But Do You Trust Me? by Periwinkle
Title: But Do You Trust Me?
Challenge: Trust
Characters/Pairing: Gibbs/Ducky
Word Count: 362
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I have no ownership in NCIS or associated properties. This is a work of fan fiction and is not for profit.
Summary: Gibbs asks Ducky a question
But Do You Trust Me?
by Periwinkle
“But do you trust me?”
“Of course I do, dearest. I always have.” Ducky rolled over and looked at Jethro. “Why?”
“I think the next question should be ‘why do you trust me?’” Jethro said wryly.
“Why shouldn’t I?” he took Jethro’s hand and stroked it.
“Why should you? I’ve hurt you so many times, yet you let me keep coming back knowing that you’ll be hurt again.”
“Then maybe I trust you to hurt me,” Ducky replied.
“That doesn’t sound good somehow. To trust me to hurt you. To let me come back. To set yourself up. I couldn’t do it.”
“I know you can’t, Jethro dear, you’ve always tried to harden your heart. But now that I know about Shannon I can understand somewhat.”
Jethro leaned up on one arm and looked at Ducky, who was still holding his hand. “But while understanding may mean forgiveness, it doesn’t mean it’s all right.”
Ducky let go and laid back. He sighed. “No, it doesn’t mean it’s all right. Maybe it just means I’m a lovesick fool.”
“Do you mean that? Lovesick?”
“Do I lie to you dearest?”
“No,” bitterly said. “I only lie to you, Duck. You’ve never lied. All been one way. You forgive; I hurt. Not fair to you.”
“I’d rather be hurt by you then be with another. Yes, that probably makes me a fool, but I can’t help whom I love. And I have loved you for years, you know that. I will love you for many more.”
Jethro felt a warmth go down his body and into his heart. “You’ve never said that.”
“Not in words, no. It would just open me to more hurt. But surely you’ve been able to tell.”
“Not tell, but hope. I hoped you loved me.”
“I’m afraid I do.”
“Duck,” Jethro looked at him with begging eyes, “Don’t be afraid. Because I love you too. I’ve just never told you.”
“Did you even realize it?” Ducky asked curiously.
“Not until Mexico, when I thought I’d finally pushed you too far. But now I know it. I love you.”
“Then I can trust you,” Ducky said, and rolled into a hug.