Author's Note: I hope you enjoy this. NCIS does not belong to me. I just borrowed the characters. I am not making any profits with this.
Road To Happiness
Tony crumpled up some paper and threw it at the garbage bin next to Ziva's desk. "Did you guys see the Boss? I think the Dr. Ryan thing hit him hard. Either that or-"
"DiNozzo!" Gibbs cut Tony off as he entered the room, head slapping him on the way.
"Sorry Boss!" Tony reached up to rub the back of his head. "With Dearing dead I would have thought that she would have eventually-"
"She's gone. Dead marine. Let's go." Gibbs grabbed his coffee on his desk and went towards the elevator.
Tony glanced at Ziva. As she grabbed her bag she raised an eyebrow and mouthed "Abby" in his direction. Tony smiled and gave a slight nod. That was exactly what he was hoping to hear from their fearless leader. Since the explosion at NCIS the team had started noticing Gibbs checking on Abby more frequently. They knew about Abby's love for the man ever since he ran away to Mexico.
If only he would see what's right in front of him... Tony thought as he pulled his bag over his shoulder.
"Move it!" Gibbs snapped out.
The three members of his team jumped into action and were quickly on there way to the crime scene.
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Abby spun around in her lab chair with Bert safely held against her chest. "Isn't this fun Bert?" she giggled. Unexpectedly she jumped off the chair and started to walk. "Whoa!" Abby wobbled and fell slightly against one of her lab tables making Bert let out a loud fart. "So much fun!"
"Abigail Sciuto! What in blazes are you doing?" Abby regretted moving her head to face a blurry Ducky.
"Ducky! Ducky! Ducky! You need to try this! Sit on the chair and I'll spin you!" Abby still disoriented made Bert fart again by pressing herself against the desk.
"I don't think so my dear. My heart couldn't handle something as traumatic as that at the moment." Ducky chuckled as he walked in and moved beside Abby. "Jethro is with a suspect and I fear Jimmy is driving me crazy. He is insistent on telling me all of his intimacies with Breena. I felt the need to retreat."
Abby smiled as she pulled Ducky into a hug. "I don't think you should leave him down there by himself for too long Ducky. While you were..." Her smile vanished.
Ducky pulled out of her grasp and took a hold of both of her hands in his. "I'm alright my dear."
"I know Ducky but it's... it's still hard. You could have died..." Tears formed at the corners of her eyes.
"Tell me what Mr. Palmer did while I was on leave Abigail." He squeezed her hands slightly.
Abby sniffled and looked at the Medical Examiner. "He started to talk to the dead. Just like you do Ducky."
Another chuckle escaped him. "Ahh my dear girl. That does not surprise me. He attempts to channel his 'inner Mallard' as he likes to call it while I was not available. It was an interesting conservation he had with Lieutenant Sean Jacobs. The decapitated man that was found in the car. Mr. Palmer didn't realise I was in the room at the time."
Abby burst into a fit of laughter. "Tony would have so much with knowing that. I could so totally see him asking Jimmy if he's mastered channelling his 'inner Mallard' yet." She pulled Ducky over to the chair. "You can sit Ducky. I wont spin you. Promise."
"Thank you my dear." Ducky let go of her hands and sat down. "How did the meeting go with your brother? I asked Jethro and he simply told me to ask you."
"Oh Ducky! It was so wonderful! I talk with him almost everyday now. I even brought him to Gibbs'. Know what else Ducky?" Abby couldn't hold her excitement as she clapped her hands.
"Well go on." Ducky smiled as he watched her.
"Kyle hugged Gibbs!" Abby's eyes sparkled. "Gibbs even hugged him back!"
"I'm am happy you have family back in your life. Have you told your parents the good news yet?" Ducky waited a few moments. He watched Abby's emotions flash across her face. Pain being the most obvious.
"Ducky... Oh..." She crumbled against the floor in sobs.
"Abigail!" Duck quickly went to the floor and pulled her into a hug.
"They... Mom and Dad... Luca..." Her body started to shake as she sobbed.
"Abbs? Ducky?" Gibbs rushed into the Lab as soon as the elevator door opened.
"Ahh Jethro. Care to help? It seems I have said something that upset our dear Abigail."
Gibbs was quickly on the ground and pulling his girl into his arms. "Shh Abbs. I've got ya."
Ducky stayed seated on the floor next to them, keeping a comforting hand on Abby's arm. "I'm sorry-"
"No Ducky. I should... I should have told you all..." She wrapped her arms around Gibbs and hid her face against his chest. "A man... they died... with Dearing I didn't want to... Oh god they're gone Gibbs!"
Ducky eyes grew wide. "Jethro-"
"Go get DiNozzo. Let the team know." Gibbs turned his attention back to Abby.
"Kyle knows... I.. I... called him right away when it happened... Luca... He was sleeping and... and Mom and Dad... A man shot them both and then Luca... It was quick and they... they didn't hurt. The man committed suicide after... drugs..." Another wave of sobs wracked her body.
"When Abbs." He gently rubbed circles against her back with his hand. Neither noticed the elevator doors open and close.
"Two days ago... "
"God Abby. Why didn't ya tell me?"
"You were too busy. I was keeping myself busy too... Today... Today I finally had time... I caught up on everything... tried to keep myself busy with Bert... and then Ducky came and then... it just all came when he asked... I didn't want to think about it... too fresh still..."
"Don't need to hide it in Abby. I'm always here for you. I should have known something was wrong when you called me last night." Gibbs pressed a kiss against her head. "Nightmares are back."
"I'm sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about." Gibbs softly spoke. "Tony will be here soon to take you home."
"I don't want to be alone Gibbs..." Abby held onto him tighter.
"My place Abbs. I need to talk to Vance first then I'm going to stop and pick up some Chinese food." He softly pressed another kiss to the top of her head. "I'll always be here for you Abby. Always."
Abby sniffled as she pulled back enough to look up at Gibbs. "Promise?"
"I promise Abbs," he said without hesitating. "The whole team has your six."
Another sob escaped her as she slammed her head back against his chest.
"Boss! Abby!" Tony yelled as he rushed through the elevator doors. "Ducky-" he stopped when he saw Gibbs' expression. Something he never let any of his agents see. Sadness.
"Take her to my place DiNozzo. Stay with her."
Gibbs and Tony locked eyes. "I'll take care of her Boss." Gibbs gave a stiff nod and allowed Tony to pull Abby away from him. He missed her warmth instantly.
"Hi Tony..." Abby whispered as she tried to make herself comfortable n Tony's arms.
"Hey there Labby Abby." Tony carried her towards the elevator. "Lets go get you a nice hot chocolate with extra marshmallows in it okay?"
Abby nodded slightly. "Sounds great Tony. Thank you."
When the doors closed Gibbs let out a deep sigh and ran his hands against his face. She doesn't deserve this...
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The drive to Gibbs' was a quiet affair except for the occasional hiccup from Abby.
Tony opened the car door and gently lifted Abby out and carried her inside. "I'm glad your so tiny or I seriously would be in a lot of trouble right now."
Abby snuggled her face against Tony's chest and giggled softly. "I wont tell Ziva that you just said that."
"She already knows I'm a weakling. McFlabby is the one I would be afraid to tell." Tony laid Abby down on the couch. "I'm going to see if our fearless leader keeps any hot chocolate powder-"
"In the cabinet first on the left by the sink. Last time his dad came by he brought some for me and I hid it in there."
Tony chuckled. "Of course you did. Did he by chance bring some marshmallows too?"
"I ate them already. You really don't have to-"
"Yes I do Abbs. Your my little sister and I need to take care of your right now." Tony interrupted Abby. "You always take care of us. Now its our turn to take care of you."
"I love you Tony." Her voice full of emotion. "Thank you."
Tony finished up and just as he handed Abby the steaming mug and took a seat next to the emotional woman, Gibbs strode in.
"That's my queue to go. If you need anything-"
"Stay. I bought enough for all of us." Gibbs dropped the bags on the table and went to the kitchen to get plates.
"Thanks Boss. I'm starving!" Tony started to unpack the bags full of Chinese goodness.
Abby let out a sniffley sounding giggle. "Tony, you're always hungry." She reached over and patted his stomach.
"Here." Gibbs handed out the plates and forks before taking a seat to Abby's left. "Eat up."
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"Mmmm that was so good." Abby snuggled up against Gibbs. "Thank you."
Gibbs lifted an arm and wrapped it around her shoulders. He turned his head lightly and placed a small kiss against the top of her head.
Tony stood and grabbed all the empty plates, cups and bags. "I'll just get this and then I'm out."
"I booked two weeks off and Vance approved the whole team immediately. Take Ziva somewhere nice and relax. I've let them know already." Gibbs watched Tony from the corner of his eye. "That's an order."
"Yes sir!" Tony smiled and nodded at Gibbs in understanding.
"You mean..."
"We got some things to take care of Abbs. I'm going with you. I called Kyle to let him know I'm headed there with you."
"Gibbs... Oh God thank you." Fresh tears started to run down her face. 'Of course he knows what has to be done...'
"We going to need a trailer or just the truck?"
"I... I don't want much... Just some photographs... small things... I've already contacted the lawyer. He's taking care of the wills. Once I'm done with sorting the stuff at the house I'm going to put it up for sale. My cousin who's a realtor is going to take care of that. Most of the furniture can be donated. I just need to do... funeral stuff..."
"Abbs." Tony called from the doorway. Neither noticed he had finished with cleaning. "Call me if you need okay?""Thank you Tony. Take care of Ziva and Timmy while we're gone. I'll be fine. I have Gibbs with me."
Tony nodded and started to leave. "See ya Boss."
Once they were alone, Gibbs fully pulled Abby into his lap. Her arms went around him instantly.
"Let it out Abby." He rested his head on top of hers as she nuzzled against the base of his throat.
That's exactly what she did. She sobbed against him for two hours before falling asleep. Gibbs never let her go...
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A loud crash echoed throughout the fairly empty home.
Jethro awoke with a start. "Abby!"
"I'm okay! Shit I'm sorry Gibbs!" Abby stuck her head into the living room. "I just dropped one of the coffee mugs. I'm so sorry for waking you up."
Gibbs rubbed his neck as he fell back against the couch. A small sigh escaped him.
"Here." Abby handed him a mug. "I really am-"
"Don't be." Gibbs took the drink and pulled her down to sit next to him. "Gibbs! I have to clean up the mess!"
"I'll do it." He took one long drink of the hot coffee and stood. "Go have a hot shower. You know where your bag is. That's an order."
"Yes sir!" Abby smiled, despite her red eyes and messy state. "Gibbs?"
"Yeah?" He watched her carefully.
"Thank you... for you know... everything..."
"I'll always protect you Abby."
"I know. My knight in shining armor."
"Shower. Go."
"Aye aye Captain Gibbs!" Abby practically jumped off the couch and made a run for the stairs.
Gibbs let out a small chuckle. 'I need to let her know soon... Get to it Gunny...'
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Gibbs put the key in the ignition and started up his old truck.
Abby let out a small, happy sounding giggle as soon as he pulled out of the driveway. "Wait Gibbs!"
"Abbs?" He glanced over only to have her phone shoved against his face. "Back it up."
"Kyle found her tied up to the tree outside the center. He named her Abby. Like me!" Abby pulled the phone back. "He said that if nobody claims her in ten days he's gong to keep her."
Gibbs chuckled and turned his attention to the road. "Only Kyle would name a fuzzy black dog after ya."
"Kyle needs a companion. I think she'll be perfect for him. He said she reminded him of me because she's a spaz monkey and likes to cuddle. I'm sad that she was left behind but I'm happy she has Kyle now. Isn't Abby gorgeous though?"
Gibbs glanced at the smiling woman next to him. "Yeah. You are."
Abby looked up from her phone to stare at him as he drove. Gibbs' were eyes back on the road so he didn't see her cheeks turning pink. Her gaze went back to the phone in her hands, unable to word what she wanted to say.
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"It's been an hour and I'm pretty sure you have never been this quite." Gibbs pulled to the shoulder on the highway and stopped the truck. "You are gorgeous Abby."
He didn't miss her cheeks turn pink this time.
"I'm not sure I've ever heard you talk this much in a twenty four hour time period." She unbuckled herself and quickly got out. Gibbs followed suit and walked around to where she was standing.
"Hey. Look at me." Gibbs cupped the side of her face.
Her green eyes found his blue. "Gibbs I..." Her cheeks turned even a darker shade. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and put it over his. "I love you Gibbs."
Gibbs wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her against his. "Love you too Abby. For a real long time."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah." Gibbs placed his lips against hers and gave her the softest of kisses.
He could feel her smile against him. "Oh Gibbs..." Tears started to form at the corner of her eyes. "I've waited a very... very... very long time-"
He kissed her again and only pulled away when he needed some air.
"We need to get back on the road -"
Abby pushed her lips back against his. A small moan escaped her when he felt Gibbs' erection press against her.
"Or we're going to get arrested for public indecency," he breathed out.
"When we're alone..." Abby rested her head against his chest. "I'm not ever letting you go. This is for keeps right?"
"Never letting you go either."
"Good because we have ten years to catch up with."
Gibbs laughed out. "Your going to kill me Abbs!" He wrapped both his arms around her.
Abby laughed along for awhile and then all of a sudden started to sob. "I miss them Gibbs. I'm scared. I-"
"You're not alone in this. I'll be with you. We'll get through this together Abby."
She couldn't speak, her emotions were all over so she signed against his stomach.
"I love you too Abby." He rubbed her back. "While you were in the shower, Tony called. The Teams going to meet us there to help."
"They should be relaxing on vac-"
"Your family Abbs. When we're finished they'll head out."
She nodded against his chest. "Vance is going to be at the funeral too."
Abby looked up at the man she loved, tears streaming down her cheeks. "How-"
"Family."
His arms tightened around her and he held her for as long as she needed.
Taking a deep breath, Abby took a step back. Her hand taking a hold of one of his. "Thank you Jethro."
The older agent smiled. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
Gibbs nodded and opened the door for her and helped her into the truck. Before he could let go of her hand and close the door, she pulled him back in and against her waiting lips.
"I love you Jethro." She was almost breathless when they parted.
"I love you Abby."
When the truck started up again and they were driving Abby placed her hand on Gibbs' thigh. "I'll have my whole extended family with me. I'll have you with me. I know they would have been happy knowing that we are together."
Gibbs took a hand off the wheel and put in on top of hers. "Why don't you call Jack. We can pick him up on the way."
"You think he'll want to come?"
"Yup." The more loved ones around his girl the happier she'll be.
"Give him a call."
"Once we're back at your place I'm locking the door and keeping you all to myself."
"Yes ma'am!"
They both started to laugh as Abby tried to locate her phone. "There you are!" she chuckled as she found it on the floor.
On the first ring Jack picked up.
"Hey Jack..."
Gibbs smiled as he listened to his girl chat up his father.
'She'll be okay. My girl is strong.'
End