Distance Nightmare 18/37
Chapter 18 - Settling In
Abby settled back in the passenger seat as Gibbs pulled out of the Navy Yard, heading home… which sounded unbelievably good right now. She felt tiredness settle over her like a cloud, feeling frustrated with herself. All they'd done today was pick up some clothes from her apartment and say hello to everyone at NCIS. Hardly the kind of long, stressful, busy day she was used to pulling.
Perhaps it really had taken more out of her physically than she wanted to admit.
She shuffled round in her seat so she could watch Gibbs as he drove, running her eyes over the lines of his handsome face. He glanced across at her, quirking an eyebrow.
She cocked her head on one side, twirling a pigtail round her fingers. "Just enjoying the view… payback for the plane trip."
"You realize how distracting that's going to be," Gibbs commented, echoing her words on the plane deliberately.
"U-huh," she grinned at him and he threw a matching grin back at her. "I promise to be good. I'll keep my hands to myself… just."
He threw her a look which didn't quite hide his smirk. "Later you don't need to." He reached out to pull her hand across and pressed a kiss to her knuckles before releasing it. "Need to stop off for groceries. D'ya want me to drop you off first, you look tired, Abbs."
She shook her head. "Nope, I'll come with you. If I leave you to choose the ice cream, we'll just get vanilla."
"What's wrong with vanilla?" he protested.
"I rest my case, Gibbs." She raised her finger to emphasize her point. "Every ice cream should contain chocolate… it should be a rule."
He rolled his eyes at her and they continued the journey in a comfortable silence for a while. Traffic was relatively light in the middle of the day and they were nearing his neighborhood when a thought struck Abby.
"I had a text from Toby," she told him, seeing him smirk at her nickname for Fornell. "He said Emily wants to come over tomorrow afternoon."
He nodded. "Snow's forecast, Abbs. They might not make it."
"If they do, me and Emily can whoop you and Toby in a snowball fight."
She heard his low chuckle. "Emily cheats in a snowball fight."
Abby giggled. "How can a ten year old cheat at that?"
"You'll see," he promised, his lop-sided grin breaking out.
She knew Emily adored her Uncle Jethro and Abby loved seeing him with Fornell's daughter. Gibbs had such a natural way with kids and they all gravitated towards him.
"Ducky's also coming over tomorrow, isn't he?" continued Abby.
"Yeah, something wrong?" He asked, noticing she was biting her lip.
"I invited him for dinner on Sunday too. Is that okay?" She sounded uncertain.
He glanced at her, puzzled by her concern. "Course it is. Why shouldn't it be?"
Abby looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. "Well, it's your house, I didn't know if you'd want me issuing invitations. I didn't want to presume anything. I mean, I'd totally understand if you didn't want anyone else coming over at the weekend. We said we'd have the time to ourselves, I know that and I didn't think before I asked Ducky."
Gibbs reached over to still her fidgeting fingers, his tone reassuring. "We're together now, Abbs. You can do whatever you want, invite whoever you want."
She looked over at him, a small smile curving her lips. "Really?"
He returned her smile, then said teasingly, "Within reason."
She chuckled, loving this playful side of him which had understandably been absent the last few days. "Our quiet weekend seems to be turning into a procession of guests. Sorry…" It had gone from locking themselves away so they could spend time together to a succession of visitors, starting with Tony and McGee delivering her TV later on.
Gibbs didn't sound phased, which surprised her. She knew how he valued his privacy. "Sure we can find some time to ourselves, even if I have to barricade us into the basement." He grinned at her and she relaxed, shaking her head at his teasing.
After stocking up on groceries and finally arriving at Gibbs' house, it took several trips to unload the case and bags from Abby's apartment, the stuff she brought from the Navy Yard and the food. After they'd put everything away, Gibbs found Abby slumped against the counter in the kitchen, looking drained as she put on the coffee maker.
He got mugs out of the cupboard and then slid his arms round her waist, nuzzling into her neck. "You okay?"
Abby sighed, resting her hands on his arms. "I'm just really tired, and I had such plans for you when we got back here."
"Did you?" He felt her relaxing against him and pulled her more tightly back against him, enjoying the feel of her in his arms without an audience for the first time since this morning.
He heard her murmur, sounding sleepier by the minute. "Mmm, I was gonna jump your bones."
He snorted with amusement. "Good to know… but you'd fall asleep on me before we got upstairs or even as far as the couch… might make the kitchen table."
She sighed, before turning to face him and winding her arms round his neck. "You may be right, dammit." She reached up to kiss him softly. "I'm gonna go and take a shower and then get some sleep for a few hours. Hopefully, I'll feel livelier later if I do that and I can carry out my plan."
"Good idea." Gibbs was secretly relieved he wouldn't have to try and persuade her to rest without giving away the reason why.
He needed some time to himself in the basement to sort out his thoughts about what he'd seen on the footage. He also wanted to be away from Abby while he calmed down. He'd managed to keep a mask in place in the car and hoped he was successful. Abby could read him alarmingly well at times and he didn't want her to suspect something was up… although he got the impression earlier on that she'd seen something in his face.
Abandoning her coffee lest it keep her awake, Abby headed upstairs, leaving Gibbs alone for the first time in days.
Taking his coffee with him, he went downstairs to his sanctuary. He'd been working on toys for the children's hospital and would welcome the distraction for a few hours, settling his mind as he always did when he was stressed by losing himself in working with the wood.
Gibbs still felt guilty about asking Ziva to view the footage, but was comforted she was going to spend some time with Abby… if only to listen if Abby wanted to talk. He knew Ziva wouldn't open up about her own experiences more than necessary. He wouldn't want her to… she had to decide when she was ready to do that, if ever, and not feel pressured to do it by circumstances.
He knew Abby also wouldn't want to force Ziva to talk. If he knew his Abbs, she'd feel guilty enough that Ziva had to face these reminders anyway.
Knowing that Ducky was coming round was also reassuring. He'd spoken with his friend briefly after he'd come down from the conference room, sharing the horror they both felt over what Abby had experienced, even if she herself didn't know all of it yet.
How Abby would react when she did see it neither of them knew for sure, whether it would be the final straw and cause her to break down, whether it would trigger even more nightmares or whether finally knowing would allow her to move on.
Gibbs knew if he could forget what he'd seen, he'd be tempted to do so. But he knew every scene would be with him for a very long time… if he ever forgot. As he'd said earlier, there were some things you just couldn't unsee.
To see anyone lay a finger on his Abby was gut wrenching. Whatever happened, he would be there for her… whatever she needed, when she needed it.
He agreed with Ducky that they needed to tell Abby sooner rather than later. She would realize soon the footage had to be available and would be very pissed off if she discovered he and Ducky had been keeping it from her.
He'd heard no movement from upstairs and hoped that Abby had been getting the rest she obviously still needed. After several hours work and feeling more centred himself, Gibbs headed upstairs to find her.
Pausing in the doorway of the kitchen, he felt a smile spreading over his face. She was back downstairs, looking much brighter… terrific in fact with her hair still damp from the shower and, as he liked it, loose on her shoulders. He derived the usual masculine satisfaction from seeing her in one of his old NIS T-shirts over the top of her comfortable sweatpants.
Abby was dancing round his kitchen, earplugs in her ears from her iPod. Eyes drawn to her swaying hips, he lounged against the doorframe enjoying the view. She eventually spun to face him, gasping as she caught sight of him.
Tearing her earplugs out, she smiled brightly, "Hey, Gibbs."
He returned her smile. "Hey. Sleep well?"
"Yeah, I did. I feel heaps better. Why didn't you interrupt me?" She moved to the coffee maker and flipped it on, an automatic reaction for both of them when they were within reach of it.
He hesitated before answering, "Was enjoying the view too much."
She searched his eyes, sensing his hesitation and perhaps seeing something he was trying to hide. "You usually make me jump out of my skin… why didn't you?"
He shrugged, reaching for her hand. "Didn't think you'd appreciate being suddenly grabbed, Abbs." It had struck him just as he entered the kitchen that it might remind her too much of being grabbed in the parking lot of the club, stopping himself just in time before he snuck up on her as he normally did.
Abby protested. "Oh, Gibbs. You know I love it when you sneak up on me. You do too, you know you do."
He did. It was one of his favorite pastimes at work, invading her personal space and making her jump. "Normally, yeah. Thought it might be too much of a reminder too soon."
She stepped close and ran her fingers over his cheek. "Not from you. I'd know instantly it was you, you know that, especially as I'm standing in your house. Don't let him take away normal, Gibbs, please. Don't let him take away something I love."
"I'll try," he promised and she nodded, satisfied with his answer.
Gibbs turned his head to press a kiss into her palm before pulling her in for a hug, which she returned with enthusiasm. If his hands roaming over her back hadn't told him there was no bra underneath that shirt, then her breasts pressing up against his chest would have given him a clue. Swallowing hard, he bent to kiss her neck, convinced she was trying to kill him.
When he pulled back, it was to see a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Oh yeah, she knew exactly what she was doing.
Gibbs had always been very tactile with his women and he'd kept himself under iron control over the past few days, not least because she was ill. He knew exactly how much he could take, how much he could touch her and kiss her before his willpower dissolved. Cold showers had been the norm the past few days, the only way he could calm down. Now they were finally alone and she said she felt much better, then he could loosen the reins a bit… touch her in the way he wanted to and not hold back.
He was delighted to see her sparkle was back.
How long it would last with what she had to face he didn't know but this felt like a welcome interlude, and he wanted her to make the most of it. If she could relax and have a calm night… well, perhaps not such a calm night if he had anything to do with it.
She pecked him on the mouth and spun away to attack the cupboards. "I was gonna make a start on dinner."
"I'll give you a hand when I've had a shower." Gibbs set off upstairs, eager to get on with their first evening alone together.
Preparing dinner side by side, they relaxed into their usual banter. They'd often had dinner together even before their relationship changed so it was easy to fall back into a familiar routine. Abby decided to make enough food for them to heat up as leftovers over the weekend. She hoped they'd have other things on their mind than cooking for at least some of the weekend... constant procession of guests notwithstanding.
She certainly felt more rested after her sleep and finally being alone with Gibbs. He also looked more relaxed than earlier. He'd been so attentive and caring all day. He seemed to be able to read her moods instantly and sense what she needed almost before she did herself.
She couldn't help a sense of excited anticipation at the thought of them finally spending a weekend together as a couple. If she had her way, she wouldn't let him out of bed till Monday morning... although that might make dinner with Ducky a bit of a problem on Sunday, she thought with a giggle.
Dinner nearing completion, they both heard raised voices outside at the same moment. Gibbs peeked through the living room window before announcing, "Delivery boys are here, Abbs."
Gibbs opened the door to see Tony and McGee struggling up his driveway with Abby's large TV.
Tony was in full flow, as usual. "McGoo, would you stop pushing."
"I'm not the one pushing, Tony, you are." McGee's voice displayed a familiar irritation in response to Tony's comments. "Abby's not going to be pleased if you drop her TV."
"Me? You're the one making a mess of it. We need to do this in step or it'll end up all over Gibbs' driveway... oh, hey boss."
Not sure that an extra pair of hands would help at this stage, Gibbs watched warily as they manoeuvred the set inside and into his living room. Gibbs moved his own set out of the way and turned to see Abby leaning against the doorframe.
"Hey, boys. Come to hook me up?" Her naturally husky voice couldn't help but sound seductive, whatever she said, and he saw Tony and McGee both straighten at the sound.
Gibbs saw Tony's mouth curve in an appreciative grin as he ran his eyes over Abby lounging in the doorway in casual clothes, yet still managing to look gorgeous. Not helped when she crossed her arms, enhancing her assets even more.
It was having an effect on him so he could imagine what it was doing to both Tony and McGee.
Sighing at yet another urge to start a round of head slapping every man who got within range of Abby, he settled for glaring.
Eventually his sixth sense warned Tony that he was in danger of a mild concussion again and he muttered, "Sorry, boss. I'll just go and get the box. We packed some of your DVDs, Abbs." He grinned at her admiringly as he passed her in the doorway, and Gibbs could almost see him physically stopping himself turning round to check out her ass as he left.
Abby looked highly amused by the whole performance but McGee, on the other hand, looked very uncomfortable. He stuttered that he'd collect the DVD player from the car, leaving Abby looking after him thoughtfully as he left.
When they returned, it didn't take them long to finish setting up the DVD and TV and Gibbs brought in beers from the kitchen. Handing two to Tony and McGee, he nodded to the couch and settled himself in the armchair.
Beckoning Abby over to sit between him and McGee, Tony was conscious of Gibbs watching him like a hawk to see if his eyes strayed anywhere... scenic. And as tempting as that was given how close Abby was, Tony decided for the sake of his cranium that he'd best keep his eyes averted.
Tony was pleased how much better she looked than earlier though. Gibbs looking after her obviously suited her.
Tony kept the conversation light and flowing, avoiding any awkward silences developing. McGee seemed disinclined to contribute to the conversation, despite several attempts by Abby to include him in her remarks.
Gibbs watched the interplay, alert for any sign of distress on Abby's part in response to McGee being even quieter than normal. If anything though, she looked annoyed rather than upset. McGee looked distracted and glum, finding it hard to make eye contact with his boss.
Tony, for once, kept his jibes aimed at McGee to a minimum, sensing his partner's mood.
Tony rummaged in the box of DVDs they'd brought. "Brought your favourites, Abbs and I've also added some other essentials which I know you haven't seen and you must... trust me, you'll love 'em." Catching Gibbs' eye, he continued. "Not that you'll be watching a lot of TV I guess."
Abby ducked her head to hide her laughter at the look on Gibbs' face, and came to Tony's rescue. "Do you guys want something to eat? What we've done could be stretched to four I think, quite easily." She wasn't sure Gibbs would appreciate the extra company but it was only polite to offer given what her boys had done for her.
Before McGee could answer, Tony cut in. "No, thanks, Abbs. We gotta go... beat this snow. Don't want to get stuck in a snowdrift with McGee if I can help it. He's no Eskimo."
Sensing there was more to it, as there nearly always was with Tony, Abby gave in without further comment. "Okay. Thanks, Tony, I really appreciate this," leaning over to kiss his cheek, which provoked a full blown DiNozzo grin.
Gibbs moved to open the door while Abby hugged McGee in turn, who returned her hug almost fiercely, causing Gibbs' fists to clench reflexively. As Tony paused by the door, he glanced over at McGee and then said something surprising but typically Tony. "I'll look after him, boss."
Gibbs nodded his thanks, receiving a small smile and an understanding look from his Senior Agent in return. Tony may act the joker but his powers of observation rivalled Gibbs' own. It was unlikely he'd missed either McGee's misery or the subtle changes in Gibbs' and Abby's relationship.
They watched the pair leave, Gibbs resisting the urge to pull Abby into his side in a possessive gesture.
Enjoying their first dinner together alone after the shift in their relationship, the banter and playfulness had an extra flirty edge to it. Dealing with the dishes also together, Abby then made coffee while Gibbs installed himself on the couch, pouring them both bourbon.
As Abby came round the corner into the living room, her face broke out in a mischievous grin. "I should get a camera. The sight of you in the same room as a super-sized TV. You sure you're not gonna go into shock?"
Gibbs laughed. "Can think of a few ways you can pay me back."
"Really? You can show me how later." She snuggled into his side as they drank their coffee.
He could tell Abby had something on her mind and waited for her to broach the subject. After they'd finished their coffee, he shifted on the couch to lie along it and pulled Abby down into his arms, feeling relaxed and content for the first time all day.
She rested her head on his shoulder, tracing patterns on his chest. After a while, she asked quietly, "McGee seemed a bit distracted today, didn't he?"
Gibbs ran his hand down her back and tucked it under the edge of the T-shirt, pressing his palm against her warm back, feeling her shiver. "He's had a hard time, Abbs, seeing you in danger."
Abby raised her head to look at him. "Yeah, I know but I think it's more than that, isn't it?"
"Maybe." He wondered if Abby being in danger had acted on McGee in the same way it had on him, as a wake-up call to not waste any more time.
Perhaps his young agent intended to try and rekindle their relationship and it was something Gibbs was worried about. He knew McGee and Abby had been very close for a while but hoped that was over. He needed to know how Abby felt about it.
Abby went on, sounding concerned. "I need to talk to him, Gibbs. Perhaps when I go in next week? It's almost as if he..."
"He what, Abbs?" asked Gibbs when she trailed off.
Abby frowned, biting her lip. "I dunno, I just hope he doesn't want to get back together again."
"Maybe he does. Maybe you being in danger made him want to try again?" Although Gibbs suspected a slightly different reason for McGee's mood just now. He guessed McGee might have realized the change in Abby's relationship with Gibbs and it was that thought which was making him miserable... that he'd left it too late anyway. Gibbs could sympathize. If he'd found he'd missed the boat in the same way and lost Abby, it would have hurt like hell.
"I hope not. I don't want to hurt him, Gibbs, but we didn't work out the first time. What makes him think we'd be any better second time round? Besides, I don't want to try again. It's you I want." She leaned in to kiss him briefly.
"Relieved to hear it, Abbs." As much as he felt sorry for McGee, Gibbs wasn't about to back off or let her go now... not unless she wanted him to.
She saw straight through his well concealed worry and reached up to thread her fingers into his hair, massaging his scalp. "You must know that by now." Did he really not know how much he meant to her? "Or do you need further convincing?"
"Yeah, I know..." he sighed as he leaned his head into her touch, reassured by the expression in her eyes as much as her words. He quirked a smile at her, "But you can convince me if you want."
She grinned at him before moving in for another slow, teasing kiss which soon became hungry and needy. Twisting to press her back into the couch, he ran his hands up her sides under her T-shirt, feeling Abby arch into his touch. He dropped his head to her neck, licking and suckling his way towards her ear. She moaned at the sensations and tried to pull him closer.
Breathing heavily, he levered himself up on his arms, looking down at her lying beneath him, seeing her eyes dilated. "Think it's about time I gave you that massage I promised."
A lazy grin curved her lips. "That's the best idea you've had all day. Give me a few minutes and then follow."
Abby pressed a quick kiss on his mouth and scrambled off the couch. She took off fast upstairs, throwing a teasing grin over her shoulder.
After locking the door and unable to wait a minute, never mind a few, Gibbs ran up the stairs two at a time and came to a halt in the doorway of his bedroom. He felt a grin curve his lips at the same time as his groin tightened as he took in the breathtaking sight before him on the bed.
TBC