Chapter 2:

Gibbs POV:

Gibbs had the urge to punch the next doctor or nurse that touched him. He did not remember getting this many shots or wound cleanups when he was shot. He had tried to close his eyes and think of Abby, but every time he did, someone would shake him to make sure he was ok.

Gibbs was use to taking care of his own wounds not being fussed over so much. Unless it was Abby doing the fussing. This thought made him smile and it seemed to convince the doctors he was feeling ok. They finally left him down from the examine table.

Abby was still helping Gibbs get through this nightmare. She was still miles away but providing support. This reminded him when he told her, the things she did mattered to people. An Abby hug was the only medicine he needed.

McGee POV:

McGee could not wait to see Delilah. He wondered how much her stomach had grown, if everything was good with the baby. Most of all, he wanted to be home with her.

If the truth be told, he was anxious to see how Gibbs and Abby acted together. He hoped this finally allowed the two of them to admit their feelings. Tony and McGee really thought when Gibbs was shot, it would be the final piece of the puzzle to put the two of them together but somehow it had not worked out that way.

McGee stepped down from the examine table and walked over to Gibbs. Gibbs was waiting for him so they could head out to the car that was taking them to NCIS headquarters.

Vance POV:

Vance dropped into his desk chair feeling relief for the first time in weeks. His agents had been found alive. He was still waiting to hear the medical reports on both, but was assured both had no major injuries. Vance had lost agents before, so it was great to hear these two were still alive. All three had grown close over the years.

McGee was afraid of Vance when he started. He was now comfortable enough around him to give his opinions and suggestions to help solve many cases.

Gibbs had started out a thorn in Vance's side. The two had learned to work together over the years and even managed to become friends. Vance had changed his mind about Gibbs after his late wife, Jackie, had met Gibbs. She told him, "Gibbs is someone you can trust to be on your side and work with you, not against you." It was true. Gibbs had helped Vance many times, never more than when he lost Jackie.

Abby POV:

Abby had pinched herself so many times her arm was hurting. She wanted to make sure this was not a dream. Gibbs and McGee were really coming home. Everyone had worked so hard to make this happen.

Gibbs team really was a family. McGee, Ellie, Torres, Reeves and Jimmy were like the grown children, Vance was like the brother Gibbs never had and Ducky was the surrogate Father. Abby never knew what she was to Gibbs. Maybe the weird cousin, like Oliver in the Brady Bunch.

She knew it was not like a daughter. Everyone had always told her Gibbs protected her like she was his daughter. She had mentioned this years ago when she found out Gibbs shot the killer of his wife, Shannon and daughter, Kelly. His reaction had been a confusing one. She could tell from his look that he loved her and always would. But the daughter part seemed to bother him. Gibbs future had been on the line so she never mentioned it again. She just assumed losing Kelly had been too painful.

Abby did not want to think about it now. Her Gibbs was coming home and all she wanted to do was celebrate.

Reeves POV:

Reeves never had a family growing up but somehow this celebration of Gibbs and McGee being on their way home reminded him of what friends had said "Going home for the Holidays" felt like. Many co-workers had come and gone over the years at MI6 but this NCIS group seemed different. He knew more about their personal lives than anyone he had ever worked with before. Gibbs and Abby had made him feel part of the group. She is always encouraging him to hang out with the others. Ellie had become his sister; Torres was his competitive brother.

Has Gibbs NCIS team become the foster family he dreamed of when growing up? Wondered Reeves.

Torres POV:

Guilt was all Torres could think about as Gibbs and McGee were on their way back to NCIS headquarters. Torres thought he should have been able to find a way to get the helicopter back to get Gibbs and McGee. This team thing was still new to him and he did what Gibbs told him. He got the kids out of harm's way but that meant Gibbs and McGee could have died. Vance, Ellie, Ducky even Abby told him he did the right thing but Torres knew he needed to hear that from Gibbs.

Ellie POV:

No one could take the smile from Ellie face. She was so happy and thankful that Gibbs and McGee were alive and well. When she thought they were only going to be gone a day or two; she thought it was cool to be in charge. But finding out they were missing and everyone needing something from her was way more than she wanted.

She hoped one day Gibbs would explain how he was able to do his job for so many years and still be sane. She glanced around at that moment and saw Abby pinching herself. No doubt Abby was making sure this was not a dream. Another smile came over her face as she thought perhaps Abby is what keeps Gibbs sane.

Jimmy POV:

Jimmy was happy and relieved at the same time. Thank you God for bringing back Gibbs and McGee to us. I was happy to help Delilah with the baby classes. It reminded me of all the joy of having baby Victoria, but I want McGee to enjoy those things and the birth of his child. Everyone in this room including me needs Gibbs back in their lives. He reminds us every day with his actions that we need to appreciate those in our lives.

Ducky POV:

Ducky looked around the bullpen as everyone's eyes were focused on the elevator doors. He could tell everyone was excited for Gibbs and McGee to return but he could also see everyone dealing with their own individual needs in having Gibbs and McGee back. Ducky was happy for their return as well. He knew the last 46 days had taken a toll on everyone in the room. As Ducky watched; he moved closer to Abby because he had a feeling she was going to need him.

It was then that time seemed to stand still as the elevator bell sounded and the doors opened up. Everyone was shocked with what they saw.