Leah woke with a start. The unfamiliar bed and the steady beep combined with the unmistakable smell of disinfectant screamed hospital in her brain. Groaning, she rolled over and looked around while she searched her memory... been here,' she thought as her earlier conversation with McGee dribbled back into her sluggish brain. Rubbing her face to wash away the remnants of sleep, she heard her voice echo in her head. The last thing she recalled saying to Tim kept repeating itself insistently.

The point is, I need some time to just be Leah. Not Lieutenant Hecht, Internal Affairs Investigator.

Maybe it was time. It wasn't like she hadn't thought about it before. In fact, before Doug had called her, she'd gone so far as to have her lawyer prepare and submit the paperwork for her. She stopped for a moment and thought about what this move would really mean, what she would gain and what she would give up. But in the end, she knew it was the only way she would stop running from life and start living it.

Making her decision, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders as she reached for the phone, only to be deterred by a knock at her open door.

I see the rumors of your demise have been greatly exaggerated, my dear. Ducky stopped by the side of her bed and smiled at her.

Hey Ducks! She grinned unrepentantly at her use of his hated nickname.

Yeah, yeah, I know. But I'm feeling better, Doctor, so cut me some slack, okay? She cocked her head and waited for his response.

Well, you did give us quite a scare. Jethro most of all. I saw Kate just before I headed over here, she said he was quite distraught last night. Ducky watched as Leah grew oddly silent. Leah? Is something wrong?

She sighed. No, Ducky, nothing's wrong. Just... difficult. She looked into the face of her old friend and tried to explain. Things have changed for me and Jeth. For the better; better than I'd hoped, even... She hesitated, uncertain of how to phrase what came next.

Then what's the problem? Isn't that what you've wanted? He leaned a hip against the bed and rested a hand on hers.

There's something I need to do first, something important. She rushed on, desperate for reassurance that she wasn't making a mistake. I want this time to work out right, I don't want to mess it up again. She gave a sad smile and her voice dropped as she continued. But I have to clear out old ghosts first. I want, no -- I need to start fresh with him.I think that's a good idea. Have you told him? The nagging feeling he got when she shook her head only intensified with his next question. Are you planning to?

She lifted a shoulder. I can't look him in the eye and then walk away, Ducky, she whispered into her lap.

You certainly don't plan to run away from him again? he asked flatly.

I'll handle it, I promise. Just don't tell him. Anything. Not right now. She looked him in the eye and fought the tears that threatened.

I won't be in the middle again, Leah. I won't say anything, unless I'm asked. He held up a finger in response to the hope in her eyes. But if asked, I will answer. In the meantime, I'd suggest you sort it out quickly. You and I both know that Jethro isn't exactly the most patient man on the planet, and I rather think he'll be here sooner than you think. He leaned in and gave her a hug and she thanked him with a brief, but genuine smile.

Take care, Ducks, she said quietly and he gave her a smile and a two-fingered salute as he exited the room.