Working on his boat in the early hours of the morning Gibbs hears a crashing noise coming from his upstairs hallway followed by a familiar female voice saying "Damnit!". He rushes up the stairs and turns on the light to find Abby staring down at the smashed lamp at her feet. "Sorry Boss."
"What are you doing here Abs?" he asks following her as she marches into his living room discarding her coat, hat and shoes and curling up on his couch talking the whole time.
"Couldn't sleep. The faces came back. Third night this week. The faces. I was jumping at every little noise. I couldn't take it anymore and they wouldn't go away so I came here."
He sits next to her as she wraps her arms around her knees.
"Whose faces Abby?"
"Mikel, Ari and that guy....you know that guy the embezzler sent to kill me. Night after night when I close my eyes there they are. Mikel and Ari and the guy. I'm so, so tired Gibbs."
"Oh, Abs" he puts an arm around her drawing her to his side, kissing the top of her head and stroking her hair. "They can't hurt you now. I won't let anyone hurt you. You're safe here Abby."
"Say it again please."
I won't let anyone hurt you" he repeats as she stretches out resting her head on his leg.
"I will keep you safe Abby."
"And that is why I love you" she murmurs sleepily.
"I love you too Abs."
Her only response is a gentle snore.
He sits there awhile simply listening to her breathe and enjoying the feeling of having her so close. The he sighs and carries her up to his guest bedroom laying her on the bed and covering her with a blanket. He turns to leave but then turns back and bending down kisses her on the cheek. "I do you love you Abby" he whispers. As he leaves the room he can't see her eyes opening and the smile she gives as she watches him go. The night had taken an unexpected turn but not one she was at all disappointed with. She drifts back to sleep. Tomorrow would be an interesting day.