I am so, SO sorry that I didn't update sooner. I did not forget about this fic but, you all know how life is it screws you up lol. Anyway, this is the FINAL chapter so thank you guys so much for hanging in there.

And now, the conclusion…

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Martin and Danny ran down the hall towards Sam's room. Victor was waiting outside, pacing, waiting for his son.

"Dad! Dad!" Martin called. When he reached his father, he breathlessly asked, "What happened? What's wrong with her?"

Victor sighed. "I don't know, son. They haven't told me anything."

Just then, Dr. Robertson walked towards the three. Martin couldn't read his expression, so he still wasn't sure whether he should be picking out an engagement ring or a coffin.

"Dr. Robertson, what happened?" Martin asked cautiously, "Is Sam OK?"

Dr. Robertson sighed. This was not a good sign. Then he smiled. OK…better sign.

"Your girlfriend is going to be fine, Agent Fitzgerald."

Never were there more beautiful words. It felt like the world had just been lifted off Martin's shoulders; he wanted to cry.

But not really. "Thank you, doctor," he answered.

"You're welcome. But it was your girlfriend who did it," he turned to Victor, "I'm sorry if we scared you Director Fitzgerald, but when comatose patients come to we usually like to keep all friends and family out of the room."

"As long as she's OK, we have no problem." The doctor smiled.

"Can I see her?" Martin asked.

"Of course, but she's still a little tender so uh, try and keep it easy." Dr. Robertson winked at Martin before heading off down the hall.

"Why don't we uh, go see where Jack and Viv are, Director?" Danny asked, wanting to make sure Martin got some alone time with Sam.

Victor got the underlying meaning and agreed with Danny. After patting Martin on the back, Danny and the Director made their way off the same way the doctor did.

Martin took a deep breath before going in to see Sam. When he did, she was sitting up in bed, brown eyes wide and open. There wasn't a more beautiful sight.

"Hey sweetheart," he greeted.

At the sound of his voice, Sam's eyes started to well up with tears and she couldn't help but release them. "Martin…" she sobbed.

"Oh, baby," Martin ran over to her and gathered her in his arms. Lightly, of course, but it felt so reassuring to hug her and have her hug him back. He dropped many kisses all over her bruised face, catching each one and reassuring her that he would make them better. "I missed you so much. I was so scared."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's not your fault, Sam. But it did make me realize a few things."

Sam stopped crying, and allowed Martin to brush away her tears. "What's that?" she asked.

"That when you get out of here, I want to marry you."

Sam almost stopped breathing. She was so sure this day would never come that she didn't prepare herself for it. She didn't know what to say.

"Well, what do you say?" he asked.

She paused, which in retrospect probably wasn't a good thing, but she had to think. And quick.

Marriage. With Martin. Babies. With Martin. Life-time together. With Martin.

There was only one answer.

"Yes."

Martin couldn't have been happier. He kissed her fully on the lips, and she kissed back. He re-kissed every bruise on her face, whispering words of love and courage.

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Sam was released from the hospital a week later. She still had time off from work though, and Jack allowed Martin to stay with her for part of the time.

The happy couple was sitting on the couch watching some chick flick on Lifetime or Oxygen, neither knew which. But it didn't matter, because neither of them were watching the movie.

Sam was watching her beautiful new diamond ring, and Martin, of course, was watching Sam.

"It's so beautiful, Martin," she whispered.

"A beautiful ring for a beautiful lady," he whispered back, and kissed her head.

"OK, buddy, no more chick flicks for you." Sam turned off the TV and turned towards her fiancée.

Martin kissed Sam once more. When he pulled back, he noticed a sad expression on her face. "What's wrong?"

"Will my pain ever go away?" she asked softly.

Martin was filled with sadness. Even though Johnny had gone to jail and will be there the rest of his life, he still knew what Sam was talking about. She had nightmares, he had nightmares. Hell, even Danny said he had nightmares. The truth was, Martin didn't know. But he wasn't going to tell Sam that.

"Come on, honey, you know what they say. Time heals all wounds."

She smiled, he kissed her, and they lived happily ever after.

THE END

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A/N: I know, finally right? I've been working on this story for what, a year? OK, more than a year, but it's done! YAY! Thanks again to all who read, and if anyone is an NCIS fan look out for my next one-shot fic coming soon! Love you all!