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 9: Learning to walk again.

Abby woke up first next morning and went to prepare some breakfast for them before they go to work. She couldn't stop thinking about what happened last night. It felt nice to be with him again but what if he wake up today and regret it because right after she had told him to wait some more time. What if he thought she was playing with his feelings again? She was definitely not doing this. She loved him. But he knew how much she was afraid of commitments. Could this make him give a step back on this?

When McGee came in the kitchen they greeted a good morning and he took what she gave him to eat. He noticed she was too quiet. It wasn't normal. He waited some more minutes and when she still wasn't talking he had to verify if she was okay.

- Is there something bothering you Abby?

- No. Not at all - she said trying to avoid his gaze. He would know it wasn't true. Actually he would know it anyway.

- I know you pretty well to be sure that you're bothered with something. What is it?

- It's nothing... It's just that I'm... Well, it's nothing... - she said. Abby didn't know if she wanted tell him what was on her mind. However it wasn't fair. McGee had been honest to her and she had to be honest with him as well. Besides she was curious to know what he was thinking about what happened - Ok. It's something. Are you upset about last night?

- Upset? About the amazing talk he had? About the amazing kisses we shared? How could I be upset? - he asked. Why was she asking that? Unless... - Why? Are you upset?

- No. No. Of course not. I thought you could get upset a me. Because I started the whole thing and then I told you to stop. It can be confusing. And I didn't want you to stop. I didn't want to stop it.

- I'm not upset at you. You're right. I wouldn't have stopped if I hadn't to stop. But as you say. My recovery comes first. This would distract us. And I want to be fully recovered before something more serious happen between us. So I can turn my full attention to you. It'll be better this way. Don't worry. I believe in you. We want it to work. But he have to wait a little longer.

- Even being too soon I bet that if we hadn't stopped, only God know how crazy things could have gotten - she said smiling - I guess we can't picture it. Considering it's better not think about it.

- Now that you're saying it. I guess I can picture it. Imagine things getting damn good... Ouch! - At every word he said he lowered his voice. He was beginning to whisper when Abby hit him with the dishcloth - Just kidding.

- As I said, you are the focus in here. Only you. When we get done with it then we can talk about us. It'll be hard wait up there. So we better forget it for now.

- Ok. No problem. I agree - he said moving his chair close to where she was sitting - However, up to there... - he made some effort to lean over her and stole a kiss - Sorry, couldn't resist.

- Don't do this. It's not going to work - she said but staring at his eyes was the worst mistake - Hell! I told you! - She pulled his face closer again and kissed him back. It went way longer than it should have and McGee broke the kiss.

- Damn it! We'll be late. Let's hurry up.

They changed into new clothes and rushed to work. Even driving as fast as she could they got there fifteen minutes late. Abby went along with him so people wouldn't blame only him.

- Look. McLate has finally come - Tony said. He was standing close to Gibbs desk

- I'm sorry boss. It won't happen again - McGee said as he and Abby stood by his desk.

- I know it won't. May I know what happened? - Gibbs asked and Abby and McGee looked to each other.

- It was just a small setback - Abby said

- What kind? - Tony asked looking curiously for them. While this Gibbs picked up the phone

- A personal one. But what matter is that we're here now - McGee said

- Personal setback, hum? - Tony repeated with a smirk in the corner of his mouth. Abby saw his smile.

- This is not what you're thinking - she said

- So what is this?

- It's classified. Besides if it was what you're thinking it is, then we would be one hour late not only fifteen minutes - she said. McGee got a bit embarrassed at it but he didn't mind - I'll go down to my lab. Have a good day guys - she went away and Tony kept looking at McGee

- Don't ask me - McGee said. He could have done some joke but he wasn't in the mood - I don't know what she meant.

- McAbby is getting some. McAbby is getting some - Tony, kind of, sang it. Soon he was head slapped for that.

- Drop it. We got a case - Gibbs said - Dead marine. Pick up Ziva and Dorneget. Refuel the truck

- On it, boss! - While Tony left the bullpen Gibbs stopped by McGee's desk and glared at him.

- I swear. It's not what Tony's dirty mind thinks. We were just late.

- It's not my business. However judging by your smiles, you two finally have resolved the old outstanding issue between you, haven't you?

- Part of it I'd say. Not all of it - McGee answered. He didn't need much thinking to know what Gibbs was referring to.

- Whatever happened, good for you, kid. Good for you two - the boss said and went away.

Some days had gone by. McGee and Abby had agreed on not to talk about their relationship status. They knew it would be better again. And as time was going by they got back to act just like they were before. Best friends. No kisses. No talks about it. They kind of forgot what happened. Of course not totally. That christmas eve had been so special they didn't dare to forget it.

As March was beginning McGee's physio sessions was being crazy. A total rush. As he was progressing so much since the new year started he decided to dedicate even more time on it. He was already being able to move his legs on his own. He had been doing a lot of physical exercises lately. However he still couldn't stand on his foot or walk. This was the next step they were going to deal with in the next days.

It was a saturday night and they were lying on the bed. Abby was in McGee's arms. Sometimes they lay like that. It wasn't a problem for them. Actually it always felt comfortable and warm been into each other's didn't mind to stay like this even having agreed on keeping only a friendship between them for now.

Abby glanced at McGee. He had his eyes closed but she knew he wasn't sleeping yet. Maybe he was lost in his thoughts. She wondered what made him so concerned.

- Something on your mind Tim?

- Just thinking about the future

- Making some plans for the future?

- Not really. I mean, people usually make plans and I'm not any different. However since all that happened I'm not sure of what to wait for the future. Do you think about it? Do you make plans?

- I hate making plans. It's hard to think about the future. The more we plan far ahead, the more we easily end up disappointed when things don't go as we want. So I don't like to think on something far away from now. The future that I think of is like the next month, nothing far beyond that - Abby said - It doesn't feels right to think about future since it has a lot of changes thought it. It's so uncertain.

- Yeah. But yet we can't avoid thinking about it, can we? And then when we stop to realise how things went, how things changed conform our lives went on, it seems crazy.

- It's not crazy. It's life. Things change. Not always as we want. So many things happen all the time. An all we plan is affected. For example: friendship. We have our own personality and with that comes the plans we made for us. And then we meet new people on our lives. We end up always influenced by our friends even that just a little bit. You can't deny it. It's a fact. It's normal to change some parts of our plans for the people we like and love. That helps to improve the acquaintanceship between you and your friends.

- Oh. I know that right? Just like getting your butt tattooed to impress your friends. Or in this case to impress the girlfriend - he said remembering the tatoo he still had.

- Exactly. Before meeting me could you have imagined having a tatoo? I'm sure not. It's natural to make some changes for people we love. For people who deserve we change for them. Don't worry about making plans for the future. Since most of it may be different from what we want. We never know what will happen next. Just do as I do. Enjoy the moment. Worry about the present. It's what will make your future.

- I wish it was easy not keeping thinking much about what we hope to happen - McGee said. There was something running in his mind and he needed to know the answer - Would you change your plans?

- Yes. I'm willing to change my decision about you. About us. - Abby knew by the look on his eyes what he was talking about - As much as I'm afraid of certain things,I trust you. I trust my life on you. I know you won't let me down. I figured it out that I don't mind going as far as a relationship allows us to go as long as I'm with you in this. And you're the only man who I've ever imagined myself getting settled with.

- Would you do that? I mean, if you don't wanna a marriage we don't have to. Having you by my side is such a precious gift. I'm grateful for every minute I spend with you. You don't have to go through something you don't want to.

- My future now is getting you out of this wheelchair. I know this is your plan too. And we are getting so close Tim. By how things are going I believe it's matter of months until you finally be able to walk on your own. Farther than that I don't want to think about it now. What we are going to do of our lives we better decide it later when everything get back to normal.

- Ok. As you want sweetheart. No problem - he said and gave a kiss on her head - Are you sleepy?

- Yes. I guess it's pretty late

- Won't you move to your side of the bed?

- No. I love sleeping cuddled with you - she said smiling at him - Unless you don't want it - she was about to move away from his arms he tightened her on his hug.

- Only being crazy to not wanting you close to me like that. And I also love being like this with you. I don't think we could get even closer than that.

- Oh. Believe me. We can. There's some other way for that - Abby said smiling seductively. He rolled his eyes realising what she meant.

- Wanna show me how? - he whispered in her ear

- McGee! You better sleep before I hit you

- This is unfair. You suggested it. - he said and she showed him her fist closed - Alright. Alright. You won. Good night!

- Good night Timmy.

In the next weekend Abby took McGee to bowl. As a gift for the progress he had been doing. Not any bowling game. They went to bowl with the nuns. She finally was able to introduce him to sister Rosita. He thought it would be a bit weird. He didn't know if it was because he was bowling in a wheelchair or because he was bowling with nuns. But Abby like them and he trusted her. At the end he enjoyed a lot and loved to meet sister Rosita. She was so kind and smart.

It was middle of April now and he was in this tenth month of physiotherapy. Things between them had cooled down a lot. They never talked about a relationship again. And were acting just like best friends again. Suddenly they thought this would stay like this forever. And nothing more than that. Just friendship. But they couldn't deny what happened last Christmas.

McGee was given permission to leave earlier the work due to the physio session. Since they didn't have a urgent case to work on. Abby, of course, went with him. Today they were helping him to keep himself on foot. Abby was helping him too. Supporting him. He was finally getting to be able to keep balance and stand on his foot but still holding on some support bars.

For both surprise they saw Gibbs coming in there. Abby went to talk to him while McGee nodded greeting him.

- Hey Gibbs, what a surprise seeing you here - she said

- It was about time to me to visit you in the physio. I haven't done that in a while. I guess it would be nice to come - Gibbs said

- Don't worry. We know how busy you always are. I understand that you can't come more often. I'm really happy seeing you here - McGee said and turned his attention to what he was doing.

- Are you ok?

- Sure boss. Just some hard work.

- It's surreal how he's progressing lately - Abby said as she and Gibbs went to sit at the chairs - It seemed so complicated before. But now I already can see him walking again. Just matter of time.

- He deserves it. After everything that happened to him. It's so hard to see you life change so abruptly. We never expect to be in any kind of explosion. But accidents does happen. And we can't avoid it. McGee is fighting so much for it. To make things go back as it were before. He is getting it gradually.

They kept talking some more things until they turned their attention back to McGee. He was now on a mat. It had bars on its sides so the person using it would have some support when trying to give some steps.

Abby got up to get closer. Gibbs was beside her. McGee was doing a lot of strength, was under some pain and starting to sweat. And even being damn tired he didn't mind. He had to do this. Being helped by two people, he was holding the bars while trying to move one of his leg forward. It was almost killing him. But he wouldn't give up. Not when he was so close to get what he wanted.

Abby hugged Gibbs while watching McGee giving his first steps on the mat. She became so emotional that couldn't find words to explain what she was feeling. McGee looked to her and saw she had a shy smile and he could see a tear falling down her face. He knew that his face wasn't any different from hers. He couldn't believe what was happening.

- Is it... some kind of a dream... Where is... the alarm clock? Why can't I... hear it's sound? - he asked between pauses due to the effort that was being required

- It's not a dream. It's real. You're starting to walk again - Gibbs said proud of him

- Really? Oh gosh.. I'm doing it Abby. I'm walking again.

- I told you Tim. I always believed on you - she said walking to the mat - This just like a new start. You've been doing it so great. Soon you'll walk without needing the support. And I feel so amazed by you. That's wonderful.

- I wouldn't do it without you. Without your help. I'm sorry that I've said bad things to you through this. I didn't mean it. I owe you everything - he said when he finally got at the end of the mat. Seeing the smile on her face made all the pain he was feeling be worth. He then looked into her eyes - Thank you. Honestly. For everything.

McGee collapsed into her arms. Abby had a good reflection and caught him. But they were luck there were people around them otherwise they would have fallen on the floor. Everyone cheered him. McGee was really happy with the support people were giving him. As a gift for his effort when was given a break. He was so thrilled that he wanted to do this again immediately. But he was too much tired.

He thought it would be easy to sleep that night. But it was the other way around. It took him a long time before falling asleep. He was too excited to be able to control his feelings. After almost giving up, walking again was so wonderful. And Abby seemed so emotional seeing this happening.

As the days went by he was working even more assiduously in order to speed it up. He went there and walked on the mat until he couldn't do it anymore. The physiotherapists told him to slow down but he ignored them. It was hard to withstand the pain of the strength he was been required to make. Over the following days the process was beginning to get easier. He was getting used to the pain and that was decreasing by each day. Making his exercises smoother do make.

He had been walking on the mat for fifty days when it was decided to let him try to walk by his own. So there he was. Early May. Almost one year after the blast. Standing in the mat still using some support. He was so nervous.

- I'm afraid Abby - He said - What if I can't make it? What If I fall?

- I'll be here to pick you up. And then we'll try again. Look. We've been down this road for so long. We're closer than ever of reaching our objective. You're not allowed to step back or giving up. C'mon you can do this. I wouldn't be here all this time by your side if I didn't believe in you.

- I don't know if I'm more amazed with what is happening or if I'm afraid.

- Let's do this - she said going to a place a little far from him - You want me. All you have to do is to come and get what you want - in the next seconds she realized what she said sounded a bit awkward. People around them had an amused look on their faces - Well, I know you don't want me. Just think about something you really want and come pick it. For example: a Jet Pack. You're fascinated on it.

McGee smiled at her. He wanted to show her that she was wrong. Facing his fear he got off the mat and stood still for a few seconds without any support. Deciding it was now or never he forced his leg forward. And then he was doing it. He was walking. Weak and slow steps. But he finally reached his objective.

Abby was seeing him getting closer. The miracle was happening again. After waiting for such long time it was splendid to be experiencing this moment. I took a few minutes for him to get to her. And when he did, she hugged him tight.

- YAY! I told you! I told you Tim - she was almost screaming - I knew you would make it! This is super, ultra, hyper, mega... Amazing!

- I don't know what to say. It's... Wow. - It was all that he managed to speak. Abby let go of the hug. They were still so close. He was looking deep on her eyes. It was such a privilege to be able to look into her eyes everyday. To have the woman he truly loved near him every single day.

Overjoyed with the whole moment Abby couldn't hold herself anymore and kissed him. He kissed her back eagerly without thinking twice. It was such a special moment that even that they had agreed about not getting to this point before the right time, she knew he deserved it.

- I'm sorry - Abby said as they broke apart. She didn't know why she said that once she wasn't really sorry. But that was the only thing she could manage to say - I know we talked about this before but I... - she was stopped from finishing what she was saying when McGee pressed his forefinger on her lips.

- Don't. Cause you're wrong - and then he whispered on her ear - I do want you. Always did and always will do. Nothing will ever change that.

- Thank you Tim. For not giving up. Even had been as hard as it was. It's was hard for me too. Seeing you feeling down. Happily things are changing now.

- Yeah. I know. But this is still far from be over. These were just the first steps. There's much more to come until I finally get fit.

- And I'll be always close for help until there. I'm so proud of you! - She said and hugged him once again. Actually she practically jumped on him. The result couldn't be any other. They fell on the ground. McGee barely could keep on his foot let alone have his body overloaded.

- Calm down Abby. Or you're gonna put me on physiotherapy for one more year - he said laughing.

Abby knew that something like this deserved a celebration. McGee agreed with her idea and they called the team, Ducky and Jimmy out for some drinks. They enjoyed the night with friends. And everyone was giving McGee congratulations. Some time later it was time to leave. Gibbs gave them a ride. Abby had drunk some beers and obviously McGee couldn't drive.

They had been home for a few minutes and McGee was about to change his clothe. After all those sessions it was easier for him to move from his wheelchair to other places. So now he was sitting on the edge of his bed and had just finished taking off his shirt when Abby appeared in the bedroom. A quick look at her and he saw she was looking him weirdly. He was about to ask something but she suddenly threw herself upon him.

Abby stood in front of him and pushed him to the bed making him lie there. McGee was dazed with this but didn't had reaction when she crawled until she was on top of him. She leaned down and kissed him. He was surprised by her action. She was kissing him a bit rough and she wasn't only touching his naked chest but she was also scratching him with her nails. God. If she acted like this when she had drank just a few beers then he wouldn't want to be nowhere near her when she was drunk as hell.

Abby had been lusting for him for a long time. Suddenly she couldn't wait any longer. She knew that maybe the fact of having drank a few beers could be inducing her to do this. But who cares. She would do this whether she was sober or not. And by the way he was kissing her back she knew he would be up for it. She started to trail her way down kissing his neck, then his chest and going down slowly. McGee didn't know what to do. If he wanted her to stop or not.

It was when she reached his buckle and started to open it that he made his decision. Using the small amount of strength that he still was left he rolled them in the bed and now he was the one on top of her.

- Abby. Stop it. I'm gonna have sex with you tonight.

- C'mon. Why not? - she asked stealing a kiss - You deserve a special celebration. Besides it's nothing that you don't want to do. I've seen you undressing me with the eyes for years. Now it's your chance to use your hands.

- No Abby. I'm sorry but I can't - he said sitting back on the bed while she remained lying - One: You're a bit drunk. I don't enjoy having sex being drunk or with someone drunk. Two: I'm damn tired. And even if I wasn't I still wouldn't do anything. I don't know if I can after everything that happened. My focus is my legs. I've never stopped to think about this part in particular. Three: We're not ready for this next step. We still need to talk about it before getting serious.

- If that's what you want. I'll take a shower before going to sleep - she said stepping away

- Please don't get mad at me for this. Do you think that I'd miss this chance with you? I want this as much as you do. However I have no physical conditions to do this.

- That's ok Tim. I'm sorry.

She left the room. McGee didn't want to let her upset. But he had no choice.

For his relieve in the next morning he saw that she wasn't upset at him. I was quite the opposite actually. She apologized for pushing it. When she obviously knew he wasn't ready for that yet. He couldn't love her more. He had refused her and rather than being pissed , she was the one apologizing. He knew that any other woman, even knowing the circumstances, would be mad for days.

The months started to go by fast. McGee's progress was being awesome. He sure had already walked by himself. But it wasn't just this. He had to train it for months.

After two months he exchanged his wheelchair for crutches. The change happened gradually and it made him so happy. He was regaining some freedom. Stopping being so dependent of people.

Abby could see this battle for his recovery soon getting to an end. And she couldn't wait for this day. She had been living this routine for more than one year. She just couldn't imagine how things will go when McGee manage have his normal life back.

Although McGee had told he loved her, things were getting confusing since then. She trusted him. No doubts in here. However she realized that his words used to mean something while his actions meant the other way around.

In the fourth month (september) he managed to let go of the crutches. He was walking without needing any support. And they both could see this was getting close to the end. McGee was already walking and only doing some exercises to improve his walk. Soon he would take the Ncis physical test. So he could go back to work on field assignments.

But they weren't shure about how thing would be like when this day comes. They have been living together for more than one year. And despite some difficulties they faced, they couldn't deny that they were loving it. However they could end up apart. Each one at in your respective apartment. This was becoming confusing for them. And they just couldn't talk about it for some reason.

It took him 6 months since the day he walked alone by himself to finally finish his physiotherapy session. He couldn't believe he was having his life back as it was. With all that happened it was a miracle.

By the end of november he took the Ncis tests. The physical, the shooting and the driving test. He faced some little troubles but he managed to be approved in all of them.

At the night they and the team went to celebrate McGee's achievement. McGee was really having fun. In a day like that even small things made him smile. And everyone he loved was there with him. And has always been there for him through it all.

McGee had to leave for the bathroom. And when he got back he noticed Abby had already gone. Why? She seemed happy. She was happy for him but then why she left?

Abby took advantage that he had gone for bathroom break and went to his apartment. She had planned on packing her things which were in his apartment. It was already painful only thinking about it. She didn't want him to see it. Her mission of helping him through his recovery was completed. She needed to go back to her apartment.

McGee didn't want to be impolite. Since this celebration was for him. But he wanted to go after her. He told them that he had to go for her and they understood it. God, he had the best friends in the world. He tried to call her but she didn't reply it.

Abby was in his bedroom. A travel bag was over his bed. She had put some of her clothes into his wardrobe. While she packed some of her things, she was thinking about everything that happened. It brought a few tears to her eyes. Sad because it was time to go. And happiness for seeing him completely healed. Suddenly she heard the door being opened.

When opening the door and saw the lights on he was sure Abby was there. He called her name, but had no answer. However he heard a low cry coming from bedroom.

- Abby, what happened? I thought you were having fun. What made... - he was talking but stopped seeing her travel back - Where are you going?

- Home - she answered. She had turned her back to the door so he couldn't her putting away her tears. And she was ready she turned to him - It's so crazy. I have been almost living here. My belongings seem to be spread everywhere. It'll take days until I get everything packed.

- Why? Why are you leaving? You can stay as long as you want here.

- I know. But I have to go. As a friend I promised you that I'd be with you through it all. And I was. And I helped you all the ways I could. And you were great. Many people give up hope when their lives gets upside down. You had bad moments but never really gave up. Now it's over. I have to go back to my own life.

- You don't have to do this exactly now. You can make it slowly. I mean it will take time untill you get everything back to your apartment. And even this way, something always end up being left behind.

- I'm sorry Tim - she said closing her zipper of her travel bag and walked to him to hug him - I loved living with you for the past one and a half year. I enjoyed every minute. And I understood the bad moments. What I had to do here is done - she let go of the hug but they were still close.

- What happened to the 'I love you' and 'You love me' part? You forgot about it?

- That's something we need to talk and figure it out - she said taking her bag and walking out of the bedroom - Not tonight

- Abby - he was following her and stopped by the couch - Stay. Please

- I can't - she said by the door. She turned to face him - I'm not walking out of your life, Timmy. I'm just going home. You know where to find me if you need something. I need a time so I can place things on the right place where they belong. To organize my thoughts. You'd feel better doing the same. Bye. See you tomorrow.

Abby turned to the door and was almost touching the door knob when she heard something she never though she would hear anytime soon. McGee didn't know where this came from but he was full of confidence and before he could have lost the opportunity, he said:

- Abby. Will you marry me? - he had even gotten on his knees.

She stopped making her way out and dropped her travel bag. His words barely making sense on her mind.

Chapter 9 is up. This is the penultimate chapter. I can't believe it's almost done.
It's funny how at times I have some troubles to write but then when I look back and see that I wrote more than 5000 words, I'm like "Wow. When have I wrote this much?".

Let me know what you think of this chapter.
I hope you enjoy it.