic beeping of the machine matched the pounding of her head. Wincing, Abby attempted to open her eyes. The sudden wave of nausea had her abandoning that idea.

How the hell had things ended up like this?

How did wanting ONE day alone, one annual day off ended up with a hospital stay and broken bones?

Well, she could only assume broken bones. Her entire body hurt, and she was so groggy from it all that she barely understood what the doctor told her. Sighing, Abby groaned internally when she realized even THAT hurt. She felt-

She felt. Fighting back tears, Abby let herself feel. And she felt without. Empty, slippery footing with no purchase of land to regain her usual fighting stance. She didn't want to die, but didn't feel alive either. A vessel. A breathing vessel, without a host. A soul. A-

"Oh Abby."

Such a broken whisper, such fragile words spoken from someone she usually saw as indestructible. Fighting back a whimper, Abby was transported to another time, when everything was the end of the world to a 11 year old.

She'd accidentally left a pot on the stove, and obliviously went off on her adventures with her newfound best friend, the teddy bear she referred to as "Smush." She was constantly told she was getting too old for hugging, and her parents tolerated it at best, lightly scolding her at worst. Luca however, detested all forms of affection, declaring hugs as "sissy stuff." Not Smush though. She could always count on Smush for acceptance. And dare she say, Smush loved her hugs! Returning home, bear in hand, she noticed the firetrucks.

A small fire they said, no injuries. Could've been worse. Her parents just glad no one was home during the fire, and their kids were safe. But to 11 year old Abby, she was the scum of scum, the worst. Sobbing, she clutched her bear, wishing so much for comfort, yet wanting to disappear in the same moment.

"What's that?"

"It's from a bear, that I had when I was a kid. I took it everywhere with me. And then I loved it so much it fell apart…"

Smush was long gone, and this time the longing for a hug, for comfort was eclipsed by the urge to simply disappear. Not even the presence of Gibbs could soothe her, in fact in the cruelest twist of fate, it was having the opposite effect.

She was so pale, and covered in a thin sheen of sweat. Her breathing was beginning to come in short bursts, each gasp full of growing pain and agitation. The machine beeped a warning, and Gibbs shot a look at it that screamed murder. He was at a loss, unsure of what to do when it seemed all the rules were out of the window, when what worked before became obsolete now. The cold feeling was returning, and he felt his vision darkening. Another beep of the machine, and this time a whimper.

"What I really need to know Gibbs…is if you're gonna love me no matter what."

Another wave of nausea, and this time Abby felt the bile rise to the back of her throat. A tear she deemed treacherous broke free, as a whimper escaped on the tail end of a particular painful tremble. She heard movement to her left, along with some hushed voices.

Please leave. Please leave me alone….

To her utter horror, her complete shock, she felt the bed dip. And herself tenderly lifted into an embrace. Stiffening, she attempted to speak, but discovered her lips still wouldn't cooperate. The only sound that managed to escape was a painful hiss. The world seemed to pitch, spin a dangerous spin that'd send those IV fluids right back up. And for a moment Abby believed that was indeed going to happen. Pulling her against him, Gibbs let his lips linger against her temple. And shushed her.

"I love you Abby," he whispered, holding her tighter. "I will always love you, no matter what. No matter what sweetheart." He felt her stiffen, then melt into his embrace, finally letting her tears free. He silently hoped the meds kicked in soon, so that at least some of her pain lessened. Unaware he was absentmindedly stroking her shoulder, Gibbs shushed her again. "Always Abby. Forever and always. You've always been like a daughter to me. And nothing could change that. Nothing." When Abby didn't even try to hide her sobs, Gibbs allowed himself to cry right along with her.

You will never know how much of a gift you are to me…

They'd reconvened in an isolated corner of the waiting room. They always gravitated towards each other, it was as instinctual as breathing. They were a unit. They were family. And they worked damn well together. McGee furiously typed away at his computer, or laptop as he'd quickly correct you. Tony sat next to him, not even pretending to be interested in what he was doing. He was off somewhere, a place no one could reach him even though he sat right next to them. Ziva had all the appearance of someone who couldn't care less, but underneath it all she grew restless. She imagined a cat stalking a mouse, ever so focused, and no hesitation in its gait. The only time that restless energy showed was when it was time to pounce. Ziva could feel that undercurrent of energy, that urge to strike. But she had no prey. No directive…

"Got something." The usual pride, maybe even childish joy McGee usually showed when he found something was gone Ziva noticed. It was spoken briefly, cold even. And offered no room for argument.

McGee is more Gibbs right now than Gibbs is…

And that threw her. But she'd ponder over it all later. The monster clawed at the cage. She needed…

"What is it, more specifically where is he?" Tony asked, immediately looking over.

"Picked up chatter from metro. Victim matching Abby's description reported an assault yesterday morning. Suspect was long gone by the time they got there but description matches a guy known as Jackal. Just sent his usual hang out spots to your phones." If McGee was surprised to hear Tony talking, he never showed it. Seeing Ziva's confusion, he shook his head. "They've actually got decent wifi here. I need to stay connected, because I'm not done. I'm still digging," he explained, and met Tony's eyes. "and I will find what…and who I'm looking for." Tony nodded. Standing up, he rolled the tension out of his shoulders.

"Let's go." It was the most he'd spoken in what felt like days. Not counting the confrontation with…

"Hey," even her voice was beginning to sound rusty it seemed. "Shouldn't we tell Gibbs?" she asked, standing in front of Tony to stop him. His eyes darkened.

"No. We move on this." He glared at McGee in challenge. Yet again their colleague surprised them.

"I agree. We need to move." His head was already down again, but not without shooting an answering glare back at DiNozzo.

"But-"

"Ziva. We move…now." And without glancing back, Tony headed for the elevators. Ziva felt the cage rattle.

Poor Mr. Palmer had been begging him to eat, to rest, go home and sleep. But he couldn't. Not after what he just witnessed. The group he was so sure of, had such faith in, was splintering. Watching Anthony storm off, with an obviously irritated Ziva following him, he could only guess where they were going. He'd take offense to that later. Timothy barely spared them a glance, and buried himself in a world Ducky sincerely believed only Timothy understood. Gibbs had yet to come out of Abby's room, and Ducky vowed to be there when he did.

"A nurse is coming out of her room." Jimmy's voice carried through, and a Ducky snapped to attention.

I'm beginning to feel my age…

"Is everything all right? I'm Doctor Mallard, and this young lad is Mr. Palmer, my assistant. We're family. Of Abigail's I mean. My apologies it's been a rough few days."

A bit thick, but it'll get the job done.

The nurse's face softened. "I understand. She's okay, It's just her blood pressure's a little high. We've given her some stronger pain meds as requested by Mr. Gibbs. That'll ease things up some. The doc will be along in a few to check on her, but that won't be for a few with the what we've given her." She squeezed his arm. Get some rest. From what I've just seen in there, you all need it.

The coil in Duck's stomach loosened.

So they're okay…

He heard the elevator ding, and knew Ziva and Anthony were gone.

For how long, I do not know.

Guys, special shout out to reviewer named smush. Like seriously. Her/his pm lit a fire under me! I literally yelled out: THIS one's for the reviewers!" LOL. I also may have said "keep up the shit Tony and Ziva is gonna end up kicking your ass..." I may be too invested in this story lol...