Authors' Note:

We've managed to lose count of which number this is in the series. However, we are pleased to announce that there will be no angst in this one. It's just a bit of fluff really. Ellie has one chapter left on Agent of Death, and Verity has just finished an angsty oneshot. So enough angst for the time being. We hope you will enjoy this.

The title is a Native American Indian legend – it will become clear why we chose it by the end of the first chapter. Sadly the system is not permitting us to put the hyphens in. It should read Shu-we-mi.

V & E

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"You wanted to see me Duck?"

Gibbs breezed into Autopsy, the usual paper cup of coffee stuck firmly in his hand.

Ducky looked up from one of the autopsy tables as Palmer flinched. His usual reaction to Gibbs entering the suite.

The medical examiner hid a grin as he pulled off his gloves.

"Ah, Jethro. Yes, I'm afraid I need a favour."

Gibbs raised an eyebrow quizzically.

"Name it .." he said

"Well, I asked Mr Palmer, but he doesn't have a lot of experience yet. I asked Tony, who said I should get something from Victoria's Secrets. I'd rather stay away from that; not least because she shares mother's name, whoever she may be. I asked Ziva, who said that my idea constricted the movement of a killing blow and she didn't understand why women thought it a necessity. And I asked Abby - who suggested a dog collar. I'm afraid you are the only one left."

Ducky turned around to press the button on his kettle and Gibbs smiled.

"You value my opinion that much that you ask me last, Duck?"

Ducky let out a small laugh.

"Oh no, I suspect you will know exactly what to do. I just wasn't sure if you would want to help."

Gibbs threw his coffee cup into the waste bin.

"You gonna ask me anytime this century?" he asked with a smirk.

The kettle clicked behind him and Ducky poured water into the waiting cup.

"I need help buying jewellery." Ducky said, stirring his tea. Gibbs raised an eyebrow again. "And no, Jethro, it isn't for me."

"You been keeping secrets from me again?"

Ducky laughed again.

"No. This is for a lady friend. And not that kind of lady friend either. It's for my mother masseuse. Well .. and mine actually" he said fondly.

"Why are you buying a present for your masseuse, Duck? She that good?"

Ducky pointed his teaspoon at him.

"You, my friend, have been spending too much time around young Anthony." He poured milk into the mug and put the teaspoon down. "It's her birthday in two days and yes, she is that good."

"What makes you think I would have any idea what to buy? My track record with women is ... not good."

"To say the least Jethro. But you have had ... experience with red heads."

Gibbs stared at him and waited for him to continue.

"It's the skin tone. And the hair. What goes well with that? I want to stay away from black. I want to get her something ... special. Lord knows she deserves it."

"Made one of them a flower out of a shell casing once" Gibbs offered - struggling to remember which one of them it had been for. "Didn't look good."

"Well yes, Jethro. Rule of thumb says that redheads should wear silver – not copper or gold or anything along those colour schemes. But I wanted to get her something with a bit of allure. Something handcrafted. Something semi-precious."

Gibbs dug into his memories.

"Diane had a necklace she liked. Something ... blue."

"Lapis?" Ducky offered, trying to imagine the colour on his giftee.

"Nah .." Gibbs said wracking his brain. "Different shade. I remember it was a single strand of oval beads. I always thought it would have looked better in a double strand."

Ducky stepped over to the computer and ran a search for blue gemstones.

"Any of these?" he asked as images popped up on the screen.

Gibbs looked them over.

"This" he said, placing his finger over one of them.

"Turquoise" Ducky said as he clicked on the link and started to read. "Turquoise is sacred to both Native American and oriental traditions. It is associated with the sky, and bringing sky energy to earth. It can help promote honest and clear communication from the heart. It is also said to protect against pollution in the environment, and to bring abundance. Turquoise can also help speed the healing process, and is known as a master healer stone. It is very powerful for grounding and protection."

He looked up at Gibbs with a smile.

"Well ..." he said. "I do believe there is no longer a dilemma. Turquoise it is."

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Authors' Note ii:

Legend has it that the people danced and rejoiced when the rains came. Their tears of joy mixed with the rain and seeped into Mother Earth to become the sky stone - turquoise.