Chapter 7

Normal disclaimers apply. Lyrics are from Adelitas way - Alive

"Gibbs."

"Leon."

"How is she?" Leon stepped closer to the bed holding his forensic scientist.

"No sign of improvement."

"Doesn't mean anything Gibbs."

"I wasn't there Leon. This? This is my fault."

"Playing the blame game isn't going to help her, yourself or your team. There's a man out there that is possibly mourning the loss of his wife Gibbs-"

"She is not his wife! She's Abby, our Abby. And if he's mourning then he doesn't deserve her, cause she ain't dead yet."

Vance couldn't help the small smile and knowing twinkle grace his lips.

"Jethro, you need to let him see her."

"I haven't stopped him Leon."

"Gibbs, your acting like her personal guard dog. Go home, wash, sleep."

"That an order Director?"

"What do you think Gunny?"

Gibbs finally looked up at his old friend before standing, wincing slightly as his old bones creaked from days sat in the worn chair.

Leaning over Abby's still form, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, sweeping away a stray strand of her hair.

"I'll be back Abbs. Promise."

Turning back to Vance the two old friends moved out the room and towards the reception.

Gibbs took hold of her hand and led her to a quiet part of the dance floor as the music once again filled the air, sweeping them into a gentle sway.

I turn the TV off, to turn it on again

Staring at the blades of the fan as it spins around

Counting every crack, the clock is wide awake

Talking to myself, anything to make a sound

"What is so funny Abs?"

"This was Jake's choice; Ellie said he practically begged her to let them have it as their wedding song." Laughed Abby.

"Gibbs?"

"Yeah Abs?"

"Thank you Gibbs. For saving me that day with the bomb. I'm grateful, of course I am." At Gibbs's questioning gaze Abby went on to elaborate further.

"You were in danger, Abby, what did you want me to do?"

"To stay safe Gibbs!

"And if it was worth the risk?"

I told you I wouldn't call, I told you I wouldn't care

But baby climbing the walls gets me nowhere

"Gibbs..." Take a step closer to him, their bodies were now a breath away from touching, they could feel the heat radiating from each other.

"Gibbs, wait! Please!" Abby has managed to catch up with him, catching hold of the fabric of his shirt covering his arm.

"Abby go back inside!"

"What if I don't love him?" Abby shouted.

Gibbs stopped still, back still turned away from her, but Abby knew he had heard her. She took a few steps towards him.

"Bert makes me happy, yes, but he doesn't hold my heart."

"That will come with time."

"Earlier you told me I was worth the risk, has that changed?"

"What do you want from me, Abby?"

"You."

I don't think that I can take this bed getting any colder

Come over, come over, come over, come over, come over

"Tony, Abby is outside in the parking lot, she's upset and needs you, grab Bert and tell him to take her home."

"What happened Boss?"

You can say we're done the way you always do

It's easier to lie to me than to yourself

"It doesn't matter Tony, just... be there for her ok."

Tony was speechless.

"Tony? Promise me."

"I promise Boss, you have my word we will look out for her, you know we will."

Forget about your friends, you know they're gonna say

We're bad for each other, but we ain't good for anyone else

"Do you care?!" Abby snapped.

Gibbs approached her quickly and could see the pain in her eyes and felt his heart break a little more.

"Do I care Abs? Seriously?! Look me in the eye and tell me the answer!"

I told you I wouldn't call, I told you I wouldn't care

But baby climbing the walls gets me nowhere

I don't think that I can take this bed getting any colder

Come over, come over, come over, come over, come over

'I'm coming Gibbs, please be there.'

We don't have to fix each other, come over

We don't have to say forever, come over

You don't have to stay forever, come over

"…Gibbs…"

"Gibbs…"

A single pitch shattered the hospital silence.