<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">Kate knew Gibbs well enough to know what he was saying, even though she couldn't hear him. She was grateful that he was there, as his presence was the only thing that kept her calm. That kept her from worrying about this new, horrible development. The next few hours went by in a blur for her, as the doctor's ran dozens of tests on her, </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(153, 255, 153)">until she finally sank back into the bed and asked them to go away. More tests would be run over the next few days, the next week. Gibbs was still at her side, and she looked at him.</span><br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99"><br/>
A few moments later she said, "I don't know what's going to happen. But as of right now, I can't hear anything.  So, if you understand me, just nod, okay?" When he did, she nodded back in relief. "You need a break. I don't know how long you've been here, but go get some food. Real food. And coffee. And a shower. And call the team and let them know I'm awake. And then sleep. You can always come back tomorrow. I'm not going anywhere. You and DiNozzo aren't getting rid of me that easily.." She told him teasingly.<br/>
<br/>
"In a few minutes, I'm going to have one of the nurses bring in a notepad and pen so that I can communicate with anyone and everyone. Don't worry about me, okay? I'm sure this is just temporary. But anyway, get some rest and come back tomorrow. You look like crap," She said bluntly, though her concern was easy to see on her face. "Take </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(153, 255, 153)">a break from babysitting me, and take care of yourself. Once I'm out of here, I'll be back to busting you and Tony's chops all the time," Kate said sweetly, and then grinned at him. </span><br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99"><br/>
When it seemed like he would refuse to go, she reached out and grabbed his hand once more and squeezed it again. "This is really happening. I'm really awake. I'm being taken care of, now, take care of yourself." She released his hand once more and then said, "I'm pretty sure that you're still gonna want me to have a babysitter while I'm in here, so feel free to ask McGee." She paused for a moment, and then said, "Oh and Gibbs.. I'm well aware that you plan to come back every morning for the rest of the time I'm in here."<br/>
<br/>
"And I want you to know, I look forward to seeing you. Now, get out of here and get some rest." There was a kind smile on her lips as she said the last part, and once he had left her room, the brave face she had put on for him, crumpled and she ran her hands over her face, and cringed when she touched what remained of her damaged ear. "This isn't good.." She mumbled softly, and wondered when she'd be able to question someone about what happened with Ari on the rooftop, and how much time had passed since she had gotten shot. <br/>
<br/>
She figured that if and when Gibbs sent McGee to babysit her, she could ask him for details. The brunette ran her fingers through her hair, and wished that things would go back to normal sooner rather than later. But life didn't work that way.</span></span></span>