NCIS: Deep Down

Author: AnonymousNCISFan
Rating: PG-13

Summary: A relationship explored

Pairing: Gibbs/Abby friendship

Spoilers: Up to & including Season 14 (Takes place during Season 14, right after Pandora's Box. It also relies on plot points from "Willoughby" and "Off the Grid" Lots of callbacks to earlier seasons with Gibbs/Abby moments.).

Warnings: Extreme Angst, possible character death

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters and am making no money off this – I appreciate the creative minds at NCIS and the brilliant actors who bring these beloved characters to life.

NOTE: Quotes in italics are from past episodes

Chapter 2: A Promise Broken

"Did you know that only five of the two and a half million deaths every year occur in elevators?"

"Nope."

Gibbs' grip tightened on the steering wheel as he recalled an exchange from over a decade ago. Stalked by an ex-boyfriend, Abby's fears had led her to hide in the elevator.

"No one is going to hurt you, Abby."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"Did it?"

"Yeah, can you say it again?"

"Nobody's gonna hurt you, Abs."

Whoever hurt her tonight was going to pay, that much was certain. But Gibbs knew he would have to get a grip on himself if he was going to help her – if he even still could. Another memory flashed before his eyes, one of a cold, wet night when Ari Aswari had nearly taken Abby from him. He remembered the pain and fear in her emerald eyes as he pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

"I'll keep you safe, Abby, I promise."

"Maybe you should stop makin' promises you can't keep, Probie," said a familiar voice thick from years of cigarette smoke. Gibbs glanced to his right to see his dead mentor, Mike Franks, in the passenger seat.

"Shut up, Mike," Gibbs said in a low voice, turning away. He figured he should be concerned about these visions he had from time to time, but worried it would be the end of his career. If Vance knew he was hallucinating …

SMACK! Gibbs felt Franks hit the back of his head. He was in trouble now – his visions were manifesting themselves in the physical realm. Or maybe he'd just headslapped himself. He knew, deep down, Mike was right.

"Didn't Ducky warn you you'd get that girl in trouble some day?" Mike snarled, referring to a comment Ducky made eight years ago, after Gibbs asked Abby to dig up some information on a case that Vance – the new director at the time – had forbidden him from participating in.

"Maybe it's got nothin' to do with me, ever think of that?" Gibbs replied sharply.

"Yea, Probie, she has an 'accident' blocks away from your house, but you keep tellin' yourself it's got nothin' to do with you."

Gibbs sighed, shaking his head. "We don't know anything!"

"Looks like we're about to. Sure you're ready for this, Jethro?"

Gibbs glanced back at Mike, but he'd vanished. Squinting, he saw the flashing lights, saw the yellow tape, and saw Abby's car in a ditch. Bile rose in the back of his throat as he pulled over and sprinted to the scene.

"I'm sorry, sir, no one's allowed past this point," an office said, holding his hand out in front of him.

"I'm Special Agent Gibbs, NCIS. My … one of my people…that's her car…" Gibbs was trying to walk past to get a better look.

"I'm sorry sir, unless you have some ID you need to –"

The officer was cut off as Gibbs stepped into his personal space and leaned into him, eyes frantic. "I was called by your people. Now get your damn commanding officer down here – NOW!"

"Hey, hey, let him through, Lyons!"

"Yes, sir, Detective," the young officer exhaled, lifting the tape.

"You Gibbs?" asked the older man dressed in a suit and tie. Gibbs nodded, swallowing down the dread and bile. "I'm Simmons." He held out his hand but Gibbs' eyes were fixed on the vehicle several yards away.

"Tell me … tell me where she is," he rasped.

"She was airlifted to George Washington University Hospital," Simmons said flatly. Gibbs exhaled – at least she was still alive.

"How bad?" Gibbs asked, becoming agitated when Simmons took longer to respond than he'd like. "I said how bad?!"

"I'm not a doctor, Agent Gibbs, but lookin' at her, it wasn't good. Found her unconscious, and it just … it looked like a bloodbath."

Gibbs shook his head and turned to walk back to his truck. "Agent Gibbs! Don't you want to know what happened?"

"Damn straight!" Gibbs called, not looking back. "My agents are on their way. We'll be taking the lead."

"Hey, excuse me?!" Simmons called, but Gibbs was already peeling away in his truck.

TO BE CONTINUED…