Distance Nightmare 22/37

[gosgirl1]

Chapter 22 - Bad Timing

Abby sat at the kitchen table sipping coffee as Gibbs fixed pancakes for their late breakfast.

She loved watching him.

When they were just friends, she used to do it surreptitiously but now she could indulge herself… really look at him whenever she felt like it. Abby saw him every day at work, but she suspected that planting herself in front of him to gaze at his handsome face for long periods with a goofy grin on her face, or obviously checking out his ass as he walked past, might raise a few eyebrows…

Propped up in bed or sat like this, she could treat herself to a visual tour of his body and face, drinking him in, even if she did feel herself blushing when he caught her at it, blue eyes amused.

One thing that had surprised and delighted her was how tactile Gibbs was. He'd always been physically affectionate with her ever since they'd been close friends, but now they'd taken this step to become lovers, he couldn't seem to keep his hands off her.

He'd never respected the concept of her personal space anyway and now he was taking full advantage of it, touching her, planting kisses, wrapping her in his arms. He especially couldn't seem to keep away from her neck, the spider receiving more than its fair share of attention… all of which kept her body in a permanent state of tingling anticipation.

Perhaps it stemmed from how difficult Gibbs found it expressing his feelings in words, so he used his hands and body instead. Or perhaps it was the newness of their relationship and it would cool off once the 'honeymoon' period was over.

God, she hoped not since she couldn't keep her hands off him either.

She'd had a lot to think about during the last couple of days. Abby knew she had to follow up the footage sooner rather than later, but yesterday evening and this morning had been so special, she'd been loathe to break into what felt like an oasis in the midst of so much stress. So she'd grasped every opportunity to be distracted. She'd been prevaricating and that wasn't like her, normally. She'd have to tackle it today… sometime.

After breakfast, they both wrapped up and went outside, Gibbs to clear the pathway to the front door, Abby declaring that she was going to 'supervise', although she really intended just to ogle him as he worked.

Throwing her a skeptical look, he grabbed a shovel and set to work. Abby perched on the steps regularly offering gratuitous and totally unhelpful advice, punctuated with lots of laughter. Gibbs soon discarded his outer coat as he warmed up and she was able to enjoy a view of his butt as he bent over.

Taking a breather, he looked up, feeing his breath catch at seeing her lovely face. Abby was still looking mischievous, especially with the addition of a woolly hat and a scarf wrapped round her neck, green eyes sparkling with humor. He moved to start on the path round the side of the house, pausing to drop a quick kiss on her cold lips. As he moved away, a snowball landed beside him and he heard a muttered, "Missed."

Turning, he started stalking back towards her. Grinning, he grabbed a handful of snow, seeing her eyes widen as she shot to her feet. Backing down the driveway, she laughingly scrabbled to pick up enough snow to launch a snowball back before he could reach her.

Distracted by a car pulling up on the street and a joyful squeal of "Abby," they both turned to see Fornell's daughter, Emily, waving frantically out of the window. As soon as she could scramble out of the car, Emily launched herself over the snow towards Abby, arms outstretched.

Abby laughed delightedly and swept her up as Emily reached her, staggering back slightly under the whirlwind but hugging her close. At ten, Emily was getting a bit big to be picked up so easily but it was hard to resist as she was so very fond of the little girl. Not wanting to miss seeing her favorite aunt and uncle, Emily had begged her father to borrow a neighbor's SUV so they could make it through the snow. Emily soon spotted Gibbs coming down the path behind Abby and reached her arms across to hug him with an excited cry of "Uncle Jethro."

The unexpected shift in weight made Abby stagger and Gibbs was forced to steady both of them, suddenly finding his arms full of both of his girls.

His girls… where had that come from?

The sudden similarity to another memory hit him, of a time when the same thing had happened one winter in the snow with Shannon and Kelly. The sheer power of it rushed in, blindsiding him. Even Abby's laughter and her, "Take her, Jethro," as she handed Emily over so he could hold her properly, was an uncanny direct echo of Shannon's words from so long ago; the timbre of their voices being the only difference. Feeling overwhelmed, Gibbs found he couldn't speak and could only hug both of them close, trying to get himself under control.

Abby wrapped one arm round his waist, leaning her head on his shoulder as she laughingly ruffled Emily's hair. Emily was only too pleased to prolong the hug and buried her face in Gibbs' neck, giggling happily.

When Abby glanced up at him, she noticed something was amiss immediately. Before she could speak, Gibbs shook his head minutely, not trusting his voice quite yet. Abby looked from Emily to Gibbs and her eyes widened. He could almost see her make the connection, but he doubted even she'd made the full connection… how her actions had mirrored Shannon's.

Abby paled, her smile fading, suddenly unsure what to do. She settled for pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, squeezing his shoulder. She moved away to give him some space, leaving him holding Emily. Abby went down the pathway to intercept Fornell, who was unloading bags from the trunk.

"Hey, Toby." She hugged her friend, hoping to deflect him long enough so that Gibbs could recover his composure.

Tobias grinned at her. "Abbs, you're looking terrific. Much better than Thursday night."

"I'm feeling terrific, Toby. I'm not feeling sick any more. I'm rested, fed, muscles not sore," Or at least not for that reason, she thought, suppressing a giggle.

"Anything else, Abbs?" Fornell teased, seeing the hint of a blush.

Abby mock glared at him, lips curving in a smile. "Tobias Fornell, get your mind out of the gutter. Besides, you're too young and innocent to be thinking those thoughts."

Tobias grinned. "Being looked after by Gibbs obviously agrees with you. It'd bring on a relapse with me."

Swatting his shoulder, chuckling, Abby picked up a couple of bags. "What's in these?"

"We bought dessert, and Emily brought you a present."

"Aaaw, that's so sweet." She linked arms with Fornell, walking with him up the driveway.

She could see Gibbs had recovered his equilibrium from whatever had winded him just now, or was covering it up… which was the more likely option, knowing him. He'd abandoned clearing the pathway in favor of helping Emily start on a snowman, although that seemed to involve throwing snow at one another rather than actually starting on building anything.

"Before you two put all the snow Gibbs just cleared back onto the path, Emily, you can help me take these inside… and help me make hot chocolate." Seeing the expression on the men's faces, Abby giggled. "And coffee or we'll have a mutiny on our hands."

As Abby and Emily headed inside, Fornell looked on with an indulgent smile. "She's looks great, Jethro," smirking when he saw the look on Gibbs' face.

"Yeah, she sure does, Tobias."

"Any more nightmares?" Fornell asked.

"Nope," Gibbs shook his head, "not for the last two nights. She was very tired yesterday though."

Fornell snorted. "Yeah, I'll bet."

Shooting him a glare, Gibbs told him. "We went to the Navy Yard. Abby wanted to say hi to everyone. Think she overdid it."

"Bet she's eager to get back to work though… when Vance'll let her." Fornell knew the protocols following an incident such as this as well as Gibbs.

"Yeah," confirmed Gibbs, "she's got the psych eval on Wednesday so she can't till after that."

They were stopped from discussing it further as Emily reappeared carrying coffee for them both. Abby followed with mugs of chocolate for herself and Emily. Abby settled on the top step and Emily sat in front of her on the next step below, leaning back and snuggling into Abby.

Unable to resist the picture they presented, Fornell whipped out his camera, ignoring the smirk being fired his way from Gibbs as he recorded the scene. Every minute spent with his daughter was precious and he'd been reminded this week all too clearly how easy it was to lose friends too. Wanting to capture what time he had with Emily had prompted him to carry the camera with him every time he had his daughter for the weekend, trying to cram as many memories as he could into the short time he was allowed to spend with her.

"You two look like a mischievous elf and a pixie," Fornell laughed as he snapped away.

Remembering how he'd thought the same about Abby, although in slightly different circumstances this morning, Gibbs almost choked on his coffee as he turned away to hide his laughter.

Abby put down her mug and hugged Emily from behind, smiling up at Tobias. "We're just getting our strength up so we can beat you two in a snowball fight."

"You think you can take us on, do ya? A Marine sniper and an FBI agent?" boasted Tobias.

Abby leaned down to whisper in Emily's ear. "Sounds like a challenge, kid, you up for it? The honor of womanhood is at stake."

Emily giggled, nodding vigorously. "Oh yeah, we can take 'em."

"You're on." Tobias smiled. "Come on Gibbs, let's show 'em how it's done."

"You go ahead, Tobias. I'll come rescue you when I've finished. You can hold the line, can't ya?"

Abby got up, laughing and pointing at Gibbs. "Huh, you just don't wanna get your butt kicked by a couple of girls, Gibbs."

Gibbs narrowed his eyes at her and reached down for some more snow. Abby burst out laughing and ran off into the back yard before he could take aim.

"Come on, dad." Emily grabbed his hand and dragged him after Abby.

Chuckling, Gibbs set to work, finishing off the pathway. He was very fond of Emily and didn't spend as much time with her as he should. He knew Abby was close to Fornell's daughter and always made time for her, going with Toby to school plays or concerts and helping Emily with school projects if she could. Perhaps they could do more of that together now? It was a thought that made him smile.

He wasn't sure why that memory had hit him so hard earlier, but it had knocked him sideways. Not in a sad way, that was partly what had startled him so much… it was a sudden, very happy memory and the parallels were obvious. The force of that emotion linked with Abby and Emily had winded him.

Gibbs smiled as he heard shouts and shrieks coming from the backyard. The path could wait.

Abby had been lying in wait for Tobias as he was dragged out back by his daughter, and had hit him with a flurry of snowballs when they both appeared. Yelling foul play, Tobias had made a tactical retreat to the far side of the yard, taking cover by the side of the house. But Emily had snuck round and was making a determined attack on her father, sending a flurry of snowballs his way.

Doubled over with breathless laughter, Abby watched as the pint size spitfire moved in for the kill and was just about to join in when…whack… a snowball hit her on the cheek, splattering over her face and sending wet slush over her front.

She wiped off the worst and turned to see a smug looking Gibbs. "Hey, not nice, Gibbs. You said you weren't playing."

Gibbs grinned, pleased with his aim. "Figured Tobias needed my help. Always gotta rescue the FBI."

Distracted by the arrival of reinforcements, Emily lost her aim and Tobias was able to get out of range of the worst of the bombardment. Undaunted, both she and Abby set to again, sending volley after volley in the direction of the two men. Gibbs, typically, with a sniper's patience, waited until he could make each shot count and both girls were soon covered in snow, giggling helplessly.

Using her smaller size, Emily was able to rush in and tackle her father from a low angle, seizing handfuls of snow, trying to jam them down his neck. Abby got in several shots which hit Gibbs glancing blows, but he was too fast for her and bent low at the waist as he moved towards her, knocking Abby off her feet, tumbling her into the snow.

Abby wriggled underneath him, her laughter turning to squeals as she tried to get free. Gibbs grabbed both her hands and pinned them above her head, laughing down at her. Taking in her sparkling green eyes, glowing face and dazzling smile, Gibbs was seized with the overwhelming urge to kiss her into the snow, and only just restrained himself in front of their audience. She caught on to his wish and her could see her gaze shift between his lips and his eyes, her smile turning seductive.

Hearing the laughter from Tobias and Emily, who were still struggling to get as much snow as possible inside each other's clothes, broke the moment. Gibbs got to his feet and pulled Abby up, but not before managing to dump another handful of snow onto her head.

Gibbs took off before Abby could stop spluttering and laughing. He scooped Emily up on the way, who grabbed him round the neck, gurgling happily as he jogged round the front.

Abby went to Tobias and helped him up, sharing grins.

"You know, the only one still dry is Jethro." Tobias tried to brush the worst of the snow off but gave it up as a bad job, most of it had trickled down the back of his neck already.

"I know, Toby. Hardly seems fair, does it?" Abby linked arms with him and they went round the front to join Emily and Gibbs, who were tackling the snowman again.

When they finally all staggered inside much later, they were nearly all soaking wet. Even Gibbs hadn't avoided Abby's sneaky attacks while he was distracted building Emily's snowman and his hair was sodden. Abby couldn't help grinning… wet hair looked so damn sexy on him.

As they shed wet outer clothes, Gibbs ran upstairs for towels and spare sweatshirts for himself, Abby and Tobias, and one of Abby's jumpers for Emily. Drying off, the girls got changed in the kitchen. Tobias stayed in the lounge, pulling on a dry sweatshirt, while Gibbs lit the fire to get them all warm. Being so cold outside, the heat was still on in the house, but they'd all soon start to shiver once the warmth from rushing around outside had faded.

Abby brought in more coffee and chocolate for Emily and then settled on the floor by the couch, near the fire. Gibbs settled on the couch near Abby, and tapped Emily on the shoulder as she curled up on the rug by the fire, and started signing to her.

You sign?

Emily's eyes blushed as she replied. Little bit. Grinning at her aunt, she told him, "Abby taught me."

Gibbs brushed his hand over Emily's hair, smiling. Show me.

Abby watched indulgently as Emily ran through the handful of phrases and words she'd taught both Emily and Tobias. Gibbs signed back or tested her with new words, which she picked up with an impressive speed.

"Should we be testing your memory too, Toby?" teased Abby, smiling.

Gibbs cut in before Tobias could reply. "No sense testing the old man's memory, Abbs, it's shot."

"Hey, less of the old, Jethro," protested Tobias, good naturedly. "There's only a few years between us."

"I also know this one," Emily exclaimed, bouncing up and down to draw their attention back to her, sounding pleased with herself before signing, I love you.

Gibbs exchanged glances with Fornell, remembering their conversation in the diner about that sign, and how Tobias had come to know it. "I know. So you could surprise your dad."

"It's great," enthused Emily, "having something we can both share that no one else can."

"Yeah, it is special to do that, Em," confirmed Abby, sharing a smile with Gibbs. " It means you can have a private conversation in a crowded room." It was one of the things that had brought them together as friends years ago, and she loved having a method of communication with him that no one at work could 'overhear.'

Tobias suppressed a smile with difficulty at the intense looks shooting between Abby and Gibbs. "Emily, go and get Abby's present."

"Oh yeah, I hope you like it," Emily said, looking suddenly shy. She scrambled up and ran into the hallway, bringing back a wrapped package.

"I love presents," declared Abby as she took the package, accepting the kiss on the cheek the little girl gave her. "But why d'ya get me a present, Em? It's not Christmas yet."

"To thank you for your help with my school science project. I got really good marks." Emily stood by her father as she watched Abby unwrap the present.

Hugging his daughter to him, Fornell said, "Call it an early Christmas present, Abbs."

Abby burst out laughing when the present was revealed. She held up a pair of huge furry 'boot' slippers with mini penguins attached to the toes, standing up proud of the rest of the slipper. "I totally love these, Em. C'mere." She wrapped Emily in a big hug, nearly dragging her off her feet, and immediately put the slippers on, waving her feet in the air, the penguins bouncing on her toes. "They're so warm."

Laughing at the image she presented, Gibbs shook his head. "Only you could pull those off, Abbs."

"You said your feet are always cold, Abby," said Emily.

"They sure are," put in Gibbs quietly but with feeling, hearing Tobias snort with amusement. He'd had her cold feet planted on for three nights in a row. What was it with women and cold feet?

Glaring at him, Abby couldn't quite suppress the grin lurking at the corners of her mouth. "Come on, Em. You can help me with lunch, leave the boys thawing out."

Fornell waited until they were both out of earshot before asking. "I take it then she hasn't seen the footage?"

"No, not yet," Gibbs shook his head, his grin fading.

"But you have?" asked Fornell, seeing the shadow pass across Gibbs' face.

"Yeah, I've seen it, Tobias." Seeing his friend's worried look, Gibbs felt he had to explain. "It wasn't rape but he did… he did touch her." He wasn't sure if Abby would want to share any more details, but knowing how much Tobias cared for her, he gave him the barest details, keeping his voice quiet.

Fornell's jaw tightened in anger. "How will she cope with seeing it?"

"Don't know," sighed Gibbs. "Ducky's coming over later so we can talk to her."

"And how are you coping with it, Jethro?" Fornell asked gently.

Gibbs closed his eyes briefly, unwanted images flashing across his mind again all too vividly. "I'll never forget it but it's Abby I'm more worried about."

Moving the topic onto neutral ground lest the girls hear them, they chatted for a while longer before helping carry the food into the lounge, all yielding to Emily's wish that eating in front of the fire would be warmer and more fun.

Tucking into the food, as they settled on both the couch and the floor, the teasing banter soon flowed again. Gibbs felt himself relaxing and enjoying the carefree atmosphere. He kept a close eye on Abby, seeing how happy she looked, her eyes shining as Emily chattered almost non-stop about her week in school.

With barely a pause for breath, Emily abruptly changed the subject. "How was LA, Abby?"

Abby's hesitation was barely noticeable. "It was cool, Em, but busy. I didn't have much time for sightseeing." She didn't need to even look at Tobias to know that he hadn't told Emily anything about what had happened to her, and she wanted it to stay that way.

Emily continued, seemingly oblivious to the sudden stillness of the men. "Did you go to that club you wanted to?"

"Only briefly." Only because he knew her so well did Gibbs see the momentary shadow that passed across her face.

"Did you get the bad guy?" asked Emily eagerly.

Abby hesitated before smiling softly at her. "Yeah, we got him, Em. We got him." Gibbs reached out and put his hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently, wordlessly asking how she was coping with this. She turned and smiled, nodding minutely to reassure him.

Tobias put in. "Abby was responsible for catching him, Em. He'd have got away without her." Abby shot him a reproving glance, just wanting to change the subject.

"That's way too cool, Abby," Emily paused before continuing, "and was Callen as dishy as you thought?"

"Emily!" exclaimed Tobias, hearing Gibbs low chuckle.

"What, dad? I'm only asking," protested Emily before turning back to Abby. "I saw his photo you showed me, he's yummy."

Giggling, Abby confirmed, hearing Tobias spluttering. "Yes, he was, Emily... very." She risked a quick glance at Gibbs and was relieved to see his smirk in place.

"Really?" Emily had managed to perfect not only the slightly suggestive lilt with which Abby usually infused that word, but the head cocked on one side and the innocent face was pretty spot on too. Gibbs suppressed a smile with difficulty as he spotted the similarity.

Fornell threw his hands up in mock horror. "Oh hell, she's even starting to sound like Abby now."

The two girls looked at one another and said with one voice, "Totally," before dissolving into giggles. Fornell couldn't help but join in the laughter.

When the laughter had died down, Emily was all innocence as she asked. "So are you guys together now?"

Fornell choked on his coffee, while Abby could feel a blush creeping over her cheeks. She caught Fornell's spreading grin and looked to Gibbs, unsure how they were going to deal with this one. Out of the mouth of babes…

Then Gibbs did something surprising and unexpected. He smiled at Emily, covering her hand with his. "Yeah, we are, Em. Is that okay?" he asked quietly.

Emily nodded enthusiastically, grinning at her uncle. "Sure, it is. I think it's kinda cool. My most favorite uncle and coolest aunt together."

Fornell intercepted the look Gibbs threw his way. "Don't look at me, Jethro. Em figured this one out all on her own."

"Oh, it was easy really," Emily threw in, nonchalantly. "Abby would always look at Uncle Jethro with a goofy look on her face when she thought he wasn't looking."

Goofy look? Abby felt her blush getting deeper as Fornell started chuckling. She saw Gibbs grin break out and knew she was going to get teased about that one for quite a while.

But Emily wasn't finished embarrassing them yet. "Uncle Jethro would do the same too."

"You mean with the same goofy look?" Abby asked, trying unsuccessfuly to stifle a giggle.

"Oh yeah," Emily nodded, giggling.

That was too much for Fornell and he threw his head back, roaring with laughter. Abby and Gibbs stared at one another and she saw Gibbs' lips twitch before they both burst out laughing. Emily looked delighted at causing such mirth.

In between giggles, Abby gasped out, "Goofy look Gibbs? Really?" and he rolled his eyes at her.

Fornell answered. "Well, I wouldn't have put it quite like that while I was within head slapping distance but it sums it up pretty well I think."

Chuckling, Abby exchanged glances with Gibbs, catching his soft smile. He reached down and took her hand, rubbing his thumb in gentle circles over her wrist.

"Can I tell mummy?" was Emily's next question as she watched them.

That sobered them all up.

"Best not Em," cautioned Abby.

"Why not?" demanded Emily.

Good question.

If it was that obvious to a ten year old, and half the team seemed to have guessed already, it made Abby wonder how obvious it was to everybody else. But it was something they'd not discussed yet between the two of them. It was all too new and Abby knew they needed some privacy to work it out.

Fornell tried to help out. "It could cause them both problems at work, Emily, if it becomes widely known."

Fornell also didn't want her to tell Diane and expose Abby to his ex-wife's vitriol. He'd caught more than a few sarcastic comments about Abby from Diane in the past, and he didn't want to give her any more ammunition. Emily adored her aunt and even Diane realized she'd just provoke her daughter to defend Abby if she said anything critical in her hearing.

Once again, Gibbs seemed to find the right words for the situation. He leaned over and pulled Emily into his side. "It's kinda special, Em. You keep special close."

Abby looked at him wonderingly. For a guy who professed to be crap with words, the few he did say could sometimes be well nigh perfect.

Emily caught onto his seriousness and nodded solemnly. "Then I won't say anything, I promise." Gibbs wrapped her in a hug, kissing her temple.

It was soon time to leave and as they said goodbye, Emily launched herself at Gibbs and Abby in turn, doing a fair mini impersonation of her aunt's bone crushing hugs.

While Gibbs offered to clean up, Abby walked them both to the car, hugging Tobias and kissing his cheek once Emily was in the car out of earshot. "Thank you, Toby, for the other night, for looking after me," she told him, quietly. "I was too out of it to say thank you properly at the time."

"There's no need, Abbs," Tobias reassured her. "I'm just pleased to see you looking so well." He nodded in the direction of the house. "Jethro suits you."

"We suit each other, Toby," corrected Abby, smiling. "That's what makes it so good."

Waving as they drove off, Abby turned to see Ducky walking down the street towards her through the snow. "Ducky, we didn't think you'd make it. Where's your Morgan? Did you park it up the street?" she asked as she hugged him.

Ducky hugged her back, before holding her at arm's length to look at her face, seeing how much better she looked than yesterday. "I didn't bring her, Abby. I took a cab."

"Oh Ducky," replied Abby, "you needn't have made the effort just to come and see me. Not that it isn't lovely to see you, but you could have rung to see how I was as the weather was so bad."

"It's not the same as seeing your delightful face. Besides it got me out of the house on a Saturday. Is Jethro inside?" queried Ducky. He felt sure Gibbs wouldn't have said the real reason he was visiting today, and wanted to deflect Abby. He didn't want to discuss it outside.

Abby nodded. "Yeah, he's in the kitchen. Have you had lunch, Ducky?"

"Yes, I have, my dear," confirmed Ducky. "But I will tackle some of Jethro's coffee, if my insides can brave the noxious brew." Kissing her cheek, he made his way up the path.

Sensing there was more to Ducky's explanation as to why he was here in the bad weather, Abby watched Ducky thoughtfully as he walked into the house, before reaching for her phone. It was time she made her phone call.

Talking quietly in the kitchen with Ducky, Gibbs could feel the lighthearted mood of the morning rapidly drifting away. They kept the conversation to neutral subjects, both feeling the subject of the footage hovering in the corner like the elephant in the room.

After a while, Gibbs began to wonder where Abby was but before he could go in search of her, the front door slammed. The expression on her face as she rounded the corner into the kitchen would have clued him into her mood, even if the restless pacing, gesturing hands and hunched shoulders hadn't already told him that she was pissed… really pissed.

He had a sinking feeling he knew why too. Her next angry words confirmed it.

"Were either of you planning on telling me sometime before Christmas that the video footage had not only been found, but was here already?" accused Abby, her voice tight and angry.

Oh shit.

"Abbs…" Gibbs tried to head off her tirade.

"Don't you Abbs me." She turned on him, hands agitatedly signing half formed words, none of them flattering. "I can't believe you kept it from me, both of you, not after what we talked about."

"Abby, that's why I'm here now," interjected Ducky, trying to divert her wrath from Gibbs. "We wanted to talk to you about it."

"It was here yesterday, Ducky. That would have been the day to do it. You knew how important it was to me, you both knew, but you, Gibbs… " Abby broke off, struggling to keep her composure. "Did me spilling my heart out to you about how important it was mean nothing to you?"

"Don't blame, Jethro," Ducky was firm. If anyone was going to take the blame for this bad timing, he was determined it would be him. He went on. "I thought it was too soon, Abby. I made him hold off."

Abby's tone was scornful. "Oh come on, you never do anything you don't agree with, Gibbs."

"I didn't want you to see the damn thing in the first place, Abbs," Gibbs cut in, sounding increasingly angry himself, and they stood glaring at one another.

Ducky sought to calm them both down. They both had impressive tempers and losing them wouldn't help right now. "How did you find out, Abby?"

Abby barely spared him a glance. "I rang Callen. I thought it was time I should have heard from him about it."

"Damn him," snapped Gibbs, starting to pace, running his hand through his hair in frustration.

"Don't you dare have a go at Callen," exploded Abby. She'd already been angry enough with G. Callen over the phone just now for not telling her, but they didn't need to know that, nor was she going to let them deflect the blame onto the LA agent. "He'd promised to tell me when the footage was sent over but you, Ducky, you made him wait, didn't you?"

"I thought it was for the best, Abigail, and I still do… " Ducky was adamant. "Your reaction now is only confirming that."

"My reaction?" Abby interrupted, sounding incredulous. "My reaction is because the two men I trusted the most not to lie to me ever… two men I love have just…" She broke off, unable to continue.

Gibbs started forward towards her but she raised her hand, shaking her head. "No… don't…" Abby tried to get enough breath to continue. "At least Callen treats me like a grown woman, not like a child." This was shot at Ducky. "Or a porcelain doll," which was aimed at Gibbs.

With that, Abby turned and ran from the room, racing upstairs and they both heard another door slam… presumably his bedroom, thought Gibbs. He went to go after her but was stopped by Ducky's hand on his arm. He turned to see his friend shaking his head. "Leave her be, Jethro. With both your tempers, you'll only make it worse if you go to her now. She'll be okay when she's calmed down."

Gibbs slumped on the couch, head in his hands, feeling helpless. He was left wondering if he'd screwed this up so badly so quickly before they'd even begun.

TBC