Standard disclaimers apply. Tags to Dog Tags, Judgment Day, Parts I and II, Truth Or Consequences, and Heartland (so far.) If I owned the show, I assure you, I wouldn't be a poor college student living in a cramped dorm room...

This story is McGee-centric. There is an OC, but it's not what you think, so stick with me. :)

Rating right now is T, but will probably change to M later, for reasons I will explain beforehand.

I feel it is necessary to forewarn readers well ahead of time of a few things:

1. This is a cancer story. I promise to post warnings before the specific cancer chapters, just in case. I have been fortunate enough to not lose anyone close to me to cancer. However, with Laine3112's gracious help, it's how the story unfolded and how it basically wrote itself. I have done as much research as I possibly could, while being busy with school and trying to keep my grades up, and also while trying to also find a future summer job AND doing a huge musical theatre audition in the meantime, in order to make the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis as real and accurate as is possible with fanfiction. I hope what I have come up with, with the research assisting me, is acceptable. I've done the best I can. This story is dedicated with much love and thanks to Laine3112, who has helped me as much as she could along the way.

2. That also being said, there may be some OOC McGee in future chapters. Please don't discredit me for this, as I think it's understandable and accurate... or will be, anyway.

3. The OCD in me would like there to be a third, because as Tony says in Chimera, 'everything happens in threes', lol... but at this point, off the top of my head, I don't think there will be. At least not for now. This may change in the future, but right now, I'm not sure. I'll be sure to let you guys know.

Here is chapter 1. It starts exactly six months post 'Dog Tags', also post 'Heartland.' Enjoy. :)

A Special Bond

Chapter 1

The bullpen was quiet at the end of a long day, finishing up a case they had caught earlier that week, which took them to Stillwater, Pennsylvania. The team worked late in silence, finishing up some final paperwork and reports, before they all headed home to a free weekend. The team was ready for some much-needed time off.

Gibbs was up in MTAC, talking with Vance about the completion and closing of the case.

Tony's head shot up, as he again fought not to nod off over his mountain of paperwork.

Ziva rubbed her eyes wearily, as she stared at her computer sleepily.

McGee, meanwhile, was typing away at his computer, fingers clattering away at the keys; but his mind was clearly somewhere else.

"Probie." Tony's voice broke harshly through McGee's thoughts, startling him. He jumped. "What are you McThinking about?"

"Just ready to head home, Tony," McGee said. "Been a long day, that's all."

"Want some company tonight?" Tony asked.

"No thanks, Tony," McGee said, trying to get the senior agent off his back. "I think I'm just gonna turn in early. I haven't spent a lot of time with Anna in the past couple weeks and need to see her again."

Anna was McGee's girlfriend. They had met the night of April 15th, 2008, and had been dating so far for six months. The team had heard a lot about her from McGee, but had yet to meet her.

Tony nodded. "Alright, well, I'm around if you want male company."

McGee nodded. "I appreciate it," he said, "but I'd really just like some time alone."

Tony, however unconvinced he was, nodded, then let the subject drop.

McGee hated hiding her from them, in a sense; but he knew he wanted to time the meeting right. He considered his relationship with Anna to be sacred and private and didn't want to just bring her to work, then have her leave; it needed to be more special than that, for him to be satisfied with it.

"How is Anna, McGee?" Ziva asked, breaking away from her computer for a moment to talk.

"She's good," McGee said. "Busy with work, though her schedule is at least relatively normal, in comparison to ours. She's making dinner at her place tonight, so I'm heading over there as soon as I get off and feed Jethro at home."

Ziva nodded. "What is she making?" she asked.

"Italian," McGee said, smiling.

"That sounds wonderful, McGee," Ziva said. "I hope we get to meet her soon. We've heard a lot about her. She sounds like a nice woman."

"That she is, Ziva," McGee said, smiling, "that she is. You'll meet her soon, I promise. I just want to do it right."

Ziva nodded and, not one to pry, let the subject drop.

After another hour passed, Gibbs told the team to pack up and go home and get some sleep. McGee went home, and fed Jethro; then, as the German Shepard ate, McGee changed into something more casual. After, he headed out to go to Anna's apartment for a while.

Anna was making dinner when he arrived. The delicious smell of marinara sauce permeated her entire apartment.

"Hey," she said, smiling as he knocked and walked in. "How was work?"

"Long," McGee groaned, coming over and kissing her hello. He sighed, then smiled. "But my reward is, I get to see you. I brought a bottle of wine. California White Zinfandel, 2007."

Anna smiled. "Dinner's almost ready," she said. "Would you mind setting the table, please?"

"Sure," McGee said.

He went over to her cupboards and got out two plates, regular glasses, silverware from a drawer, and two wine glasses and set the table. He also went into her linen closet and got out two napkins.

Anna brought out the Italian penne and sausage dish when the table was set.

"This looks wonderful, babe," McGee said.

"Thank you," Anna said, smiling, as she sat down across from him. "So what did you do at work today?"

"We had a long day," said McGee. "Reader's Digest version of it is a dad who owned a coal mine killed his own son, so the son wouldn't have a relationship with a girl he didn't know was his half-sister, who was already pregnant when the son got out of jail."

"Wow," Anna said, "that's ridiculous."

"It was intense, for sure," McGee said. "So it's been a long couple weeks. I'm ready for a weekend off with you." He smiled. "How was work for you?"

"Good," Anna said. "I spent the day photographing a couple families and some teenage girls for senior pictures. It was nice."

"Cool," McGee said. "I love hearing about your work. So," he added, holding up his wine glass, "what do we drink to?"

"Mm, how about that kiss you're about to give me?" she asked seductively, smiling.

"Mm, I'll drink to that," McGee said.

They touched their glasses together, then drank, followed by a kiss.

"Remember when we met?" Anna asked.

"Yeah," McGee said, smiling. "It was after the case where I adopted Jethro."

"Yeah," Anna said. "It was March, wasn't it?"

"April," McGee said, "April 15th. Wouldn't you know, I'd meet the girl of my dreams on Tax Day."

Anna grinned, stabbing a bite of penne on her fork. "It was an interesting night," she said. "We met at the bar by accident."

McGee smiled, letting the memory wash over him.

On April 15, 2008, following the closing of the case, McGee headed home with newly-christened Jethro the German Shepard, fed him, then changed into something casual, ate a leftovers dinner himself; then, instead of going to bed early, he headed out to the bar for some alone time. The team often met at this bar after work for some together downtime. He knew Tony was entirely, sometimes all-too-willing, to spend some time with him, but he had been working with his counselor for almost a year now on, for one, being OK with taking one day off a week and having an alone time night.

He entered the bar and went and sat on a stool. He ordered a Morgan and coke when the bartender asked what he wanted, then sat quietly as he drank his drink, allowing his thoughts to sort themselves out. With his right hand, he gently felt at the gauze and bandages protecting his neck wound and looked down at his left arm, where Jethro had bitten him that morning.

There were moments where McGee wished he could change the name, because it was giving him a mild complex, but Abby had said it to the German Shepard so much that it was now stuck.

He ran through the day in his mind. As his thoughts of the day came to an end, he scanned the bar, taking a moment to look at the Fallen Agents wall; then his eyes came to rest on a slender brunette, who was also sitting alone, a frozen margarita in front of her. McGee blushed and quickly looked away when she met his gaze unblinkingly.

She smiled, the second time their eyes met.

The third time McGee looked at her, he managed an awkward smile in return.

Discretion was never your strong suit, McGee, McGee chastised himself.

After what seemed like a moment of consideration, the young woman got up from her table and went over to him.

"What happened to you?" she asked, bypassing all the small talk.

"I was attacked on the job by a vicious dog," McGee said, so easily he himself was convinced by his story.

The woman gasped. "Oh, my God," she said. "What kind of dog?"

"German Shepard," McGee said.

"Oh... I'm Anna, by the way," she said, finally introducing herself. "Anna Springs."

"Timothy McGee," McGee said.

"Cute name," Anna said, smiling. "It's nice to meet you. So what brings you here tonight?"

"Just got off work for the day and needed some time away," McGee said.

"Where do you work?" Anna asked.

"I'm an N.C.I.S. Special Agent," McGee said, smiling more strongly.

"Really?" Anna asked, intrigued.

"Yeah," McGee said, "ever heard of it?"

Anna smiled. "Yeah, actually," she said. "I've got military all over my family."

"Really?" McGee asked.

"Granddad was in the Army, cousin in the Marines, cousin in the Air Guard, uncle in the Navy, two other cousins in the Navy..." Anna said, grinning.

"Wow," McGee said, surprised.

"What about you?" Anna asked.

"Well, I was supposed to join the military upon graduating high school, but I didn't want to," McGee said. "My family didn't seem to appreciate that too much. My dad is retired from the Navy."

"What did you do instead?" Anna asked.

"Instead of joining the Navy, I did my undergrad at Johns Hopkins University, biomedical engineering, then got my Masters in computer forensics at MIT."

"Wow," Anna said. "I have an Associate's Degree in professional photography— mainly wildlife, equine, and people."

"That's really cool," McGee said, smiling.

"Thanks," Anna said, smiling. "I love my work."

"Me too," McGee said.

"I mean, it's not thrilling by any means, comparing to being a Fed," Anna said.

"Well... a lot of what we do isn't exciting," McGee said. "Thrilling, but not exciting."

"What all do you do?" Anna asked.

"We're tasked with pursuing crimes that involve the United States Navy or Marine Corps and their families," McGee explained. "Our duties are expansive, international. Terrorism, espionage, even minor stuff, like drugs. I thought you knew about NCIS?" he added, giving her a curious look.

"I do," Anna said, grinning. "It was just neat to hear it from you."

McGee smiled.

"So you can shoot a gun?" Anna asked.

"Um, yeah," McGee said modestly.

"I've never shot a gun," Anna said.

"I'll teach you, if you want," McGee offered. "We can go to the shooting range sometime."

"OK," Anna said, smiling.

They continued talking, not realizing how much time was passing. Suddenly, McGee looked down at his watch and was shocked at the time— it was nearly Midnight.

"Whoa, it's getting late," he said. "I should probably get going. I have to let my dog out. Sorry."

"It's OK," Anna said. "I should get going, too. But this has been fun."

"Yeah, it has," McGee said, smiling. "I don't usually do this."

"Do what?"

"This. Pick up women in bars." He ducked his head in embarrassment. "Sorry, that came out wrong."

"Oh," Anna said awkwardly. She smiled. "Well, I don't mind."

"Really?"

"No. You're cute."

McGee blushed, embarrassed, and smiled appreciatively. "Well... thank you."

Anna smiled.

"Can I walk you out to your car?" McGee offered.

"Sure. Thank you," Anna said, smiling again.

McGee smiled, then walked her out to her car, after paying for the drinks.

"You really are sweet," Anna told him sincerely, looking up at him.

McGee smiled again. Already, he really liked Anna.

"I had a good time talking with you tonight," McGee said, a pleased smile making its way across his face.

"Me too," Anna said, smiling as she looked up at him. "Let's do it again sometime."

McGee nodded. "Sure. Can I... call you?" he asked hesitantly.

"Sure," Anna said, and she gave him her number.

"Thanks," McGee said, writing it on a piece of paper and pocketing it. "Well, I'll see ya."

"Yeah, I'll see ya," Anna said. Then she got into her car and drove away.

McGee smiled, as he also remembered the day after he had met Anna, how happy he had been throughout the day, thinking about her. He remember running into her a week after their initial meeting, at Barnes and Noble, where she worked a second job as an Assistant Manager, and asking her out on an official date.

"It's always been different with you, you know," McGee said, smiling, as the memory came to an end.

"What do you mean?" Anna asked, chuckling.

"Well," McGee said, "I mean, I've always been nervous about women, but you... you were different."

"Well, you've always been sweet to me," Anna said. "Before then, I seemed to only attract losers who made me believe chivalry had died. You were different, too."

"Well, you're worth it, Anna," McGee said, smiling.

Anna blushed and smiled, as they finished eating. McGee helped her wash dishes and put the remaining food away, then they lay down on the couch together.

"Different isn't bad at all," McGee said, remembering their first official date. "I mean, come on, how many people have a picnic in the rain, and have an entire huge park to themselves?"

Anna smirked. "Constitution Gardens. That was fun," she said.

"It was our first kiss," McGee said, smiling.

Anna smiled and nestled up against his strong chest.

"Dinner was wonderful," McGee said, kissing the top of her head. "Thank you, babe."

"You're welcome," Anna said, enjoying the feel of the rumble of his voice she could hear, with her head lying on his chest. "Do you want to cook next time?"

"Sure," McGee said, "whatever you'd like."

They lay together in silence for a few minutes. Then Anna said, "Tim, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?" McGee asked, releasing his gentle hold on her so she could rotate to face him.

"When am I going to meet your team?" Anna asked, tracing her finger along his strong collarbone. "I know you're nervous about what they'll think; especially this Tony and your boss, Gibbs," she reasoned. "But I think you're probably over-thinking it. I don't want to be your secret lover. That's not good for you, emotionally. I want to be able to go get groceries with you, without worrying about who will see us and out our secret."

"I promise I will have you meet them really soon," McGee said sincerely. "There just hasn't been an opportunity arise yet, in order to do so."

Anna nodded. "I understand," she said, sighing.

"I promise, it will happen soon," McGee promised her. "I want to do it right."

"I believe you, Tim," Anna said, snuggling closer to him. Then they fell asleep together.

The following week, the bullpen was buzzing with news that was quickly spreading of the upcoming barbecue Abby was planning. As it could not be held at her apartment, it was being held at Gibbs' house, with his permission— on November 1, not October 31, much to Abby's disappointment.

Saturday arrived, bright, clear, and unusually warm for an early November day. McGee had decided earlier that week, the barbecue would be a perfect opportunity to introduce Anna to the team.

Gibbs was providing the hamburgers and hot dogs. Abby was bringing the drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Tony was bringing the chips and dip. And Ducky, Palmer, and Ziva were providing plates, cups, and silverware, so Gibbs didn't have a ton of dishes to do afterward. Anna and McGee were bringing the tablecloths and desserts.

Anna had taken another afternoon off and spent it baking desserts— cookies, brownies, bars, and she also bought ice cream— chocolate, vanilla, Neapolitan.

"Wow, Anna," McGee said, looking around at the varieties of desserts around the kitchen. "This all looks great. I take it you like to bake?"

"I love to," Anna said. "Something I inherited from my mom and my grandma."

"Cool," McGee said, taking a plate of Saran-wrapped cookies from her and heading out to his Porsche with the plate and tablecloths in hand.

They took the tablecloths and desserts over to Gibbs' house. They were the first of the team to arrive, besides Gibbs, of course.

"Hey, Boss," McGee said, when Gibbs answered the door. For a moment, he had to fight down a laugh— Gibbs was wearing a white-and-brown-colored apron with three pink pigs on the front, whose eyes were tiny lights that twinkled red and white. "How's your day going?" he asked, in what he hoped was a casual tone.

"Not bad, McGee," Gibbs said. "Who's this?" he asked, looking at Anna.

"This is Anna, Boss," McGee said, "my girlfriend. I thought the barbecue would be a good opportunity for her to meet everyone."

"Good thinking, McGee," Gibbs said.

"Thanks, Boss," McGee said, smiling and letting out a sigh of relief. At least Gibbs seemed to already be accepting Anna.

"It's nice to meet you, Agent Gibbs," Anna said.

"Gibbs is fine," Gibbs said casually.

"Alright," Anna said, before heading back to the backyard with McGee.

"It smells great, Boss," McGee said, as they set up the tablecloths and put out the dessert trays, save for putting the ice cream in the freezer.

Gibbs smiled. "There's cheese in the fridge for cheeseburgers and ketchup, mustard, relish, horseradish, whatever you guys want for the hot dogs, too."

"I'll get it," McGee said to Anna, who was still bringing in a couple trays of desserts from the car.

"Hey, guys," McGee said. "Gibbs is out back."

The team nodded and carried the various items to the backyard. It took Abby a few trips before all the alcohol had made it to its proper table. She had also brought a stereo and several CDs. Anna left the ice cream in the fridge, figuring they all could go back inside and get some if they wanted it.

"Is this Anna, McGee?" Ziva asked, once everything was set up and they were all filling their plates with food and drink.

"Yes," McGee said. "Anna, this is Ziva, Tony, Abby, Ducky, and Palmer."

"It's so nice to finally meet you," Abby said enthusiastically, coming forward and hugging Anna.

"She is a hugger," McGee added to Anna, who looked confused.

"It's nice to meet you all," Anna said to them, smiling.

"How long have you two been dating?" Abby asked.

"About six months," Anna answered.

"Why did we not meet her sooner, McGee?" Ziva asked.

"I wanted the timing to be right," McGee said. "And this worked out quite nicely, don't you think?"

"Yes," Ziva said. To Anna, she added, "We've all been anxious to meet you."

"Yeah, I've been bugging Tim about it for a couple weeks now, myself," Anna said.

Everyone sat down at the two picnic tables to eat. After they were finished eating, Ziva helped Gibbs wash what dishes they had used, then they sat around and talked the evening away.

After a while, Abby pulled everyone away to dance. Gibbs and Ducky, however, remained behind to talk. She first put in a Lady Gaga CD and everyone danced to "Poker Face."

"Abby, really?" Tony asked, as he alternated dancing with her and Ziva. "Lady Gaga?"

Abby merely shrugged and smiled, as she danced with Palmer.

After the Lady Gaga CD ended, Abby took it out and replaced it with the Bina Misty version of "Hot Hot Hot."

Eventually, it was time for everyone to head their separate ways. McGee and Anna took the remainder of the desserts and tablecloths back to Anna's apartment. They lay down on the couch together, McGee running his fingers absent-mindedly through Anna's hair.

"I had a great time today," Anna said. "Thank you for taking me. I'm glad I met everyone. I like your team."

"Thank you for coming," McGee said, smiling. "It was fun." He looked down at her. "You seem tired. Want me to go, so you can get some sleep?"

"Oh, I'm just worn out from the party. I should head to bed, I guess," Anna said reluctantly.

"Maybe," McGee said. "Hey, you know that's what I told Tony, before the night I met you."

"What do you mean?" Anna asked.

"Well, the night we met, I was gonna just head to bed early, since it had been a long day," McGee explained. "Instead of going to bed, I had dinner, changed clothes, and headed out to the bar. Then I met you."

Anna smiled. "I'm glad you did," she said.

"Me too," McGee said, stroking her hair. "Are you ready to head to bed?"

"I guess," Anna said reluctantly. "I'd much rather stay here with you."

McGee smiled. "I'd stay the night," he said, "but I didn't bring anything with me."

Anna got up and McGee pulled her into his arms. "We may have to change that matter," she said. McGee nodded. "I guess I'll just have to see you tomorrow, then."

"Yeah," McGee said, kissing the top of her head. Her head came to just beneath his chin. He loved the feel of her body against his. "Get some sleep."

"OK," Anna said. She looked up at him. "See you tomorrow. I love you, Tim."

McGee swallowed hard for a moment. It wasn't something he said very often. Then he replied, "I love you, too."

Anna smiled, then McGee left.

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