1 - I don't own NCIS or any of it's characters. Just using them as inspiration for some fanfictions.

2 - I'm NOT a native english speaker. So there may have mistakes (it certainly have). I'm sorry. My english is not 100%. But it's good. I'm trying hard to let it easy to understand what I tell.

3 - I'm not expert in medicine so I'm sorry if there is something wrong about the medical parts.

By your side

Chapter 2: No news

Abby was on the drip for about 3 hours. She was so bored. It seemed way more than only 3 hours for her. She was there alone. No news about anyone. Gibbs left her there maybe was busy up to now. Impatience was taking over her. Being alone there for long time with her left arm in a sling to immobilize her shoulder and the doctor wouldn't come to say something. She needed to know about everybody else. Being stuck to the bed by the IV was like torture for someone as active as she is.

Gibbs had only minor injuries and he was taken care of in a few minutes. The doctor tried to put him on IV. But knowing Gibbs that would never happen. Ziva had her left arm in a cast. Tony had to go through a surgery to repair the damage in his abdomen. They hadn't heard about Vance. And for them Jimmy and Ducky were supposedly safe far from there in Florida for Jimmy's wedding.

The situation of McGee was critical. He was put into artifical respiration since the doctors saw that he couldn't barely breath on his own. They suspected about a serious spine damage that could be causing some pressure on his lung. They would take him to surgery to fix it but only after they were able to get him steady enough to stand the procedure. He also had a concussion. The doctors still would make the evaluation of the severity.

Abby was almost pulling out the IV from her arm when a nurse came into the room.

- What are you doing? You can't take out the IV by yourself - she said

- I just want to get out of here. Why is it taking so long? I'm fine. I want to know about my friends! Nobody says a word. Can't you release me?

- As a nurse I don't have authorization to do that. And if we give medical release to everybody who asks then we wouldn't have patientes and those people could die out there without the right treatment.

- Well I'm not dying obviously. But my best friend could be... - Abby shivered only thinking about the possibility - And I haven't heard a world about his condition. No one seems to care. Do you think I don't have feelings? That I don't care about my friends? That I'm happy without knowing what it's really happening?

- Keep calm Ms. There are a lot of injuried people waiting to be taken care of. So I don't know about everybody.

- Do you know something about Special Agent Timothy McGee?

- I don't know by name either. Let me check my clipboard - the nurse said. Left the room and came back in less then two minutes - I'm sorry Ms Sciuto. No news on him.

- How come? He was in bad shape so the doctor must be doing something to take care of him. Why no news? - Abby realized that the lack of news could only mean the worst scenario. When she talked again her voice was trembling - This can't be good. He... He... He isn't... Is he?

- Honestly I can't answer you that because I don't know for sure. With so many emergencies like we have today all the information are mismatched. Everyone here is on rush.

- Ok. I get it. You have too many people here to take care. So you don't give a damn if people like me are in despair to know about our friends. - Abby definitely lost her patience and pulled the IV abruptly from her arm - That's why I'm getting the hell out of here.

- No don't it! You're gonna hurt even more your shoulder - the nurse tried to advise her but she had already pulled the IV away - Ok. Let's at least put a small bandage where the needle was. And you can try to find how your boyfriend are but you can't leave the hospital until you really get clearance.

- He isn't my boyfriend. We're best friends only. I worry about him and I know he would do the same if I were the one injuried. Just as I worry about the others as well.

- Yeah. I know. Funny how you haven't asked about the others.

- You don't know me! How dare you... - Abby was asking while getting quite angry with the nurse.

- Take it easy, Abbs - Gibbs said coming back in the room - This is stressing to everybody.

- Yup but this freaky here isn't helping. Can't you please take me out of here? Please!

- I've already worked that up. The doctor signed the release papers. They said it would be better for you to stay overnight here and I agree on that but knowing you barely stand a few hours so I convinced him to let you go.

- Thanks Gibbs. You're a hero.

They tried to get more information at the reception but then again they hadn't nothing new. Then they went to the waiting room. Gibbs told her what the doctors said about Tony's and Ziva's conditions.

- Though the idea of get into a elevator on this situation was a stupid idea I'm relieved they were lucky enough to not get more damages than what they had - Gibbs said - But McGee really worries me. It's strange not having heard about him.

- Why can't they just come here and say at least a little about him? It's better than nothing. We have no ideia what it's going on but they must be doing something, right? Is it too much ask them for any news? - Abby said peeved and then again other reason came in her mind - Do you think that when they say there's no news on him it's because for any reason they aren't really working on his health. And not because they don't want to talk yet? Because they would tell us something if they had made any progress, even a minor, there's no reason to hide his condition.

- Maybe they could be working on him now. And have been busy enough to not come to talk to us. The lack of news sometimes is normal.

- I don't think so - She then looked in his eyes looking for an honest answer and asked with a choked voice - Gibbs, do you... do you think he is dead? That there aren't news because there's nothing else they can do to help him. That he died in there?

- Bad news travels fast. They would have told us already. There's no point on making us wait here if there's no way around.

- But it's a chaos over here today. What if they are taking care of priority cases and leaving the casualties to deal with later?

- I wish I could say. He has became like a son to me. Just as you, Tony, Ziva and even Palmer. It hurts me to think in the possibility but given the circunstances I don't know if he can pull through. You saw how bad he was, not counting that he may have internal injuries which makes it worse. Tell me. Do you think he's dead?

- No. Never. My heart is broken but I can feel it's not over. I won't never give up on him. No matter how bad he is, I know he may be barely breathing by now, but he's a strong guy. Heart of a lion as Tony said. Even losing some weight and that he's mostly in his bones being skinny as he is now, but I must say that I believe he has a good flesh amount in the right places and he is more good looking than ever and that he can... - she was saying a bit too fast until meet Gibbs' relaxed look - Ok. Too much information. You don't need to know the last part. Before you ask: No. We are not breaking your rule. But what I mean is that he is strong enough to make it through this.

- We'll have to wait and see what happens. Unfortunately there's nothing we can do to help.

- That's not enough!

- Sorry Abby - Gibbs said giving her a gentle hug taking care with her hurt shoulder - Only the doctors can save him.

- You're breaking your own rule. You realizes it?

- I guess that in tough times there are always exceptions.

- I'm glad that at least Jimmy and Ducky are safe - she said letting go of his hug. She saw something strange in his look - What? Please don't tell me they came back earlier and were in the building by the time of the blast.

- No. Not exactly.

- What happend Gibbs?

- Palmmer called me and told Ducky had a heart attack.

- Oh my god! Tell me he didn't...

- He was found fallen in the beach. I believe the blast's news was too much for him to handle. He's under medical care now.

- Why Gibbs? What is the reason for such evil things being happening all at once. It was not Navy who killed his son. Nor the people who work there. Why?

- Dearing is revolted by his son's death. He can't think logically. He'll balme everyone without pity. Hard to know the psychopath's mind.

- You better understand him Gibbs - she said - I want to see him dead. But then he wouldn't suffer the consequence of his acts. He would die fast before he get what he deserves. He must suffer before his death. To pay for everyone who died today.

- He'll pay for this. You have my word. I'll make sure he gets a death penalty or if it's needed I'll do it myself - Gibbs said kissing her head - I'll see how Ziva is. I bet she isn't tolerating be stuck in the room too. Don't go away.

- Ok.

Abby saw him move away and knew she wouldn't be able to follow his request. Her impatience with the lack of news about McGee was talking louder than her calm. Being a federal agent had its risks. He had gone missing temporarily, had been hurt in field, been held prisioner, and even arrested. But this was by far worst. His life was in risk. And why the doctors couldn't come to say at least a word?

She decided she had to do something. If they wouldn't come give her news on him. Then she would sneak into the ICU (intense care unit) rooms to find him. She didn't know if he was in one of the rooms but it seemed better than to be stopped there.

In a wall near her there was the building's plan. She located the ICU area. Seeing small aisles between big areas she thought should be isolated. Like only staff would use them. She decided to take a chance and try. But first of all while making her way, she made clear no one was paying attenion to her. Slowly opening the door she walked in.

After a few minutes she was begining to feel like she had gotten lost in between all those corridors. And in some times it seemed like she was being followed. She had been almost catched a few times. But managed to make it until at least what she though be the central area. Abby knew she was getting close.

But now there were more people around. Doctors and staff. She had gone too far she wouldn't give up now. She was about to opne the door when she heard a voice.

- I guess it's hard to walk in there unnoticed with these boots.

- Ziva! It's so good to see you well - Abby said giving the woman an half hug since she limited by her shoulder - How are you feeling?

- Lucky for not being worse. And you?

- What the hell were you and Tony doing in a elevator?

- I know it wasn't a clever idea. But was the only option. I heard that the stair we were supposed to take was smashed in pieces by the blast. The elevador ended saving us although Tony got a massive injury on his abdomen which the doctors took care of. So what are you doing soaking around the hospital? - Ziva asked making Abby look at her confused.

- You mean sneaking? I'm trying to find McGee's room. No one wanted to give an update on him. And I got tired of waiting.

- What if you get caught?

- I'll try anyway. You know you got all this ninja style. I could use your help. Please?

Ziva agreed and took a step foward the door. Holding Abby's hand she pulled her behind into the the next halls. They had to hide quickly in some rooms in the way. But they reached theur destination. The ICU. There were lot of room so Ziva went for the right side and Abby by the left. After a moment

- I found him - Ziva said and Abby ran to her side. The israeli was looking into the small rectangle glass in the door. She soon give space to her friend.

Abby pratically stuck her face on the door for a better view. What she saw was heart breaking. He was put in some machines. And seemed as white as a ghost. The most pale that she had ever saw him. He was way worse than she imagined.

- He seems too fragile doesn't he?

- Given what happened he couldn't seem any different. I fear for his life Abby. And I know it would be harder for you than for the others, but you better start to accept that he may not make it.

- Why is everybody being negative? Don't you guys have faith?

- Of course we have. It's just that we need to face reality - ZIva said. Abby kept looking through the glass with a dismay look on her face.

- Hey ladies. What are you doing here? You shouldn't be in this area - a doctor was coming next to them.

- Well if you or anyone on this hospital had the decency to at least tell us, his friends, that he was alive then I wouldn't had the need to see him by myself - Abby said angry. The doctor was about to say something but she raised a hand to stop him - I know there is a complete chaos going on here today. And that you have a lot of people to take care of. Hoewever is it too much to send someone to tell he's alive whatever his condition is? Do you know what the lack of news drive people crazy. I've been for almost four hours in this place and nobody seemed to care about warning us about him - she took a breath after ther little speech - You can talk now.

- I'm sorry. But as you just said we're busy with all this thing. I can assure you that if he had deceased you would have been told by now. Following the protocol we would took him from the room and you would had being asked to sign the papers for the release of the body. We have no update on him so we are working on other cases.

- You're saying that you're not going to save his life? How come? Why aren't you doing anything?

- I can't tell you much but there was nothing we could do up to now. He needs a surgery and for that be possible we need his health stabilized at a minimun condition so that we can work on him. Otherwise we'll loose him. We're about to check him again and try to put him soon into surgery.

- Tell me he is going to be ok - Abby was almost begging

- I can't. Sorry. I wish I could. But he is too critical. Can't promise you anything. And to be honest his chances of getting through the surgery is pretty minimal. He might die in the middle of the procedure. I wouldn't get my hopes high if I were you. We know there are people there for him. So we'll be doing the surgery but I can't garantee anything. We'll do our best to help him

- Thank you doctor. We'll leave now - Ziva said and wrapped an arm around Abby's shoulder - Please just let us know when you take him to the surgery.

- Ok. Don't worry. As soon as I get an update I'll make sure you get the news.

Abby was unwilling to leave the place but Ziva managed to lead her back to the waiting room. Abby made an excuse and left for the bathroom while Ziva made her way to Tony's room where she found Gibbs already sitting in there.

- Ziva are you alright? - Tony asked. The last time he saw her was a little after the explosion still in the NCIS building.

- Yeah. I'm ok. How are you feeling?

- Taking off the abdomen pain and the headache I'm ready to chase down that bastard. So where's McGeek? I haven't heard about him since the evacuation order. I though he would come to see me - He said and saw the moment when Gibbs and Ziva exchanged glances trying to decide who was going to break the news. Something seemed wrong - He got out of the building right?

- He stayed behind to save some files about Dearing in a... a... - Gibbs was saying trying to remember. He was never good with computer related things - Something mobile. We never get the chance to leave. Abby found him fallen between both of your desks. I believe he was leaving when the bomb went off. He was full hit by the blast.

- How.. How is he boss?

- I have no idea since the hospital... - Gibbs was saying

- I got news on him. I helped Abby sneak into the ICU area. We were able to get a glimpse of him - Ziva said taking a deep breath.

- And? Say it.

- He was bad. He seemed to be barely holding on. Then we met the doctor who said they intended on putting him in surgery anytime soon but that depends on his health stability. He said it is a high risk surgery. And there's a high possibility that he might not resist it.

There was an awkward silence in the room while everyone were thinking about McGee. They certainly couldn't deal with another death. After Kate, Jenny, Mike Franks and many others that died on the line of duty. Even counting the ones that died today with the blast. The probie (even knowing he wasn't probie anymore the nickname would never die) didn't deserve to have his life ended this way.

- We should be careful about her. She's quite blind towards him. Doesn't matter how critical his situation is she believes he's gonna be ok after all. She doesn't believe in any other way. I wished I hadn't to say this but honestly I don't think he'll survive. And this will break Abby in pieces but we need to help her face it.

- We can only hope for the best.

While the three of them were talking Abby had gone to the bathroom. She was trying hard to control her emotions. The image she had of him lying on that bed helpless was desolating. So weak. So undefended. The reality started to make sense in her head. But she would never give up. She would go until the very end. She would pray even if the others said it is a lost case. She would be stronger for him. She would be faithful until his last breath if it was the case. But she would never let go of him while there was a chance, even that minimal, but she still would be there.

Of course she didn't want anyone to get hurt but why McGee? He was such a great person. Someone like him, gentle, respectful, honesty, lovely and loyal to his friends was hard to find. And the way he treated women was a rare thing on men nowadays.

Deciding she couldn't spend the whole day in there and that she needed more news on him she left the place to looking for Gibbs and Ziva. She found them at Tony's room.

- I'm glad, despite the injuries, to see you're alive Tony - She said joining them.

- Thanks Abby. What about you? Are you alright?

- What a dumb question. Of course I'm not. But I'll be as soon as McGee is alright.

- I heard about him. I'm sorry. He's like my brother too and... -Tony was saying but couldn't end the sentence once Abby talked again.

- Gibbs. Please tell me this is all a nightmare. That it isn't happening for real. That when I wake up everything is going to be back to normal. Please? - She begged hugging him. She was biting her lower lip trying hold the tears that were about to stream down her face.

- I wish I could - he answered returning the hug.

- All we can do for now is wait - Ziva said. She was standing next to Tony's bed. She seemed relieved to see him fine.

- Excuse me. Are you the people who wanted to know about Timothy McGee's condition? - A man asked entering the room. It was a different doctor from the one Abby and Ziva met in the ICU.

- Yes! Please tell me good news - Abby asked.

- I'm doctor Michael Philipps. I came to warn you that the pacient is ready to go under a surgery to fix his damaged spine. With the blast he must have hit hard on the ground causing his injuries. And because of this his lungs were affected as well. And there might be internal injuries that we need to repair.

- Is it a complicated procedure? - Gibbs asked

- Extremely. The risk is high. He might suffer an internal bleeding, cardiac arrest, convulsion and only God knows what else. The doctors who are in his case have studied if it was worth to do the surgery.

- Why isn't it worth? - Tony asked - His life is in danger? Can he die in the surgery?

- Yes. We might loose him. But if we want to save him we have to take the risk. Otherwise do nothing is going to result in the same way.

- So I believe it is going to be take time. Do you now how many hours? - Ziva asked

- I can't tell for sure. From five until eight or even more time.

- Just promise me you are going to try everything you can to save him - Abby asked

- We're going to do our best but I can't promise it's gonna work - the doctor said - It seems like his family isn't here yet. We tried to contact them but we didn't get to talk to anyone.

- His family is out of country. Sarah travelled with their parents to Germany. Do you need something? - Gibbs said

- Yes. I need someone to sign the consent for the surgery.

- I'll take responsability on him - Abby said - Just give the papers - After reading some terms she signed and gave it back to the doctor.

- Thank you. And you all might take a break now to calm down or whatever. I'll only have news on him again after the surgery. Specially you Ms. Sciuto. Or you'll end up hospitalized again for high stress.

The doctor left the room and they kept in silence. Ziva, Gibbs and Abby went back to the waiting room. Allowing Tony to rest for some time. The Israeli lady went to pick up lunch even that it was already middle afternoon.

Abby barely didn't ate her food. She had no hungry. All she could think about was about McGee. She was very tense and anxious. Fear was something that was starting to take control on her even that she wouldn't admit it. Gibbs tried to helper her keep the calm but fail. She was troubled. She couldn't stay in a place for long time. One minute she was sitting there, the other she was standing. Some time later she was pacing around the place.

Gibbs thought in the possibility of persuading Abby to be put on sedative so she could sleep and rest through the time while the surgery was going on. The wait seemed way more torturous for her than for him or Ziva. But she refused everything. At the times she was able to keep herself sat for morer than ten minute Ziva would hold her hand for support.

Ziva knew that this was hard for anyone. To have friends in this situations. This would always be hard no matter whoever it was. But McGee and Abby. There has always been something special about them. It's not easy to break up a relationship and keep being friends. But they managed much more than that. They were best friends. But Ziva wasn't silly she knew it was much more than "best friends". Sometimes she could see love between them even in minor acts. She could imagine Abby should be going through a hell. And if the worst happens Abby wouldn't bear his lost. Even that there was nothing else going on between them they were so connected and then she would suffer the most.

The hours were passing by like days. Too slow. It was killing her inside. Staying there without being able to do something and not knowing how the surgery was going on. But maybe this time the lack on news meant something good, she thought. If something went wrong they would have told.

After more than seven hours waiting, the clock was almost hitting midnight Abby was sitting close to Gibbs with her head in his shoulder lost in her thoughts. Ziva went back to stay with Tony.

They heard a sound of a door being opened and turned to see the same doctor that hours ago told them about McGees condition. His countenance was serious. Just like someone who had to break bad news.

- So doctor. How does it went? How is he? - She asked tremulous getting up.

- It was a complex procedure and it didn't went as we expected it to go.

- Can't you say it straight? - She asked impaciente.

- I'm sorry. We've lost him... - The doctor was saying.

She didn't even waited to hear his complete sentence. After those last words life stopped making sense for her. It was like a hole had appeared right underneath her feet and she was falling through it. How could it be happening? She was feeling so empty, so lifeless. How was she supposed to live in a world without him. McGee couldn't die like this. It was unfair. He didn't deserved it. No one did. But why him?

Chapter 2 is up.

Wow. It's bigger than I thought. I love details. So I always end up writing a lot more than expected. 4.500 words are too much for only a chapter I think.

Suspense! I love that. What happend to McGee? What about Abby?
Don't get into despair... Just wait fot the next chapter and you will see.

As I told you before I'm uploading weekly. So the next chapter will be out probably next Thursday or no later than Saturday (June 10th). Sorry I wished I could do it faster. But for you to have an idea I don't have the third chapter written yet. Exactly because I'll write it through the week.

And I'm also writing "Meant to be from the beginning". Luckly this story is advanced. So I don't need to write much everyday. You might enjoy this story as well.

So let me know what you think. Reviews are welcome.
Hope you like it.