Admitting Is Never Easy by Ashleigh Anpilova (PG)
I picked up two categories for May, The first is Gibbs/Ducky and the other will be Gibbs/Abby
Rec Category: Slash
Pairing: Gibbs/Ducky
Category: Established Relationship. Angst. Episode Related.
Warning: Mild spoilers for Hiatus, Sharif Returns and Skeletons. Heavy spoilers for Grace Period.
Author on LJ: nakeisha
Author's Website: Partners Forever
Link: Admitting Is Never Easy
Why This Must Be Read:
When you think of Gibbs/Ducky stories, this author is usually the first to come to mind. After all, she created a lot of the sites. And boy, does she know how to write these characters!
The story takes place right after Paula's death. GIbbs goes to see Ducky for comfort, and they end up talking. Really talking. Gibbs tells Ducky things he hasn't mentioned in thirty years, things like why he can't stay married, and how guilty he feels over switching weekends. Ducky is stunned to learn some of these things, but in the end he rallies and makes it all right.
Ashleigh captures the voices perfectly. You can visualize the characters talking. I picked this sample from the story in an effort to avoid spoilers:
"What, Duck?"
"Nothing, dear. How's the whiskey?" Ducky asked, finally extracting his hand from Jethro's.
"Huh? Oh, fine, Duck. You know me."
"Yes, dear." Ducky sighed. "Sometimes I do wonder just why I share my pure malts with you. I swear you'd be just as happy with the kind of - what is Tobias calls is? ah, yes - paint stripper, I believe is the term he uses, that you keep in your basement."
"I can tell the difference."
"I'm pleased to hear it." Ducky smiled.
They sat in comfortable, companionable silence for several minutes.