Spoilers: "Red Cell"

Disclaimer: Sadly I own nothing, I'm only borrowing.

A/N: So I haven't written in awhile I know. RL is tough at the moment but it's getting better. This is just a little thing I was thinking up ever since I saw 'Red Cell' which by the way is an amazing episode.


Red Cell, Blue box (1/?)

His head was pounding something fierce as he pushed past Tony and Kate, a sharp nod of his head the only sign that he had heard them. Stumbling a bit once he was out of their site he put a hand to his head and winced as he felt the abrasions.

"I'm getting too old for this." Gibbs muttered to himself as he stepped out into the bright sunlight, one thing on his mind. Turning to the parking lot he ignored the stares of those around him, knowing how odd it looked to have a man walking around normally after a fight. He could just imagine the whispers and suggestions as to how he had gotten the scruffs on his face. Luckily there was no blood to ruin his coat, he liked that coat. Stumbling once more as his foot refused to properly step off the curb he glared at the offending piece of concrete as he walked towards his car.

Getting into his car he slammed the door closed and leaned against the headrest, his eyes closing briefly. His body, once tense with the thought of battle now relaxed imperceptibly. Yup he was definitely getting too old to wrestle with younger Marine men. In the past he would not have gotten a mark on him, his instincts overwhelming his mind to a point where he forgot everything else and just acted. Now that he was older, wiser he realized he couldn't just be zealous like that; most people would be spontaneous and just do whatever. He needed to plan out every movement, every blink of an eye.

Starting the car he decided to get a cup of coffee, not caring that he looked like a man who had lost a fight with a brick wall. He needed to do some serious thinking. The thoughts disappeared from his mind like his last ex-wife from his memory as he pulled out of the parking lot, turning left, not knowing where he was headed. He knew he should at least stop home clean up and check for any broken bones but he was too drawn to even bother. Driving slower than normal he pulled into the nearest Starbucks and got his coffee before heading back to the Navy Yard, knowing Tony and Kate would be back by then.

It was late when he arrived back at the Navy Yard, pulling into the parking lot and stepping out. His muscles screamed at him to just forget the paperwork and leave it until he was more rested but his brain told him otherwise. He had something to do right now, something important. Looking around the parking lot he spotted Abbys' car still in its place and frowned. What was she doing here? He wondered. It was way after 5pm, when most of the agents went home to their families for the night and relaxed. There was no more evidence for her to sort through, unless a new case had come in but he shook that thought off quickly knowing they'd call him first.

Pulling his coat tighter to his body he walked towards the NCIS building, his blue eyes automatically searching for anything suspicious. Knock it off Jethro he admonished himself pulling his eyes to the forefront as he walked inside, the door closing behind him. Flashing his badge at the night guard he nodded and entered the lift, thinking he'd check in the bull pen, sign off on a couple forms and head home.

Inside the lift he leaned against the back wall, his mind drifting to Abby. It wasn't like her to stay when the case was over. Surely DiNozzo had called ahead to let her and McGee know so they could leave. Lately Abby had been confusing for him. Sure he knew he had feelings for her; feelings he wasn't too sure about. After having so many exes he was beginning to wonder why he even bothered anymore. Every date he had he was not himself; hiding his feelings and going with the motions. Everyone always wondered why he was so drawn in on himself, hiding from most people when he was out in the field, his emotions blocked.

But with Abby it was different. He found himself opening up to her, even if it was something small. When he saw her sapphire green eyes sparkle with warmth he couldn't help but feel more like his old self, before his world fell apart. She always warmed him in a way that bourbon never could. If he was completely and utterly honest with himself he'd say he was in love with her. But he shook that thought from his mind, staring at the empty wall beside him as he crossed his arms until realizing he never pushed the button. His hand hesitated; he could push the bull pen button, forget his thoughts of Abby and work, or go down to the lab and find out why she was still there. No doubt she was worried sick about him; she always worried when they went out.

Making his mind up, he pushed the button, feeling the lift move. Crossing his arms he stood straighter, the pain in his head lessening now.

The lab was oddly quiet as he approached, stopping around the corner so she wouldn't see him approach. Quirking an eyebrow Gibbs moved his head so he could peek inside the large space and see if she was indeed there. What he saw startled him into shock. Abby was sitting on her favorite stool, her pig tails hanging loose as she sat perfectly still. Her eyes were downcast; her long lashes covering the green he grew to love. His eyes traveled over her face and he watched as she sighed, spinning on the stool for a moment before stopping and looking up. For a moment Gibbs thought he had been caught, but that thought banished as she looked down again, playing with the hem of her skirt.

He stood, entranced by what she was wearing. She had changed since he'd left to apprehend the suspect and now wore a short black mini skirt with a trim of red, accentuating her pale limbs. His gaze lingered on her legs for a moment, free of any blemish, impossibly log and nimble. He had to admit – if only to him self – he had several fantasies revolved around her legs. Focus man focus! He admonished himself once more, his mind reeling with possible outcomes. Keeping his gaze focused on something else he noticed her shirt; a simple white tee with sparkles on it. So Abby he thought, a smile appearing on his face.

Gibbs stood back, his shoulders against the wall as he closed his eyes. God she was beautiful. Right then he made his decision; he wouldn't live with himself if he didn't at least try to tell her, in his own way. Squaring his shoulders, blue eyes fierce with anticipation he stepped into the doorway and walked towards her, his face composed. Abby jumped up, opening her mouth to say something when he stopped in front of her, his eyes blazing.

Abby closed her mouth, her eyes soft as her gaze traveled over his face spotting each and every abrasion. They glowed a bright red in the light, each spot a testament of how dangerous this mission had been. Her face contorted into misery as she stared at him words struggling to get out of her mouth. She felt numb as she looked him over, noticing his slight hunch, his body wavering ever so slightly. Her eyes traveled back up to his; green meeting blue in a crystalline dance as he lifted his hands up to her shoulders, gripping gently.

It happened in slow motion; it was as though she was out of her body, watching from afar as his lips lowered onto hers in a tingling, excruciatingly passionate embrace. Her eyes widened as she kept perfectly still, her heart pounding a Rumba in her chest. Her mind was screaming for joy, doing back flips and throwing fireworks as his lips traveled over hers in a never ending sweep. She reciprocated the kiss as he pulled her to him, passion filling the air as his lips caressed hers, tongue sweeping across her lower lip before he stopped, nodded once and turned, walking out the door leaving Abby weak in the knees for more.

Abby stood there, blinking in the sudden brightness of the lab, her mind completely blank. Had he just kissed her, than left she wondered, staring at the space where his presence once was? Sighing and a tiny bit confused she listened as the lift dinged, signaling someone entering and closed her eyes, a bright smile in her eyes as she turned back to her lab and grinned. Her face fell as she remembered how he looked; broken and beat, completely exhausted but finding enough strength to do something so bold. She now knew why he hadn't said anything and wondered if this was just a one time thing. Sitting back in her stool she turned off her computers and stared at the now blank screen.

Gibbs walked into the lift, a smile now plastered on his lips as the doors closed. He felt satisfied now; she had kissed him back something he wasn't so sure she would do. Now that the adrenaline was out of his system he felt tired; more tired than he had felt since the case had begun. Slouching he pushed the button for the main lobby, deciding that paperwork could wait until the morning. Right now he had an appointment with a shower, a bottle of bourbon and his boat.

Tbc…


A/N: Okay so that's the start of it. See that little button? Click it and review.