NCIS: Post-Traumatic
Author: AnonymousNCISFan
Rating: T (PG-13)
Summary: Gibbs & Abby have been avoiding each other since his return from Paraguay…here's one possible explanation.
Pairing: Gibbs/Abby friendship
Spoilers: Up to & including Season 15
Warnings: Angst, References to PTSD
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.
Chapter 10: A Stand-Up Guy
Author's Note: This chapter references some of the events in Season 15's "Handle with Care." Just a cute, short and somewhat light update. I really miss the playfulness and banter of Gibbs and Abby, so trying to bring it back a little bit here.
Gibbs' Residence
March 7, 2018
"Hey, everything OK?" Gibbs asked over his cell phone as he sat on the couch, feet up.
"Yea, yea, it's…it's getting there," the shaky voice on the other end replied. "Do you think I could…I mean…I don't want this to come out the wrong way…"
"Wanna come over?" Gibbs asked plainly, saying it for her.
"If you're not busy."
"I got time," Gibbs replied, glancing into the kitchen.
"OK, then. I'll be over in about 20 minutes. And Gibbs…thanks."
"See you soon," Gibbs said before closing his flip phone and tossing it on the coffee table.
"That Sloane?" Abby asked as she walked into the room with a bowl of popcorn.
"Yep," Gibbs said, feeling a bit awkward.
"Sergeant Ross get reunited with his daughter?"
"Seems so," Gibbs replied.
"Oh, good, I love happy endings, and if anyone deserves it, it's that poor marine – I mean, imagine being captured and tortured, and then losing the love of his-" Abby stopped herself as she realized she might as well be recapping Gibbs' life story. "Sorry, Gibbs. You know I want a happy ending for you, too."
"Thanks, Abbs," he smiled, reassuring her she hadn't offended him.
Abby grabbed the remote to set up their streaming for the evening. "I believe today is Walton Wednesdays!" she said cheerfully, referring to the TV show they were set to watch that night.
"Uh, Abbs," Gibbs began, hoping whatever he said next didn't hurt her feelings. "Jack, uh…she um…she wanted to come over…"
Abby gave a shrug as she continued to play with the remote. "Oh, well the more the merrier, I guess," Abby replied. "I mean, honestly, it's just The Waltons – who doesn't like The Waltons?" she laughed.
Gibbs smirked, then gave her a knowing look.
"Oh, ohhhhh," Abby drawled. "This is gonna turn into a sleepover, isn't it?" she teased.
"Abby," he sighed, embarrassed. She plopped herself next to him on the couch, propping up her elbow and resting her chin in her hand.
"Or perhaps your happy ending?" She winked.
"Abby!"
"C'mon, Gibbs … I know it's been awhile."
"You're fishin', Abbs, and we're not goin' there."
"Hey, I'm the one who told you she liked you, or did you forget?"
"Haven't forgotten…OK, OK…I think she likes me…"
"I know she likes you," Abby smiled back.
"How could you know?"
Abby shrugged. "A woman senses these things," she replied simply.
"Abbs, she's comin' over because she's upset about something. Not gonna make a move right now – I'm not DiNozzo."
Abby slapped her hand lightly against his chest. "Hey, Tony's not like that anymore, especially not since Tali," Abby said, defending her friend. "But I respect that. I'm just saying, I don't want to be a third wheel here."
"You don't have to leave, Abbs," Gibbs assured her.
"Well, if Sloane wanted to spill her guts to me, she would've called and she hasn't-"
Abby was cut off by the sound of her cell phone ringing. They both looked at each other, each arching an eyebrow as she answered, her gaze fixed on Gibbs.
"Abby Sciuto," she answered happily. "Oh, hey Jack!"
Gibbs' eyes widened. Shaking his head, he got up off the couch, walking toward the basement.
"No, no I'm not busy, what's up?" Abby continued her conversation, following Gibbs down the stairs.
Gibbs signed to her, Don't follow me.
Using one hand, Abby signed back, Said she's nervous.
I don't want to know, Gibbs replied, reaching for one of his tools.
"Yea, Jack, I'm still here. Look, if you need to talk, Gibbs is a great listener."
Gibbs sighed, rolling his eyes, trying to focus on the piece of wood he was sanding.
"Where am I? Umm…well…"
Gibbs stopped what he was doing and looked at Abby with concern. She was a terrible liar. Just tell the truth, he signed, frustrated.
"I'm, uh, at the bowling alley with the nuns that I bowl with," Abby said loudly, shrugging to Gibbs. They both heard Jack laugh over the phone. "No, uh, I'm not joking. No really, Sr. Rosita is in second place in our league – just ask the owners of the alley! Um, yea, I know it's quiet, I just…stepped outside."
Shaking his head, Gibbs went back to sanding.
"Look, don't be nervous," Abby continued, "I've known Gibbs a long time…almost 20 years come to think of it and…What? How old am I?!"
Gibbs laughed out loud as Abby covered her phone and signed, Be quiet! She was slightly unnerved that she'd unwittingly given up the fact that she was older than she looked.
"Oh, Jack, you know I was a child prodigy… Anyway, don't be nervous. You were Psy-Ops – I'm sure you can handle this. OK…let me know how it goes. Oh, oh yea, I'll tell the Sisters hello! Later!"
Abby hung up quickly, walking over to Gibbs and giving him a peck on the cheek. "Gotta get goin'!" she said cheerfully, turning to make her way upstairs.
"What was that for?" Gibbs asked, rubbing at the lipstick stain he knew she left.
"For being a stand-up guy," she smiled. "Sloane's probably got some unloading to do, and she's lucky to have you in her corner. And so am I."
Gibbs ducked his head; he never took compliments well. "Just tryin' to help," he said simply. "Night Abbs. Rain check on tonight?"
"Oh, definitely – I need to see how John-boy recovers from his head injury!"
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Gibbs reassured her, watching as she disappeared into the kitchen.
"Goodnight, John-boy!" she called, smiling when she heard him chuckle.
"Goodnight, Abigail," he called back, using her proper name. Sighing as he heard the front door close, Gibbs sat down on his bench, wondering what Sloane might be coming over to talk about. He could see she was out of sorts when she made her way down to the bullpen earlier. Years ago, he wished he'd had the courage to call Jenny out when he noticed the same thing. Instead, he played it cool, stoic, and it ended up costing him precious time with her before she died.
"Never again," he vowed, willing himself not to take one moment for granted. Whatever was brewing between him and Sloane, Gibbs decided to let the chips fall where they may – he wasn't going to hide anymore. Not from Sloane, not from Abby, and most of all, not from himself.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Notes: I couldn't help but reference The Waltons – love Ralph Waite and miss him as Gibbs' father on NCIS. He brought out a side of Gibbs I miss – and having Gibbs put on that bracelet with his name on it when he got home was very moving– just wanted to give him a little shout-out (hence the little irony of Abby calling Gibbs John-boy lol). This will probably come back in future chapters .