A/n: Wow, it's been awhile since I started this and awhile since I've posted. Summer was a bit busy and school hell. Anyway I've got the final chapter of Some Time to Fall Apart in the works and a one shot that's sort of a one shot epilogue called "When You Come Back To Me" partially written so keep your eyes open.


Gibbs had become so used to Tony running errands for the director his absence when Gibbs arrived that morning was only cause for a exasperated sigh.

After all, they didn't have any active cases to work on and Gibbs would much rather have him off at God knew where when they were doing paperwork than when they were at a crime scene.

Ziva and McGee didn't seem to take much notice of Tony's absence, though when Ziva finished a report a few minutes after Gibbs had arrived he saw her first absently glace towards Tony's desk before reminding herself who and where the boss was again.

Gibbs was a realist. He knew when he came back some things would have changed and not all for the better. He knew Tony had pulled them back together into a team that had no room for him. He'd chosen Tony for the job because he knew sooner or later Tony would figure out how to do that. Now that he was back they were all still trying to readjust once again to the change in the teams dynamics and all he had to do was give it time. Even Ducky was becoming a little less hostile as the days passed.

Gibbs wasn't worried. He had time for life to resume normal, and after all he'd quit and come back knowing full well this would happen. He was just glad he got a second chance at this insane dance of surrogate family he called his NCIS team.

He'd been at NCIS for a little more than an hour when he decided he needed a break from the horrors of paperwork. A visit to Abby's Lab would be just what the doctor ordered. They had been on shaky ground for a little while after his return. She still showed her enthusiasm for just seeing him but he'd noticed the small notes of hesitancy. Her trust in him, something she'd had within hours of their meeting, had been shaken to the core and he wasn't the only one to see that.

He knew what had happened while he was away. He saw the new scars on her arms, the fierce nature of the team's protectiveness of their lab rat that had become so much more intense since he'd left, he saw the disappointment tingeing Ducky's anger when he saw Gibbs with Abby, and more than anything else he saw how Abby looked to Tony.

He'd once overheard Abby musing in her lab about her, Gibbs, and Tony. She'd been lazily discussing with herself and Bert about how if she looked to Gibbs as a father and Tony looked to Gibbs as a father did that make her his little sister by default.

There was no longer a question in Gibbs opinion. He saw the hero worship and sisterly love whenever they were together. That arm around her shoulder and protective glare to anyone trying to flirt with her on Tony's part wasn't to be mistaken for a boyfriend being territorial. Gibbs barely could hide a smile the day before when he all but chased a guy from the mailroom out of her lab after he tried to flirt with Abby.

The fact that Abby indulged his antics was just another sign.

The slight smile on his lips faded when he entered the lab. There on the wall by the window was Abby and his missing senior field agent leaning against one another fast asleep, Abby's head propped on Tony's shoulder and his head on her. It didn't take a trained investigator to read the empty caf-pow, the dead cell phone, Abby wearing yesterdays clothes and the normally impeccably groomed Tony looking like he'd pulled on something while running out the door, not when he knew Abby.

For years he'd been the one Abby called late at night, when she was worn out and worn down and freaking. He'd come to her countless times. Spent dozens of nights with her on this floor keeping Oblivion at bay, especially when she was a new Lab Rat.

But she'd called Tony this time. She'd called someone else. It stung, but it also eased a little bit of worry. She'd survived while he was gone. She'd come back to him in time if she wanted. If she never did it was only what he deserved.

Gibbs shook his head and sighed, walking over to them. As much as he wanted to let them sleep it was work hours and the next person down might take this the wrong way.

He was about to give Tony a gentle headslap when the senior field agent opened his eyes, his grin showing he'd known Gibbs was there for awhile. After a moment the grin faded, the situation sinking in and Gibbs could almost see fears and anger rising within the man. He said nothing, neither wanted to wake Abby.

Tony's hands twitched, it was a moment before Gibbs realized it was a sloppy attempt at signing "Why?"

"Why…?" Gibbs signed back, his expression showing mild confusion. He wasn't annoyed, or in shock, or anything.

"Why leave her?" Tony's gestures were choppy, a beginner trying to communicate but the words hit Gibbs in his gut. It was the question no one had asked because no one was quiet sure what answer they wanted.

Gibbs sighed, closing his eyes and crossed his thumb over his heart. "I'm sorry" No explanation, no words could explain everything that had driven him away from this life, this family, his promises to that jaded Baltimore cop he hired six years ago and his duty to the sad scared girl he'd met nearly a decade ago. He wouldn't apologies again but he would apologies to this eldest son and favorite daughter once. These two children deserved that much.

When he opened his eyes Abby was awake, looking at him with that same happy hero worshipping smile. A smile more hidden and controlled but still there in his senior field agent.

"You two done napping? Your late Dinozzo." Gibbs said before the moment could get uncomfortably mushy.

Tony all but jumped to his feet. "Up boss."

"Go home Abbs, get some sleep and be back at noon." Gibbs said, handing her the Caf-Pow. "Now Abbs." She saluted and went to get ready to leave. Gibbs turned, heading to the elevator, trying to tell himself that the situation hadn't had him a little embarrassed. "Tony!" He called back to make sure the boy was moving.

"On your six boss."

The words made him smile a little. It was weird how he'd realized they were reassuring while he was in Mexico, only realizing it when he found himself missing that. He mentally shook himself, getting sentimental didn't suit him. "If you ever do that again…"

"Boss I-…"

"You better stay with her until your sure she's good."

"On it boss."