I own nothing, i don't own NCIS and it's a shame. If i have, i will gave Tim McGee a lot more of backbone. I am not an American native so you will have to excuse me for the grammatical errors. Take place after Mexico events.

I received a harsh review and it was hurtful. I'm not sure that this person remembers that we writes a story for fun, for a hobby. Sorry if you think that i wrote poorly but i already read some story with some grammatical errors in French and i let them do what they like. The reason is who am i to judge them ? So i return the question Who are you to judge me ? Don't read this story if you dislike this. Good Day.

I'm still searching for a Beta. Pretty please.

Enjoy.

Gibbs enters the Autopsy so fast that Palmer jumps so high that he was on verge to leave a hole on the floor.

Gibbs: What you've got Duck ?

Ducky : Well Jethro. My observations are similar to earlier. The man was castrate perimortem. None defensive wounds. Although, i found some epithelial cells under his nails. A puncture mark on his neck, and ligature marks on his wrists.

He had also a bite on his right thigh. I'll send the tissue to Abigail. Mister Palmer, can you be a good lad and bring this to the young Abigail.

Jimmy : Of course, Dr Mallard.

The two old friends wait a minute before talking to each other.

Ducky : Jethro, what really bring you here ?

The team leader sighs.

Gibbs : It's not about the case.

Ducky : I know that, that's why i sent M. Palmer to deliver the samples to the lab sooner rather than later.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs starts to pace then turns toward his friend.

Gibbs : Do you know what cause that rift between McGee and the rest of the team.

Ducky : I don't know, i really don't but i can make a guess.

Gibbs, who wasn't known for his patience, explosed.

Gibbs : So tell me, Damn it !

Ducky : Oh, please ! Calm down. You are the inspector, the great Leroy Jethro Gibbs. You'll have no issue to found out.

Gibbs : Incredible.

Ducky : You are right it's incredible that you, an usual observant man can be so blind and so partial when it's come to his team.

Gibbs : What ! When do we pass from the rift between Abby and McGee to the gestion of my team. Excuse me Dr Mallard, i never said that i wanted an analyse.

The doctor smiles before he started.

Ducky : Of course, you know me, full of surprise.

Gibbs sighs.

Gibbs : Ok ! Duck, what about how i handle my team.

Ducky : Tsk ! Tsk ! You know you play favorite. And usualy, i don't mind but sometimes you go too far.

Gibbs : I don't play favorite.

Ducky : Please Jethro. I know you, don't make me smack you.

Gibbs : Are you telling me that McGee pout because I play « favorite ».

Ducky : I never said that, did I ? I only respond to your question.

Gibbs : So what ? What can't he talk to me ? Why he never said anything ? Why did he kept everything close to the vest ?

Ducky : It's the pot calling the kettle back .

Gibbs : But, it's different. We are talking about McGee, not about me.

Ducky : I am aware of that and this applied also to the young man. This isn't about Ziva, Anthony or Abigail, we are talking about Timothy, a young private man who keeps his emotion close to the chest. Who had secrets so why compared him to the other.

Gibbs : So how can i help him and the rest of the team if i don't know what it's about.

Ducky : Oh ! It makes sense. It's not that you can't help him, it's that you feels powerless.

Gibbs : Of course not, damn it ! I just want to help that's all.

Ducky : So if you really want help him, respect his privacy. You know that i'm fond of the young Anthony but he is already used to snoop around don't cross the line.

I just have a question, you want that this young man talks to you, but do you really listen to his main focuses or when he talks about his technical expertise.

The white haired man frowns. He really dislikes where this rant will lead.

Gibbs : No... It isn't my thing.

Ducky : Do you invite him at your house like you do with the other.

Gibbs : No, but he knows that my door is open for him.

Ducky : So to summarized, you exept him to talk to you when you want, just when you have the time and you're interressed.

Gibbs : Yeah... NO ! I don't know, you confused me.

Ducky : And you're still wondering ?

The ex-marine sighs loudly. He hates when the M.E makes him doubt, espacially when he was wrong. It was annoying.

The younger man rises up of one of the table and goes toward his friend.

Gibbs : Ok ! Duck ! What do i do ?

Ducky : If i was you, i' ll give him the choice if he wants to talk, when and where. Invite him to taste your steaks. Show him that you care. But don't try to force the hearsay, it will be very hypocrite and he won't help your cause.

Gibbs : Yeah, Yeah ! I am aware.

The team leader heads for the exit when he hesitates and open his mouth.

Gibbs : If you talk to him, can you tell me what's it about ?

The face of the good doctor transformed immediately, the same man that was so calmed and level-headed usualy went almost ill-tempered.

Ducky : YOU CAN'T ASK ME TO BETRAYED A CONFIDENCE ?

Gibbs : No, no. I don't know why i said that. Just can you talk to him, just to be sure he is alright ?

The older man calm a little bit and responds with a tick voice.

Ducky : I'll try but if he is agreed to speak to me, because this young man is almost as stubborn than you. So if he speaks to me and asks to keep his confidence, i'll never betray his confidence. Unless it's about his health, are we agree ?

It's what a long time that his friend was angry with him, he starts to nod and was about to step out of the room when he was interrupted.

Ducky : I'll try to test the waters with Timothy if you will be kind to send him downstairs.

Gibbs : Thank you Duck.

Ducky : You are most welcome, Jethro.

/***********************/

When Timothy McGee arrived next to the lab, he heard the loud music. He frowns, he doesn't want to see the lab rat. He doesn't know how he had idolized her. When he met her, she was incredible. She was so full of life, caring and so sweet. She was wild. And for a long time, she was his best friend or he had thought so. Now, he can't stand to stay in the same place, all alone with her. But he had a job to do for the moment. And if he had to leave, he prefers that everybody remembers him for his professionalism.

He inspires and expires severals moments and enters in the lab.

Tim : Abby, Abby !

The young goth continues to gravitate on the lab.

Tim : Abby, Abby !

The woman turns around, sees him, winks at him and turns down the music.

Abby : Eh! McGee. How are you ? Did you see the new software MP3. Of course, you know that. It already popular, even Nun Rosa is a fan. I tried it on Death Rage discography. Death Rage every time...

Tim : Hum... Can you give me what you've got on the crime scene ?

Abby turns around, cocks her head and checks him out for the first time.

Abby : Timmy, what's wrong ? You seem rigid ?

Tim : Nothing wrong ! Gibbs sends me to see the results That's the only reason, i'm here.

Abby : What do you mean that if Gibbs didn't send you, you won't be there. I demand that you tell what's really wrong ?

In the meantime, the brunette cross her arms and stomps her foots loudly.

Tim : Abigail. Can you give me the results yes or no ?

Abby gaps severals times, clenches her teeth and turns toward her monitor.

Abby : It's not finish Mister ! The epithetial cells under the nails came from a woman which supports the lipstick on his collar.

I analyse the blood and found Loprazepam, an anaesthetic and an amount of alcohol. I found motor oil for gazoil, i am waiting for the result. Also, i found differents fingerprints on the victim's cellphone. I'm waiting the AFIS result.

Now, can you explain your behavior ?

The young woman turns around and looks but she found herself alone. She starts to pace. She is really angry. How dare he treat like that. After all, she did and still does for him ? She excuses him for Jethro, didn't she ?

But then, she stops short, she replays their talk and remarks that he never, ever calls her Abigail. Only Ducky calls her like that. She frowns because Tim alway have been afraid of her and even if it was annoying for a lover. She is excited when its a friend. No he seems that he don't care what Gibbs or Tony can do to him to piss her of. That's not acceptable.

She starts to take her phone to call her silver fox but she don't know what to tell him. She think a moment and prefers to do face to face. With some tears, it will be better. He'll protect her and put Timmy at his place.

Thanks for all review. You are great. I hope you still love this story.