Author's Note: To start, some story notes. This will be a series of stand alone one-shots/drabbles/etc. starring McGee and Abby set during season 7. They'll be posted chronologically and titled for the episode they're attached to. (Some episodes will have multiple entries but not too many.) The idea is that these fit into the continuity created by the show, so there mostly aren't any really overt romantic aspects... more friendship-y with some jealousy and mixed signals and the like. Also, I don't currently have a beta reader, so grammar/continuity errors are mine and mine alone—and if you spot any, please let me know!
(Now, onto this segment.) 200-word drabble set during the first episode between the time the team gets the okay to go to Africa and when they actually arrive/are captured there. Told from Abby's perspective. So, if you haven't run off yet—enjoy!
Disclaimer: Characters mentioned are used without permission and are trademarks of CBS/DPB; I am simply borrowing them for my purposes. Also, the title is a quote from The Bard and, therefore, not my own. Please don't sue.
What's Past is Prologue
by, Caliente
Truth or Consequences (I)
The day before the team was heading off to Somalia, Abby cornered McGee in her lab. She knew he was a field agent, knew that he'd come into his own in recent years. That didn't stop her from worrying, though. "Promise me that you'll come back safe."
McGee looked up, a small crease between his eyebrows. "Abby…"
"Promise, McGee," she insisted. She needed to hear the words. She just… did.
He met her gaze for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Okay; I promise."
She hugged him then, tightly and longer than their usual. Neither of them really believed him—it wasn't the kind of promise he could really make. But that day, in her lab, it was enough.
Later, she hugged each of them good-bye in the Bullpen with Ducky and Palmer, even Vance. Gibbs first ("Bring them—and yourself—home safely, Gibbs. I'm depending on you."), then Tony ("Be careful, Tony—I expect you to come home in one piece."), and finally Tim ("Remember your promise, McGee. I'm holding you to it.").
They all squeezed her back and whispered comforting words. Abby hoped they were right; she didn't want Africa to break any of them. Not after Ziva.
