1 - I don't own NCIS or any of its 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 10: Till death do us part?

Abby turned around and was surprised seeing him kneeling on the ground. She was stunned by the sudden proposal. Her eyes were wide open. Before she speak, he got up. They were looking directly on each others eyes.

- You're making the same mistake again Tim. You realize that, don't you? Trying to rush things once again.

- Believe me, I don't like doing this. Because I respect that you need time. I really do. However, I have the feeling that if you walk out this door we'll never have this conversation again. And things will be just like it were before. And I don't want it.

- Things will never be like before. Whatever happens now on, things have changed. We can't go back to the old routine and pretend that we haven't discussed our feelings, that we haven't kissed or forget this experience of living together and sharing a bed almost every single night. It'll be weird if we act like nothing happened.

- Exactly. We can't. But still it's what will end up happening. And before I can proceed with my life, I need to know what you want for your life - McGee said walking closer to her - I don't wanna have to go looking for a woman when I already found the right one for me. The one that I have loved for so long. There is no time to be wasted. Time is going by fast and we're getting older. It's about time to decide what we're going to do. My decision is made. What about you?

- It's too soon. Maybe you're jumping the gun. You need to think better about it. I believe you're grateful for everything I've done for you. And you don't know how to show how much it meant for you. You don't need to ask me in marriage just to show how much you appreciated it and be able to return it. You don't need to thank me. As I said it many times, I've done it as a friend. Never expected nothing in return. I hate to think that you're asking me just because you feel like it's something you're obliged to do.

- Abby. Stop! You're right to say that I'm never going to find words enough to be thankful to you. However, you're so wrong about the rest. I don't wanna marry you in gratitude to your help. I want to marry you because I do love you. Not just because you're pretty and that I love the way you dress. I love you mostly for who you are. For your sweet heart and for your brilliant mind. I would never marry someone just to be thankful to her. Don't you believe me?

- That you love me? Yes, I do believe. That you want me? I just can't get to believe this.

- Of course I want you. How can you doubt that? And what is the difference, anyway?

- If the love between two people was enough, things would be way easy. It's more than that. And your words and actions are inverses. I don't know what to think. It freaks me out sometimes.

- Oh no. Are you still upset that I turned you down that night? I told you that I couldn't because of my condition. And you were a bit drunk. It wouldn't work.

- You don't need to point out every time that I was drunk - Abby said - Honestly, I understood you. I really did. But it isn't easy for a woman to be rejected. And I'm not the kind of woman to get upset at it. I've been rejected other times and I didn't care about it. It's just that being rejected by you felt different. As much as I understood you, it did hurt my feelings and I can't deny it. It was not your intention, I know. But I couldn't help it. And then, there's also my fear of commitment. You know it pretty well. I think you don't believe I'll change my mind some day.

- Knowing how unsure you're towards it, I think it must be hard for you. But you'll have to. And I'm not talking just about me but it could be for someone else. If you wanna be happy, to have your our family, you'll have to change your mind eventually. I don't think you would want to live alone for the rest of your life.

- No, I wouldn't. And so you know, I've already changed my mind. But I need time to understand all that a commitment requires. I can't help but feel unsure about all of this.

- Look. I don't wanted yo wait more time. However, I'll respect your decision. I can wait some more time. Please, don't take too long to make your decision. I want you to be sure that this is what you want for the rest of your life. Because I want it to last forever. I want you to be sure I'm good enough for you. That you love me to the point of accepting this complex decision. So we can give this huge step on our lives. I don't want us to start something that will have an end sooner than expected. I love you so much. I know you can make me happy. I know you're the woman of my life. I always knew it. My decision was made long ago. I'm just waiting a "yes" from you.

- I really want say a 'yes' to you Tim. But I just can't say it now. And if it comes out of my mouth in this moment, it'll sound fake. So I rather take some time and think it better. I do want you. I want to be with you. I want to show how much I love you. But I need a break. I need to go back to my place. And think. A lot.

- Ok. I won't push anything - McGee said - But if you get to the conclusion that even loving me the way you do isn't enough to take away your fears, then just let me know. In this case it'll be better for us to take different paths.

- Do you think that?

- I don't want to loose you. I don't want to waste another minute without you. But if you're not sure of what you want, it will never work. Then we better move on. It will never be as I want but life would be so cool if we could have whatever we wanted. I won't wait for you forever.

- I'm sorry Timmy. I'm afraid of hurting you again. I would never...

- It's okay Abby. Don't worry - he interrupted her and hugged her - Go home, get some rest. When you feel ready to talk it again, I'll be ready too.

- I better go now. Before I regret it.

- Want some help with the travel bag?

- No. It's not so heavy. I can do this. Thanks, anyway.

Abby went down the stairs thinking that maybe she should have made things easier. And yet she knew it wasn't the right thing to do. If she had said yes, things would be in its way, they would be happy and probably they would be cuddled on the bed by now. She really wanted this. So what else was she waiting for? Well, if she knew the answer she wouldn't be walking away, would she?

She reached her car, opened the door and threw her bag in. Sat on the seat and was going to start the car and the next thing she would do is put the seat belt on. But the car doesn't started. She tried again more three times and nothing seemed to work.

- Ooohhh, C'mon! Why do you think I take extra care with you? So you can just leave me in the lurch right now? - she said angry and tried again but the engine failed once again.

She got out of the car and slammed the door. It's was quite late to call a mechanic. She just wanted to go home. Abby started pacing beside her car. Trying to think other possibility. But before she could think better on taking a bus or taxi, she stopped pacing, looked to the sky and raise her hands.

- Are you trying to to send me a message, God? What I'm supposed to understand? I just wanna go home. Is it too much to ask? Now I'm stuck here. What else will happen?

Abby leaned over her car and stayed there for like two minutes when all of a sudden it started to heavy rain.

- No. You gotta be kidding me. Are you trying to drive me nuts? - she said not minding being soaking wet in matter of seconds - Is it some kind of punishment? Because sincerely I don't know what I did wrong. I JUST WANNA GO HOME! - she almost screamed and then kicked the front tire. It wasn't a good idea - OUCH!

- Planning on spending the night in a hospital? - McGee said walking up to her. He had been watching her by his apartment window. As she was taking so long he decided to come down and check if she needed some help.

- Don't even remember me of hospitals. I've already spent too much time in there. Don't wanna go back anytime soon.

- What is the problem?

- The engine isn't working. Also, apparently God decided to punish me for something. And I think I just hurt my foot.

- Want me to check it?

- The engine: it 's not worth now. I can wait tomorrow. My foot: I'd love some help. It really hurts. My boots are big but not made of iron. I just found out they were not made to absolve big impacts.

- Let's get out of the rain. Here, let me help you - McGee said.

Abby kind of hugged him putting her arm toward his neck. So he could support her and she went jumping with the other foot. He had made mention to take her in his lap. But she refused immediately. It felt so embarrassing somehow.

By the time they got inside his apartment Abby was shivering with cold. McGee took her until the bathroom. She sat on the edge of his bathtub while he went to pick somethings on his bedroom.

- Damn it! I forgot the bag on the car. What I'm going to dress now? I can't keep using these wet clothes - She said starting to undress

- We can manage it - he said coming back - You can use one of my shirts and pants. And definitely this is not mine - he was holding one of her panties

- I told you I'd let something behind - she took off her shirt along with her bra. And saw him closing his eyes - You don't need to do this. If I had some trouble with you seeing me, I wouldn't take it off

- It doesn't feel right - he said turning his back to her - Don't you want to take a shower?

- No. Just changing clothes is enough. I couldn't keep in these wet ones. I'll feel warmed now. You can turn around. I'm done.

- Alright. Let me help you - he picked some towels and put one towel around her shoulders and with the other towel he helped her drying her hair.

- C'mon. I can dry my hair on my own.

- Just making sure you won't feel cold.

- Why are you so good to me Tim?

- Now is my time to help you - and he finished what he was doing he said - Let's go to the living room. So I can get some ice to your foot.

Abby lay down on the. When he got back he sat on the other side of the couch putting her foot on his lap. He started to make some massage where it were hurt. At the same time the sensation was nice, it also hurt a bit. So she couldn't stop herself from groaning. She was doing some weird sounds that made McGee feel uncomfortable.

- Can you control yourself or are you trying to tease me somehow?

- I don't know when you become good on massages but it feels so good - Abby said - Whatever you do, don't stop it.

They kept there for some more minutes and then McGee put ice around her feet to lessen the pain. It wasn't much needed since his massage was of big help. He went back to the kitchen to make some hot chocolate for them. When he was almost done he saw Abby sitting by the counter.

- What are you doing here? You shouldn't be walking.

- I'm feeling better Timmy. Thanks for the precious massage.

- I guess kicking the tire isn't a good thing to do.

- Don't even talk about it.

When McGee finished making the hot chocolate he gave her one cup and take his and sat in front of her by the counter. They stayed there in silence at first. Abby kept glancing at him some times. Until the time McGee looked at her and their eyes met. They stayed like this for a little while.

- Who am I trying to fool? - Abby asked - Besides myself.

- What do you mean?

- No one ever treated me like you treat me. With respect in first place. With fondness and honestly. Guys always treat me like it didn't matter what I feel. For some of them sex was the only thing that mattered in a brief relationship. And being young I didn't care. Because I was having fun, at least I thought I was. And then you came into my life. And everything seemed to change suddenly. Making me feel something that I've never taken so seriously. That night in my coffin. I realized I was having sex for love and not just for fun. It had never been like that before. And it was so pleasurable. Being with you was being so delightful, and not just because of sex, but because I knew I was being loved. I knew there were true feelings in there.

- If you felt all of this then why did you break up?

- I was afraid. I was experiencing something new. When things started to get dangerous, I mean, serious I decide to stop it. I wasn't ready for what it was becoming. I felt like I needed to understand what I was feeling before I could trying again. And then we became such good friends and I believed it wasn't worth trying again.

- I got a bit upset right after you broke up. I was really falling in love. However I understood it wouldn't work if we tried to push it.

- And I know I always felt like this towards you. I always loved you. So what am I waiting for? I know what I want. I won't get back in my decision.

- What do you want?

- Let's just skip the long conversation. Just so you know, yes!

- Yes? What?

- Yes. That's my answer for your proposal. I want to marry you.

- Are you sure? Because you don't have to... - he was saying barely believing what he just heard.

- I don't want to get some time to think when I already know what my answer will be. It's you McGee. Not someone else. I will do it because I love you. Like I never loved other person before. So just let's start facing my fears as soon as possible. I don't want to wait any longer. I'll get to the same conclusion, anyway. I don't wanna waste any more time. We've already wasted too many time.

- You don't know how much it makes me happy Abby. I didn't think I would ever hear it.

- I want to be yours Tim. I want to make you happy. You deserve it. I know I can do it and I know you make me more than happy. I want to be by your side. I don't want to let go of what we lived for more than one year. I want to go through the happy and the sad moments with you for the rest of my life. Of course I don't want sad moments but life isn't perfect. And I know my fear will go away.

- Look, I really want to marry you. But if it scares you then we don't need to marry. Just having you with me is enough. I can deal with it - he said walking to her side.

- Timmy, after all that happened, I don't mind facing my fears. I want to marry you. I want to have kids with you. I want us to become a family. Can you imagine some super genius little kids running around the house? It feels weird thinking about it now. But it will become reality eventually.

- I can't believe this is happening. How can we be sure this is not a dream?

- I'm not a dream Tim - she said and both laughed remembering the fact that he had told exactly the same phrase a few years ago - We have been given a second chance. I want to take it the best way. I just don't want to take the risk of almost losing you again.

McGee could have said something but he knew there would be time for more talks. For now he kissed her hard and she kissed him back the same way. They didn't want to let go but Abby pulled back a bit and practically ripped off his shirt.

- Wow. You really don't want to waste time - He said a bit surprised at her urge.

- No. Not a single second - Abby said smirking - Do you still have that tattoo on your...?

- Why don't you see it by yourself?

Abby kissed him again and he started to lead their way to his bedroom. They went bumping into things on their way and throwing some pieces of clothes everywhere. It felt wonderful. Being able to relieve years and years of lusting each other.

McGee was a bit afraid at the beginning. After he went through he feared no being able to do it. That it would take more time. But having the woman he loved, a woman like Abby, how could he not get turned on by her?

Abby noticed he was having some difficulties and helped him. She was feeling quite horny to have to stop. After all, they enjoyed the whole night. When they were done they cuddled on the bed. Both of them really pleased.

- Wow Tim. I really missed being with you.

- Me too Abby.

- I'm surprised that you haven't erased the tatoo.

- I've done it because of you. Erasing it is like to erase part of you mean to me - he said - I didn't know exactly what I wanted written because I decided to do it all of a sudden. To impress you. I put 'mom' because was the first thing that came in my mind. And I love my mother. But this one day will refers to you. Won't you want to become mom?

- It's too soon to think about it. I just accepted to marry you. Don't you think I have done enough of big decisions for a day?

- I know. Sorry

- How do you think everyone is going to react to the news?

- Ziva and Ducky will be happy for us. Jimmy may do some joke. Tony will head slap me for taking us too long to get together. And Gibbs... This is a problem... He'll really head slap me. For having sex with someone he considers his daughter.

- Of course not. We are getting together. Gibbs will be happy for us.

- Yeah. He will - McGee said and then looked on her eyes - Thank you for all of this. For everything. For not giving up on me. For being here for me all this time. I'm sorry that it took so long for us to be as we are right now.

- I've loved being by your side. I'd do everything again. But please don't make me do this. I've had a great experience going through it. Being with you for so much time. We've got to know things about each other. Not that we didn't know it before but we always learn news things when spending time together.

- It was bad what happened but it was worth. We're together now. And we'll have what we always wished. Each other. Till death do us part.

- Till death do us part - Abby repeated and kissed him.

And this way they knew they were ready to start a new life. Together. A marriage. A family. Kids. Abby knew McGee was the perfect man to help her face her fears and get through it. Just like she had helped him.

They would be by each other's side for the rest of their lives.

Final chapter up.
I can't believe. Another story is finished. This makes me so happy. I really loved writing this. It was a bit complex at some parts but I hope you understood.

Now I'll start writing another story for them. However it may take a while to post the first chapter.

I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. So what do you think? Did you like it? Let me know.

Thank you to everyone who read it. For everyone who reviewed it.
Thank you.