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 5: Getting better

Some hours went by until Abby was given permission to see McGee again. The team left to go back to Ncis. She would be there to keep one eye on him and see how he was doing. And even if the doctors would say otherwise she was not leaving him alone. So they allowed her to spend the night there. She never caused a trouble and it was always good for the patient to have someone around.

Just like a miracle his health started to show good improvements. His heartbeat kept in the normal rate. And his blood pressure was improving as well. His health was begining to stay stable. If it kept going this way it was just matter of time until he could wake up and Abby was counting the minutes for that to happen.

Abby had been talking to McGee for a few minutes before falling asleep on the couch. She didn't realise when Gibbs came back in the room. He was heading home but decided to visit him even being late in the night.

He didn't expect to see her there once he thought she went home. But it wasn't a surprise after all. She was being brilliant in the way how she was taking care and being there for him just as she said she would be.

None of his rules was a mistake. But there was always an exception. Rule number 12 wasn't different. It was created in order to prevent embarassing situations in case if the relationships ended in the worst way. But he was sure that it would never be Abby and McGee case. Seeing both of them lying on their places made him think that they fit together. And if in the future they decide to get together he would make sure his rule wouldn't be on their way.

Gibbs got closer to where Abby was and covered her with the blanket making sure she wasn't feeling cold. Then he turned his attention to McGee.

- You don't have permission to die Timothy. You're doing great hanging on to all your pain. I'm glad to see you slowly getting better. Just keep this way kid. We're all rooting for you. And Abby, she needs you. Do this for her. She is living her life over you. In this past month everything she has done is towards you. We want to see you back to your normal life. And when this happen you better make a move on her.

Gibbs still said some words before going home. Abby was still sleeping through his presence there. She was too tired to wake up.

In the next two days she stayed in his room barely leaving it. The team would come by to make him a visit but Abby was the one that didn't want to be away for far too long.

The doctors had decided to decrease gradually the medication that was being given to him in order to see how long the patient would take to wake up and then they could better evaluate his condition. He was almost breathing on his own. His improvement in this short period of time was astonishing. It could only be explained by a miracle.

In the third day Abby woke to a beautiful sunrise view from the room's window. The hospital staff had been kind making an exception and allowing her to use their dressing room and bathroom so she could take care of her hygiene. So after brushing her teeth, putting some make up on and setting her hair into her famous pigtails she got back to his room and started to arrange her things on her travel back. She had her back turned to him.

- Today I'll have to leave again. Yes I know you don't like to be alone and for sure I rather stay with you but I have somethings to do and I have to go back to Ncis too if I still want to have my job. Gibbs was nice to let me stay with you for as long as I wanted but I guess it's better not misuse his good will.

- I have to visit sister Rosita too. I want to thank her for her prayers over you and for the collar she gave me that I put on your bed. It somehow worked and it really gave you protection. It's funny how I always talk to you about her and I have talked a lot about you to her and yet I never introduced you two. She told me once she was anxious to know you because from what she heard you seemed to her an extraordinary hearted person. Of course I couldn't agree more. You know what? That's what I'm gonna do. To put this on your list of "Things to do" when you get out of here. I'll take you to a bowling game with the nuns - Abby said focused on her thoughts.

- It seems like a good ideia. I'm sure I would enjoy it - said a weak and hoarse voice behind her

- I know! You totally would! That's why I'm planning it - Abby said without realising what just happened - Sister Rosita is awesome. I'm sure you'll love to know her. Over the years she has become such a mother to me. It'll mean a lot to me if... - she stopped talking when finally the penny has dropped.

Her eyes got wide opened realising she had heard McGee's voice. Turning around she found what she had been wanting for a long time: McGee was finally awake. She covered her mouth with her hands. She wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth.

McGee could feel his body in pain, he felt some dizziness and there were others things probrably but he couldn't discern at the moment. His eyesight was somehow blurry but this didn't stop him from see the look on Abby's face. She was concerned and he knew what could be running through her mind.

- How... How do you feel? Can you... Can you see me? Hear me? - she asked

- It's okay Abby. I guess I'm okay. I'm just confused - McGee said and coughed a few times - I remember starting to make my way out of the building yesterday and then everything just seemed to have gotten dark.

- Yesterday? I'm going to call the doctor to see you and you better stop talking. Your voice doesn't sound good. I'll be right back.

Abby did as she said and not longer after having left the room she got back with the doctor.

- Hello I'm doctor Michael Philipps. I'm the leader of the team who is treating you. It's good to see you better and awake after so long.

- So long? How long have I been here? I'm quite confused.

- About a month. Don't worry it's normal to be confused in your situation. It might take a while but this will get back to normal. Look, I need to make you some basic questions for you to check if you have any problems that we should be taking care of. For the start I want you to tell me your name, age and date of birth.

Abby was sitting on the couch paying attention to his answers. With all the damage possible it was a relieve to see his memory or brain wasn't affected apparently. He answered correctly all the questions the doctor had made.

- It's a big progress that you remember everything correctly - the doctor said - As I said it's normal to be confuse with the time. For you it's like you had slept in a day and woke up in the following day. Now I need to check your movements.

McGee was able to make small movements with his arms and hands. He had no problems to distinguish left from right when the doctor asked him to turn his head to the sides. When he was asked to move his legs was the moment a big problem appeared.

- I just can't move it. Why can't I move them? What is wrong with me? - McGee asked

- Can you feel your legs?

- I guess yes but there's something strange. It feels numb.

- As you remember about the blast you were thrown backward and hit hard on the ground then your spine was affected. We made an surgery to fix it but there are possibilities for sequels.

- Sequels? Does it means that I won't be able to walk again?

- Too soon to tell. But the fact you feel something is a good thing. I'll take some observations on you and talk to the other doctors. As soon as we decided our next step on your healthy I'll be back. If you need anything just call the nurse by pressing that button just beside your bed. You better keep resting. It's too soon for any kind of straining.

Before leaving his room the doctor took some notes from the heart monitor, blood pressure and some more things. McGee was left thinking about how would things be if he could never walk again. Luckly Abby didn't let him think too much on this. She got closer to him and was looking him with an affectionate look on her face. She seemed about to cry. That was strange for him since she rarely cried.

- What is it sweety? I swear you I'm feeling alright.

- You scared us so much Timmy. I almost saw you dying. Do you have any idea how painful it was for me? No! You don't! You were more worried about scaring the hell out of us! I know it's not exactly your fault, that you can't control but damn it! - Abby said - Although I must admit seeing you coming back from death and winning your own battle is so wonderful and impressive at the same time.

- I have no idea what is going on. It's so strange - McGee said - Was I that bad?

- Believe when I syay that yes, you were that bad. The doctors didn't believe on your recovery. They gave like 1% chance of surviving. You know how much Gibbs, Ziva, Tony and everyone else cares about you but just in the moment you most needed they didn't have faith on you. I got upset with this however I can't blame them. The situation was pretty ugly. I guess I was the only one who never gave up on you. There was a moment when we were told to say our goodbye because they were about to switch off the life support machine. Everyone came to say goodbye. But not me. I couldn't. I came to ask you to keep being strong and I'm glad somehow you heard my wish.

- It's hard to believe that I've being throught it all - McGee said still processing all the information he had just heard - But what about my legs? What if I can't never walk again? I love my job. I love being a field agent and if I...

- Calm down McGee. You were supposed to be dead. Be grateful that you aren't dead. And considering all the possible sequels you could have, be happy that your legs are the only problem up to now. We don't even know much about it. You can recover the movements along the time. Don't worry

- Easy for you to say. You're not trapped in a bed fearing not being able to walk again - he said and realised he was a little bit hard with her - I'm sorry. I believe it was tough for you to see me like this and having to deal with the blast aftermath and... What happened to the others? Tell me everyone is ok.

- From our team everyone is okay. We suffered some injuries but nothing too serious. There were a few casualties from people that work in other department. Duck had some major problem but he is ok now.

- How? He wasn't even in the building. What happend?

- It's a long story. He had a heart attack and as I said he is doing fine now.

- What about Dearing? Have you guys caught him?

- Another long story. He is dead. I'll tell everything eventually - Abby said - I'm glad you are getting better; After everything it's a miracle - she stroked his hand - Now get back to rest while I'll let Gibbs and everyone know that you are awake.

- I don't need rest. I've being here for one month. I want to talk you know. I guess I missed a lot of things.

- In due time you'll know. But right now your voice sounds awful. I don't even know why you're still talking. Yoiu wanna talk? Just get yourself out of this hospital bed and we'll have all the time you want to talk.

- What is wrong? Why the hinky tone?

- I'm sorry Tim. It's just that I'm so tired from almost living here in the past month. I want you to get out of here and then I'll feel better. I'm loving to see you doing fine after almost dying but I can't wait to take you home. I can't stand this anymore.

- I wish I could but I bet they won't let this happen so soon

- Yeah I know. Now get back to rest. I'll be right back

Abby called everyone to let them know about McGee. Gibbs, Tony and Ziva quickly came to visit him. Meanwhile Abby took chance and went home to take care of herself.

McGee was lying there annoyed. He hated not being able to do anything. He knew he must had been through a tough health condition but he wanted desperately to go home. He didn't know how went the last month but he was strangely feeling good for someone who just got out of coma. Not much pain, a little dizzy but it seemed just like a flu. His worries were focused on his legs. He feared what could happen. How could he get back to his life if he couldn't walk ever again?

His annoyance gave place to happiness when he saw Gibbs, Tony and Ziva getting inside the room. McGee shouldn't be talking but he didn't mind. He wanted to know about those people that he considered part of his family. The four of them talked for almost one hour. The team was glad to see him getting better. Later Ziva and Gibbs had to leave for a possible new case. Tony decided to stay a little long to make him company. The kept talking until it was time to Tony leave.

- We're all proud of you probie. For have won this fight.

- I know Tony! Everyone told me the same thing if haven't noticed. Do you know where is Abby? She told me she would be back but disappeared.

- Don't worry. Your dark princess went home - hearing Tony sayind this made him roll his eyes - She needs some rest but I bet as soon as can she will be back. Like if she could stay away from you too long.

- What do you mean?

- She barely left your side since the blast. You owe your life to her. She have been protective over you the whole time not wanting to go away from you. Nothing we told her made her change her mind. Even Gibbs couldn't make her go home. She has a strong faith and was the one who never gave up on you. She even kissed you.

- She did what? - McGee asked thinking he had misunderstood Tony - She kissed me?

- Don't get all excited yet. To be honest it was a CPR kind of kiss. She had to perform it twice if I'm not mistaken. She saved your life. She didn't care about her own injuries and went looking for you. She found you fallen between the desks. She was brave enough risking her life to save you.

- She haven't mentioned that much to me. Just the basic. She had done so much. I'll never be grateful.

- You wanna be grateful? Marry her - Tony said and McGee bursted into laugh - Why are you laughing? I mean it. I don't know what you're gonna do with your life when it get back to normal but it's a huge stupidity if you don't even consider it. And a way worst mistake you if end up marrying any other woman than not her.

- You don't know what you're talking...

- Believe me. I do. Abby had been strong for you as she would be for a friend. And she just wanna you fully recovered. I don't doubt that. But I'm not blind either. She hides her true feelings. But everyone can see that she feels something way more stronger than the "just a friendship feeling" she want us to believe. What happend or what will happen between you two it's not my business but you can't deny you still love her after all this time. It was nice from you to respect her choices when she broke up with you. But you have love written all over your face since the first time you met her. So stop fooling yourself and make a decision.

- God, did I miss that much? - McGee asked - Since when you became good at giving love related advices?

- I'm serious probie. Even Gibbs agrees. I don't know if he would let you two get away for breaking his rule, in my opinion he won't mind knowing how both can deal with the situation in case it goes wrong like it happened before, but he also agree that there are some unresolved things between you two.

- As if it's something easy to do. We tried once it went wrong. From that moment we built up this wonderful friendship we have now. I don't know if it's worth risking it all trying again. What if we screw it up again? I can't take this again. Besides we want different things. I want it serious. I guess she still would want it to be casual as I always heard her saying since the first time we met.

- You will never know if you never ask. And she might have changed her mind. Because people change their minds. Maybe after all of this...

- Give up Tony. Abby isn't like everyone. You know her pretty well. She never changes her mind on something she's convinced. Hearing the way she talks about it for years and years I'm sure she's very determined on this matter.

- As I said before it's not my business. But you and Abby will have plenty of time for talks. Because she won't leave your side so soon as long as you're still recovering. Just make sure on day you talk about it. Even if for some reason she gives you a negative response you'll be free to find any other woman without regret not knowing if you two could have had another chance.

- I never tought I'd say this but thank you for your advice - McGee said - Once in a life time they seem to be useful.

- That's what friends are for - Tony answered.

Some minutes later Tony left the hospital as Sarah, Mcgee's sister, came to visit him. She told him his parents would get there soon. At aftenoom the family was reunited and McGee couldn't express how happy he was to see his family again. Even his father, with whom he had some troubles in the past, made him feel happy.

The days went by and now a week had gone by since the day McGee had woken up. The doctors were still evaluating the problem with his leg. They made a check up on him for other things and they saw everything was perfectly fine with him.

In this period the team would come to visit him and Abby would come to spend the night at his side. She had been busy. Considering the possibility he had of having to spend some time in a wheelchair she and Gibbbs were planning some changes on his apartment. To adjust things and make it more confortable for him. Abby was somehow sure it was just a phase. That it wasn't something permanent. She could picture him walking again as soon as a proper treatment works.

On those moments when they were together on his room they would talk about a lot of things. What they always used to do since the friendship they had allowed them to talk about everything at wall. She let him know about everything that happen until the day Dearing was killed. But they never touched on subject of their friendship. McGee couldn't take what Tony had said to him from his mind. He felt he needed to know more. There were a few moments of silence and they would glance to each other and he had this urge of asking her about her feelings but he couldn't. That wasn't the right place for this. An hospital wasn't a proper place to this kind of conversasion.

It was a thursday afternoon and McGee had Ziva's and Abby's presences making him company. The israeli woman was telling him the movies references that Tony had made about him being almost dead and surviving at the end. And even one movie that there was a character that fought to stay alive for the woman he loved and how she never left his side. And that they had a happy ending. Abby and McGee blushed hearing this last one. They looked to opposite sides but they knew deep inside that situation wasn't much different from what they had being through up to now.

Luckly for them the doctor came up inside the room. He had what seemed like a good expression on his face. Way different from all the other times he came in and the news wasn't as good as they wanted.

- How are you feeling Timothy? - doctor Michael Philipps asked

- Fine. Just as in the others days before. When can I go home? I'm sick of this bed, the hospital food...

- Keep calm McGee - Ziva said - You know pretty well it's only matter of time for that happen.

- It seems like an eternity. I miss my things, my apartment and Ncis. Oh my Gosh. I miss eating my favorite food, even barbecue.

- Barbecue? Are you crazy? - Abby asked - You don't like it.

- Yes I don't. I guess as I was given a second chance I'll try new things.

- Not anytime soon. You'll need to follow a diet until your organism completely get back to normal. What may take days - the doctor said

- And I tought you were bringing the good news - McGee complained

- In fact yes. I know you must be tired with all this marathon of tests and from being taken to almost every place on this hopistal. But it was necessary and worth. Your case is considered as a miracle. You had a lot of minor problems, and some serious like almost a respiratory arrest and twice were the times you had cardiac arrest. And now you're conscious without any brain or organisms damages.

- I know. But about my legs. Why couldn't the doctors find the problem yet?

- That's what I came to tell you. We had a lot of discussions about it. It wasn't easy but we found the problem.

- Is it definitive or reversible? - McGee asked hopeful of a positive response - Will I ever be able to walk again?

The expression on the doctor's face became serious again and McGee knew this couldn't be something good.

To be continued...

Sorry for taking too long to update this. I had some serious problems with "writers block" as McGee would perfectly say. I know wherte I want to take this story but it had been hard to put the ideas on the paper.

Finaly yesterday I was able to finish this chapter. I will start today the next chapter but I think it's better no to make any promisses about when this will be up. If I have no problems then next week I'll post. But I can't promise anything.

Thank you all for your reviews.
To Vegasdude83: Thanks for your reviews both here as in "Meant to be from the beggining". Abby was the one to sign first for him as he's family wasn't there by the time. Later when they came to visit him they took the responsability on him. It just too much detail. If I wronte things like that I'll be much longer than I want. And I agree with you. The Ncis writers should explore the bomb plot to explore a way to put them together. Being involved in a blast may make people think better on their lifes. It'd be nice to see them slowly building up a way to get together during season 10. Since the last seasons had been really a few moments os McAbby. But I hope this happen in a less dramatic and in the same time fast. Because we, fans of them, we have been waiting for too long already. This plot would be a brilliant way to do it.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and let me know that you think.