Chapter 3: The Hippo Factor

Disclaimer: Chapter 1

9: Do not touch Bert. If you have to ask who Bert is, you should never go into the Forensics lab.

"Put. The hippo. Down!" the probie dropped the stuffed animal back to its resting place on the counter and turned with his hands up to see Abby, holding a large, shiny needle, glaring him down.

"You never touch Bert. Got it?" she hissed, eyes narrowing.

"Y-yes ma'am." The probie stammered.

"Now get out of my lab." She ordered, using the needle to point to the doorway.

"Yes ma'am." The probie scurried from the forensics lab, bumping into Tony and McGee as he did so.

McGee and Tony watched with identical expressions of amusement as the young agent fidgeted while waiting for the elevator. Stepping into the lab they greeted Abby with twin smiles.

"Y'know, you guys freak me out when you get along." She muttered, picking up Bert and hugging him tightly.

"He touched Bert?" McGee asked, slightly amused, but not at the fact that Abby was upset.

She nodded and hugged the stuffed animal tightly causing a burst of flatulence.

"Aw Abs, do you want us to Gibbs Slap him?" Tony kissed the top of her head and wrapped a brotherly arm around her shoulders and hugging her to his side.

She smiled up at the older boys who she loved so much, "Thanks guys, but I think he learned his lesson."

"Why?"

"I was holding one of the bone marrow needles Ducky leant me when I yelled at him." A sinister smirk turned up her dark lips.

Tony shuddered, having actually been stuck with one of those during one of his numerous hospital stays. Tim just paled, having actually seen that happen to Tony (he honestly didn't remember why, but the memory itself was seared into his mind).

They looked over Abby's head at each other.

"Yeah, I think Bert is safe."

"Definitely."

"Do I still get kisses?"

They grinned and each leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.

oOo

A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS! In the spirit of the holiday, I'm updating early, but in order to get the next update, I need there to be at least 35 reviews.

Thanks and love ya long time!