Gibbs intertwined his hand with hers; as they continued down the trail.
"You ever wonder about life Gibbs?"
He started to smile. "Uh oh, what brought this on?"
"Nothing," she started to swing both their arms back and forth a bit. "Guess I get all philosophical when I take long walks…"
"Remind me never to suggest this again…"
She playfully punched his shoulder. "Come on, I'm serious. I mean we deal with some far out things at work; more far out then most people and we cope somehow."
There were a few moments of silence before she stopped and stared at him. "Well…" She prodded.
"Well what?"
"You ever wonder about life?"
He stared at her with a smile. "What kind of answer are you looking for?"
"Any kind."
He placed a soft kiss on her lips and placed his hands at her waist. "The only thing I know about life…is that it ends."
"Well that's depressing…"
"Hey, you said any kind of answer."
He placed her hands on his chest and hid her face in the crevice of his neck. "Give me a happy one."
"Okay," he pulled her in closer. "Life ends, but it also begins every day we wake up. Every day I wake up with you in my arms; with your silly smile and the love you give me…"
A lone tear dried on his shirt as she squeezed him tighter. "Aw, that's so sweet."
"Yeah…I even surprise myself sometimes." He listened to her stifled laughter and brushed his hand across her cheek.
"You never surprise me Gibbs."
"Really?"
She tried to nod; her head still tight to his chest. "Uh huh, sometimes I think I know you better than you know yourself…"
A smile fell across his face; and he agreed. "You're probably right Abs."
"Which is pretty amazing when you think about it."
"And why's that?"
She leaned back and met his eyes. "Because…I love you anyway."
He playfully leaned her back against a tree and tickled her relentlessly. "Is that so?" He managed to laugh along with her as he continued to torture her to the point of tears. She tried to run away; but he slowly took her to the ground. Eventually, they laid still beside each other; peering up at the stars and quieting their laughter.
"Gibbs…" She whispered as if others would hear. "You ever imagine what life would be like without me?"
He shook his head as he reached for her hand. "No."
"Why not?"
"Because I never want to…"