Author's note: Thanks to Amy my lovely beta, who takes time out of her own busy life to read, review and make suggested changes. The characters do not belong to me but I like borrowing them for my story.

To my reviewers, thank you for the lovely reviews. They give me goosebumps everytime I get a message in my in-box that says you've got mail and I see it's a lovely review. Thank you so much. I'm glad your enjoying the story.


Abby felt numb when Alex handed her the banjo; it seemed as if her mind was lost in a flash of memories. They flew by as she heard the opening bars of the music, and she blanked for a few seconds. She could feel all eyes on her – in the corner of her vision she saw Gibbs get out of his seat. Alex had said it was time. They used to tease her with this song, Alex and AJ. Every time they went away on vacation, she was always woken by this annoying melody, even though she complained that it drove her bonkers. It was a fitting way to honor AJ's memory, together with his father.

She remembered playing this for Alex and Sara for their wedding anniversary, two weeks before the crash. Abby had worked really hard to learn this song. Of course, it had been so much fun learning it with AJ.

She would be leaning against AJ while they were sitting on the floor, the banjo across her lap and his arms around her. They would play for awhile, but always ended up with lessons ending early. There was no wonder it took her a long time to learn the song. Little did AJ know that after their first few lessons she had taught herself, while he was busy at work and she had free time from college classes.

She was brought out of the memories by hearing the opening of the tune again, and she knew that it was time to join in. Slowly her fingers echoed Alex's call, and the duel of the banjos began.

The intensity of the music felt wonderful, and the audience could feel the challenge in the room as each player tried to outdo the other. Abby started to relax into the music, and her fingers just flew over the strings. They were nearing the end, and everyone was so lost in the intensity of the two playing their song that when the final note hit the air there was a long moment of silence. Then the spectators all jumped to their feet, applauding wildly.

Sliding off the stool, Abby handed her banjo over to Alex with a curtsy to the audience. She walked over to the keyboards and took up her place behind them. At her nod to the others, the band, Abby included, began a rock mix which had even Gibbs tapping his foot along.

Most of the NCIS party found its way onto the dance floor. Gibbs decided to go and get some more coffee – he had to admit that it was better than at some of the local coffee joints, and he was curious to see what brand it was.

Alex watched Gibbs make his way over to the bar and decided that with Abby busy, he'd have a chance to converse with the man.

"Special Agent Gibbs. Sorry about all the subterfuge this morning. I have to admit that I was curious. She has spoken of you all so very often, and with McGee's book… I just had to walk around." Alex stuck out his hand for Gibbs to shake.

"Ditch the 'Special Agent' – it's just Gibbs. Yes, you do have me at a disadvantage here. She has never spoken about any of this." Gibbs looked down at his coffee, wishing it was something a lot stronger.

"Gibbs, you met her before college, and you have been connected to each others lives, but you did lose touch for a few important years. Then your offer of a position at NCIS came at the time when she needed to get away from everything. So off she went. Her time with all of you has done wonders for her." Alex motioned to Sam for a refill of his drink.

Sam topped off both drinks and earned a nod from Gibbs for not even having to ask.

"Mr. LeBeau-" Gibbs started, but Alex interrupted.

"Alex, if you please, Gibbs." Gibbs nodded in acknowledgment.

"This night has brought on so many questions, I'm not sure which to start with first." Gibbs said, sipping his coffee.

"Well, Gibbs I'm going to decline answering any questions concerning Abby. I think she'll want to answer them herself. That girl can make your life hell if you interfere in anything. I have a feeling that my little stunt this morning will result in some form of torture. Which I admit I rightly deserve." Alex said.

"I respect that Alex. Then, could you just answer me one question, not concerning Abby?" Alex nodded. "What kind of coffee is this, and where can I get some?"

Alex and Gibbs began to laugh, not noticing that the band had stopped playing and were on a break, and Abby was standing behind the two most important men in her life.

"Should this scene make me a little nervous?" Abby asked, reaching in between them to grab the fresh Abbytastic drink Sam had placed on the bar. "Thanks, Sam. I forgot how thirsty playing on stage makes me." She started swaying to the recorded music blasting from the speakers. "So, what are we talking about?"

All of a sudden there was a little commotion going on across the room, at the entrance to the club. Alex excused himself to find out what was going on.

At the same time, Britta, a close friend of Abby's, popped over. "Hey Abby, I think you should find two strong arms and get out on that dance floor, because I have a feeling that what's at the door is something you had a hand in."

Abby grabbed Gibbs' wrist, checking the time on his watch. "Damn, they are way early." Giving Gibbs the most innocent look ever, she asked, "Wanna dance, Boss Man?" There was no way that he was going to say no, but he also wanted to start getting some questions answered.

"On one condition, Abby. That you start answering my questions. The first one being what is happening over at the door." Abby glanced over her shoulder and saw the commotion still going on. She finished her drink in one go and gave Gibbs a cheeky smile.

"Sure, Gibbs," she said, as she wrapped her hand around his and started walking towards the floor.

Abby was grinning because it was an upbeat song and there was little chance of talking. Just as they reached the middle of the floor, the music changed, and a slow, romantic ballad started playing. Aww, man, does someone have it in for me! Abby thought to herself.

Slowly she turned and Gibbs gently took her hands and pulled her closer, feeling Abby tense up a little. Little did she know that Gibbs was feeling just as self-conscious. Placing his hand on her lower back, he felt where the V of her dress ended, and his fingers just itched to trace the V up and down, up and down… Shaking his head, he gave Abby a look that said, 'I'm waiting for answers.' Shrugging, Abby began to speak.

"Well, to answer your question about the scene at the door, Alex is dealing with a couple of the local restaurants that are here to deliver all the food that I charged to his credit card earlier today. Yeah I know, it's a trick from college, but after what he pulled this morning, I thought it was fitting. And I'm sure his guests won't say no to a little snack!" Gibbs started chuckling along with Abby, and during this brief moment of hilarity he pulled Abby closer without realizing it.

Abby relished the feelings running through her body. To see him let out a natural laugh was priceless.

Suddenly there was a booming voice calling for her. "Sciuto, front and center!" Alex yelled from the door to the club. Abby only grinned and waved at him as Tony, Ziva, Ducky and Jenny surrounded Abby.

"Hey, Boss, what's going on?" Tony asked, looking curiously at Abby, who was grinning from ear to ear.

As Gibbs was about to answer Tony, Abby's friend Britta popped over and passed a set of keys to her.

"Car's out back, Abby, all fueled up and ready to go. I'll play the rest of the night for ya. Take care, and make sure Handsome here treats my wheels with respect. I'll talk with you tomorrow, just not too early. I have a feeling it will be a late night tonight." She hugged Abby quickly and motioned for them to leave out the back.

With a hug and a wave to everyone, they were on their way, not realizing they hadn't stopped holding hands.

Abby led the way to Britta's car and Gibbs opened her door for her, waiting for her to get settled before closing it. With a grin that could stop traffic, he got into the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and they were off.

"So, how many restaurants did you order food from, Abby?" Gibbs said, a chuckle in his voice.

"Five, Gibbs. Greek, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and German. Enough food for the entire party tonight." Her giggles made her voice sound breathy, and Gibbs' hands tightened on the steering wheel.

A silence fell over the car as they neared the exit to Abby's apartment. Gibbs indicated to make the turn-off, but Abby reached over and placed a hand on his arm.

"Gibbs, could I stay at your place tonight? I have a feeling I will be ambushed at my place after everything is locked up. Guess I'll have to wait another night to sleep in those nice cooling black satin sheets." Glancing over at her, Gibbs decided that this was probably the best decision – they'd be able to talk without being interrupted.

"Okay, Abs, but you're taking the couch." Gibbs said, smiling to himself.

"Gibbs, I'm not going to take you out of your bed, I'll take the cou-" Stopping mid sentence, Abby was shocked.

"Cat got your tongue, Abby?" Gibbs said, and Abby's heart skipped a beat at the mischievous look in his eyes.

"Oh, you..." she said, laughing. "Not very gentlemanly, Gibbs."

"I never pretended to be," he replied, amused. Abby enjoyed the moment, knowing that the next few hours things would probably get heavy. A little light-hearted banter with the silver haired fox who secretly stole her heart was never a bad thing.