Distance Nightmare 28/37
Chapter 28 - Evening Distractions
The rest of the afternoon passed with Gibbs working in the basement and Abby immersed in preparing dinner for Ducky's visit. As the tantalizing cooking smells permeated the house, Gibbs hardly needed much excuse to pop upstairs for regular coffee refills and to take the opportunity to sneak up on the cook, stealing lingering kisses until she chased him away, laughing that he was distracting her.
As the afternoon drifted into the evening, Gibbs finished off downstairs and came up to lounge in the kitchen doorway, sipping coffee and watching Abby move around the kitchen, looking completely at home. She'd changed into comfy sweatpants and one of his sweatshirts earlier, which looked far better on her he thought, and had pulled her hair up into loose pigtails.
She'd refused his offer of help with dinner, saying she was enjoying herself too much and she did look almost back to her bubbly self. Since Abby arrived on Friday, Gibbs had surprised himself by not feeling the slightest bit of discomfort at seeing her looking so comfortable in his space; in fact, the exact opposite. Abby just looked so right, it was as if his house… and he… had suddenly found a missing piece.
Grabbing his wrist to look at his watch as she passed by jolted him out of his thoughts. "Ducky'll be here soon. I'd better go and get changed."
Putting down his coffee, Gibbs dropped a quick kiss on her lips. "I'll make up the fire." Watching her run up the stairs, Gibbs felt himself looking forward to the evening with his old friend and his girl; it would be something normal after the stress of the past few week.
It didn't take long before the fire was roaring nicely, casting a warm glow about the room. He soon heard the distinctive growl of Ducky's Morgan outside and went to greet his friend. No sooner was Ducky inside, carrying a bottle and a single black rose than they both heard footsteps on the stairs and Ducky turned to greet Abby with a smile.
"Ducky!" She threw herself at the ME and Gibbs was quick to grab the bottle before the smaller man was nearly bowled off his feet as he became wrapped up in an Abby attack hug. Ducky looked equally delighted to see her and when she pulled back from the embrace, presented the flower with a flourish.
"Aaaw, Ducky, it's lovely." She sniffed at the rose, smiling as he divested himself of his coat and hat. Wrapping an arm around Ducky's shoulders, Abby steered him towards the kitchen. "Come in, come and talk to me while I finish dinner." Ducky wrapped his own arm round her waist as he walked with her.
Gibbs felt his breath hitch as he registered what she was wearing. Low slung black leather trousers hugged her curves tightly and a sparkly black top that ended just above the waist of the pants, left a strip of pale skin that just begged to be stroked. He'd seen those pants before, usually when she was heading straight to a club from NCIS, and she looked incredible in them.
Holy crap, how was he supposed to control himself when all he wanted to do was run his hands over the soft leather on her ass?
The impish grin she threw him over Ducky's shoulder showed she knew exactly what effect she was having on him. Judging by the wide grin on Ducky's face, he was equally appreciative of her outfit. "Abigail, you look wonderful, even if it is a strain on an old man's blood pressure."
Abby giggled. "Oh Ducky, you are sweet, I know how you like these pants." She reached out to tweak his more elaborate bow tie. "I knew you'd be looking very handsome and dapper tonight, so I thought I'd dress up a bit even if it is a bit flashy for dinner indoors."
"I'm gonna get changed, you two make me feel under-dressed," Gibbs said, amused, as he followed them into the kitchen.
"Let me open the wine and see if I can help Abby in the kitchen, something smells delicious," remarked Ducky.
Gibbs took Ducky's coat, before heading upstairs to shower off the sawdust. As Ducky uncorked the wine, he looked closely at Abby as she carried on with dinner. She looked much less strained than barely 24 hours ago, the sparkle finally back in her green eyes.
"Anything I can do, Abby?"
She smiled brightly at him. "Nope, Duck-man, it's all under control and it'll be ready soon. I love cooking, Ducky, you know I do. It's like science… a little bit of this, a bit of that. It relaxes me."
"You're certainly looking more relaxed than yesterday," he observed.
"I'm feeling much better. Gibbs has been… " She gave him a shy smile. "just wonderful. I'm not sure I could have coped without him." She rummaged in the cupboard, searching for a vase, frowning as she came up empty handed. They both laughed as she dug out an empty beer bottle to hold her rose. "There, that'll have to do, it's lovely, Ducky." She kissed him quickly on the nose.
"You know as well as I do that Jethro wants nothing more than to protect you and look after you. You're good for him, Abby." He smiled gently at her and moved to help as she set the table, lighting the single candle she'd placed in the centre.
"He makes me very happy, Ducky. I don't know if I'm gonna mess this up but I'm gonna try not to and I just… " She glanced at her friend. "I can't imagine wanting to be anywhere else."
"I'm really pleased for you both." He reached out to squeeze her shoulder warmly.
Abby paused before continuing, looking down at her hands and biting her lip. "He watched the footage with me yesterday, and I'm so glad he did, even though I didn't want to put him through it again."
"And how do you feel now you've seen it?" asked Ducky, quietly.
"Better," nodded Abby. "I mean it wasn't easy to watch it. It was horrible and I don't ever want to see it again, but that's it now. I know it can't get any worse and I'm not going to let that guy have any further hold over me or my life any more, not now I know what he did."
"I doubt it's as simple as that, Abby," Ducky pointed out, not unkindly. "and I suspect you know that deep down."
"Yeah, I do," replied Abby, sighing, "but what I meant was my imagination doesn't need to supply any more images, like it was doing. I know what he did and that's the worst of it."
"How are the nightmares?" Ducky suspected that seeing the footage might have caused a flare up in their intensity.
She grimaced. "Bad this morning, but it would be odd if that didn't happen after only seeing it yesterday. I'm okay though… Gibbs was there with me. That makes a big difference." She smiled as she remembered his tenderness. "If I can just get through the psych eval on Wednesday, then I can really start putting it behind me and get back to work. And I'm really, really sorry I lost my temper yesterday, Ducky, please forgive me." She reached over to hug him.
"I thought we'd gone through this yesterday, Abby, there is nothing to forgive." He patted her back, returning her hug, trying to reassure her. "You have no need to apologize and I'm sorry I didn't trust your judgment."
They were distracted from their conversation by Gibbs returning downstairs. Abby grinned as she saw that he'd changed not into his usual jeans but into smart black pants and a dark blue button-down shirt that emphasized his piercing blue eyes.
By God, he looked totally hot… but then didn't he always?
He gave her a boyish grin as he joined them and she tore her eyes away with difficulty. "Dinner's just about ready, guys, if you can give me a hand."
"Have some wine, Jethro." Ducky poured a glass for each of them.
"How hungry are you, Ducky?" She started dishing up the steaming dish of chicken gumbo. "I made plenty, although the last time I made this, I seem to remember you two polished off the lot in one go."
"Ah, but that's because you're a wonderful cook, Abigail, and this is my favorite, as you well know." Ducky carried the wine to the table, along with her 'rose in a bottle'.
"She's such a terrific cook, Duck, I may have to keep her." Gibbs grinned and tugged on a pigtail as he passed by to pick up the plates, brushed 'accidentally' against her leather pants on the way.
She jumped at the contact and giggled, smiling up at him. "You only want me for my cooking."
His low whisper of "Busted," in her ear as he leaned in close caused goosebumps to rise. She gasped as she felt his hand ghost across the bare skin of her stomach as he reached for the plates, unseen by Ducky. Before she could react further, he'd moved away carrying the heaped plates to the table. She'd worn these pants to deliberately stir him up, looking forward to some fun teasing him but payback with Gibbs usually meant she'd be driven half out of her mind.
As they settled down at Gibbs' small table, Ducky set their glasses on the table and Gibbs did a double take when he spotted the rose. "I had to improvise as I couldn't find a vase, Gibbs," she pointed out, chuckling.
He had the grace to look sheepish. "Probably not."
Abby giggled. "I think I like it better this way anyway."
"You know you've got lipstick on your nose, Duck," Gibbs pointed out, smirking.
When Ducky missed with the first swipe of his handkerchief, Abby laughingly reached over to wipe it off gently. She felt Gibbs shift his legs under the small table until the heat of his leg rested against hers. She raised her eyebrows at him and he gazed back at her, levelly, only an amused twinkle deep in his blue eyes giving him away.
"Before we eat, and at the risk of being too formal, I'd like to propose a toast," Ducky interjected, raising his glass as he drew their attention." To you both. I can't tell you how happy I am for both of you."
Abby was slightly amazed when Gibbs placed a warm hand over hers and she met his warm blue eyes, returning his soft smile. She turned towards Ducky, feeling happier than she could ever remember. "Thanks, Ducky. It means a lot to me that you approve."
Gibbs nodded at his friend in gratitude. He suspected he was going to get the fatherly 'don't hurt her' talk at some point during the week, but couldn't begrudge Ducky that. He knew how much the Scotsman loved Abby like a daughter.
She looked so beautiful tonight. As she laughed and chatted with Ducky, Gibbs found he could barely drag his eyes away from her face, the curve of her cheek as she leant her head on her hand, her green eyes shining and what seemed like a permanent smile curving her full lips.
And that's without thinking about those damn pants, which he could feel sliding against his leg at every movement she made.
As they tucked in to the food, Abby found herself enjoying the chance to relax completely. They'd often had dinner together over the years, just the three of them. Her new relationship with Gibbs was just another aspect of the close friendship they all shared; one which she hoped wouldn't alter that dynamic.
The atmosphere during the meal was lighthearted and cheerful, Abby laughing as she listened to the stories from both men as they tried to outdo and out-embarrass one another. Ducky could see how Gibbs seemed much more physically relaxed around Abby than he'd expected him to show in front of someone else, the two of them exchanging soft smiles and frequent gentle touches. Gibbs' face was open and unguarded, his usual neutral mask gone, eyes clearly showing his feelings clearly as he looked at Abby.
It was a side Ducky couldn't remember seeing in his friend for a long time, not even with any of his ex-wives. He'd only ever seen Gibbs like this with Jenny in Paris, and of course he'd never seen him with Shannon, but he took great delight in how happy Gibbs looked now. Ducky chuckled as he listened to their banter, delighted that they felt comfortable enough in his presence to show it. Whatever stresses and strains they'd both endured over the past few days, their bond seemed, if anything, strengthened.
"After church this morning I rang Ziva," Abby told them, quietly, in a gap in the conversation. "I've missed her. We didn't have much chance to talk on Friday and I'd like to spend some time with her to talk to her about… what happened, as long as it won't be too painful for her. She's invited me over for dinner on Wednesday."
Gibbs nodded. "Good timing."
"After the psych eval?" Ducky thought that made sense and it was typical of Ziva to pick the most practical time, when she could be the most help.
"Yeah, I've a feeling what Ziva has to say will mean a lot more to me than whatever I have to officially go through just to get cleared to go back to work. But I don't want to bring up too many painful memories for her." Abby toyed with her wine glass, looking thoughtful.
"She wouldn't offer to help if she didn't want to, Abbs." Gibbs pointed out, squeezing her hand.
"I agree with Jethro, and hopefully, you'll be cleared to go back to work after next week," confirmed Ducky, sipping his wine. "By the time the psych eval report comes in… well, that should take maybe a day or so, so it might be Monday before Vance will let you back."
"Don't remind me." she huffed, sounding exasperated at the delay. "A whole week more without my babies. God knows what state they'll be in by the time I get back." She swatted Gibbs on the shoulder when he chuckled but he grinned at her unrepentant.
"Are you coming back to work tomorrow, Jethro?" asked Ducky.
"We haven't talked about it, but if Abby wants me to stay, I will." Gibbs glanced at her.
"As tempting as that is, Jethro, I'll be fine," she reassured him, brightly. "You must be tired of looking after me by now and itching to go back to work." Ducky hid a smile at Abby's continued use of Gibbs' first name. "Besides, remember what I said about…"
"Getting' back to normal," finished Gibbs, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, I remember, Abbs but I'm not tired of lookin' after ya." She didn't really think that, did she?
Abby smiled at him, before continuing, "Besides, I haven't done any of the editing I said I would or worked on my own papers."
"Or watched too much TV I'll be bound," teased Ducky.
Abby smiled at Ducky, feeling herself blushing as she caught sight of Gibbs' smirk. "Nope, he's way too distracting." She jumped slightly as she felt Gibbs hand squeeze her leather clad knee under the table. He was turned innocently towards Ducky, his body hiding what he was doing. Struggling to focus as she felt his fingers trace patterns on the leather, she went on. "Although I'll have to watch something before Tony interrogates me about which DVDs I've seen, or I'll never hear the end of it."
Ducky chuckled, as he kept his gaze down, suspecting that Abby's reaction just now had something to do with Jethro and those spectacular leather pants. "Oh, before I forget, Mr Palmer gave me something to give you, Abby. He was out and very sorry to have missed you on Friday."
Ducky reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a wrapped packet. Smiling, Abby ripped it open and gasped as she saw what the gift was. "Oh, Ducky, that is so sweet."
"A pen?" asked Gibbs, curious.
"Yeah, Jimmy must have remembered that I lost a favorite pen the other week, and this is the exact same pen." She shook her head, touched at the thoughtfulness of the present.
"Jimmy said he was going to give it to you at Christmas but decided to give it to you early after everything that had happened." Ducky suspected that his young assistant had a crush on Abby, along with most of the rest of the male staff in NCIS.
"I'd ask you to deliver a thank you hug, Ducky, but I suspect it would terrify him." She chuckled. "I'll deliver it in person when I go in next week. I've still got all my other presents and cards to open. I haven't…" She glanced at Gibbs, feeling herself blushing again as he quirked an eyebrow at her, eyes twinkling, "I haven't got round to it yet." There was a certain six foot distraction sitting right next to her…
"When you get back to work, Abigail, do you think you'll continue with your blog?" asked Ducky, amused at the interplay.
"I don't know, Ducky," replied Abby, shrugging. "I haven't thought it through yet. It's the one thing that I'm finding difficult to accept, that he was right under my nose for months and I never realized."
"Hindsight's 20/20, Abbs," Gibbs reminded her, rubbing her shoulder.
"I know but…" Abby trailed off, sounding unsure.
"You don't have to decide now, my dear, but just don't dismiss it out of hand," Ducky remarked, leaning forward to emphasize his point. "You've made and can continue to make a remarkable contribution to it, it would be poorer without you."
"Okay, I'll think about it, Ducky," conceded Abby. Gibbs shook his head minutely at Ducky, sensing she didn't want to discuss it now. Abby went on, getting to her feet. "Now then, second anyone or dessert? Cheesecake and coffee?"
Both men opted for dessert over seconds and Gibbs cleared the table while Abby pulled the cheesecake out of the fridge. Gibbs was more than a bit distracted every time she brushed past him in those sleek pants. He wanted nothing more than to run his hands over those curvy hips and kiss his way across the bare skin of her stomach and leaned against the counter, trying to concentrate on putting on a fresh pot of coffee.
Over dessert, the talk turned to the approaching Christmas.
"I think Gloria will be coming up for a few days over the New Year, she's spending Christmas at home with my brother." As pleased as Abby was at the thought of her mother visiting, it was the prospect of her first Christmas with Gibbs that really thrilled her, although she knew he always found it a difficult time. She was determined she wouldn't crowd him or force him to celebrate if he didn't want to.
"I look forward to that, Abby. Perhaps I can take you both out to dinner again?" suggested Ducky.
Abby laughed. "I imagine Gloria will insist on it, Ducky. Although last time, you two flirted so outrageously, I felt like getting both of you a room." Abby pointed her spoon at Ducky. "I saw my mom use signs that day that I really never wanted to see her use. And then I had to translate for Ducky… it was just so totally embarrassing."
Gibbs laughed. "I'm sorry I missed that, Duck."
His eyes twinkling, Ducky said, "Ah, but I've been learning a few more signs since then, Abby."
"I'm not going to ask what signs you've learned, Ducky, I'm far too young." She heard Gibbs snort with amusement and threw him a wide smile.
Ducky chuckled. "Perhaps we can all go out together?"
"Gloria would love that, her two favorite men fussing over her." Abby reached out to touch Gibbs' arm. "I know we haven't talked about this yet, but I'd like to tell Gloria about us."
Gibbs' lop-sided grin broke out. "She'll probably guess, Abbs, just like everyone else seems to have done."
"True," acknowledged Abby, chuckling. "Even Emily this morning went straight for the jugular and had figured it all out without being told."
"That sounds like Emily," remarked Ducky, smiling.
Gibbs covered her hand where it lay on his arm. "Need to ring Jackson and see what he's doing for Christmas… tell him about us." The blinding smile that broke out on her face told him how pleased she was at the thought.
"Do you think he'll visit?" asked Ducky. He knew Gibbs' father hadn't visited his son in DC last year at Christmas but then neither had Gibbs visited Stillwater. Although their relationship was gradually improving, it was slow progress and if Gibbs was anything like his father, their joint stubbornness would take some getting over.
"Dunno." Gibbs shrugged, before glancing at Abby. "Seeing Abby might be a better incentive than seeing me."
"Assuming he approves." She sounded uncertain. Abby was very fond of Jackson and had kept in touch with him, but was under no illusion that he might not welcome the thought of her being involved with his son.
She was brought out of her reverie by Gibbs squeezing her hand. "Don't think you need worry about that, Abbs."
As Abby had cooked, Gibbs insisted on doing the dishes while she and Ducky relaxed in front of the fire. Ducky took his customary armchair and Abby settled on the rug next to him, leaning her head against his leg as they chatted quietly.
When Gibbs joined them, carrying the bourbon bottle, he paused in the doorway, taking in the sight before him, enjoying the play of firelight over Abby's hair. After he'd poured them all drinks, Abby joined him on the couch and he put his arm around her as she curled into his side and leaned her head against his shoulder.
They chatted idly with the ease of close friends and Ducky stayed for a while longer but eventually excused himself. As tempting as it was to sit and drink the evening away, he had to drive home and two of them at least were due at work tomorrow.
Abby hugged him tightly as he bid farewell and Gibbs drew her into his side as they stood at the door, waving Ducky goodbye. She shivered as she felt the winter chill contrasting with the warmth inside. After Ducky had driven away, they retreated indoors and she turned to head back to the fire but paused when she realized Gibbs hadn't moved from near the door.
She glanced at him curiously and felt a tug of desire as she caught the heated look in his eye.
"C'mere." His voice was low and rough. A slow, seductive smile broke out on her face and she moved slowly towards him, eyes locked. When Abby got within reach, he pulled her close sliding his hands round to cup her ass, enjoying the feel of the soft leather after what felt like hours of torture. "You know you've been drivin' me crazy all night?"
"Really? And of course you haven't been doing the same, have you? You looked good enough to eat." Her throaty chuckle sent a jolt straight to his cock. Gibbs bent his head and kissed her hungrily, swallowing her low moan as he ground against her, letting her feel what she did to him. He sliding his hands over as much of the leather as he could reach as she pressed close.
"Then we'd better go upstairs," she practically purred when they parted, gasping as she felt his mouth slide down to her neck, wandering over the spots that made her go weak at the knees.
"Not sure I can make it that far, Abbs." He murmured into her neck, kissing the spider web tattoo. "How d'ya feel about christening the rug in front of the fire?"
TBC