Hi Guys, sorry it has been so long, but between, promotion, having a baby and buying a house, time has got away from me! But I am back! Disclaimer is the same as ever, I dont own them, I'm just allowed to borrow them on occasion :) The Lyrics used in this chapter are from westlifes 'Tonight'.

It was another three weeks, countless tests later and a pissed off Abby before the doctor allowed her to be discharged.

"So, I can go? Like Today?"

Gibbs couldn't help but smile a little as Abby's eyes lit up at the prospect of leaving this bland hospital room, she had spent the last month in.

"Yes Miss Scuito. Although you will need to pop back for regular check ups over the next few months."

"Oh dont worry about that, Ducky can sort me out."

Doctor Radd shifted between the two occupants of the room.

"Ducky...?"

"Doctor Mallard, he's our ME."

"Ah ok, well yes if he feels comfortable then I do not see a problem with that, I will go sign your papers Miss Scuito and you will be free to go."

"Thank you Dr Radd."

"No problem at all Miss Scuito, please excuse me."

Gibbs watched as the Doctor exited Abby's room, before looking back at his girl.

The past month had been hard on them all, especially Abby. Between physio, numerous tests and no cafpow she was reaching breaking point. What was worse, since the day she had spoken to Burt, they hadnt said a word about the past couple of months and the underlying strain was tearing them both apart. Gibbs knew he wasnt a man of words, never had been. But making a pass now, when she was vulnerable wasnt his style either, so he did what other little actions he could in the hopes of showing her how he felt. He made sure he popped into to see her everyday. If he couldn't becaue he was tied down with a case, he would ring. He brought her ipod and what Bishop called a dock with him one visit, so abby could have just one little home comfort in the sterile white room.

One night as he approached her room after a particularly long day at work, familiar notes of a song he heard only a few months ago, but where forever engraved in his mind and soul drifted softly to his ears.

Lately I'm so tired

If I took it all out on you

I never meant to

As Gibb's quietly pushed the door to, a sigh escaped his weary lips as he slumped against the doorframe, watching the angel slepping peacefully, curled up on her side, hugging that stuffed hippo of hers close, her ipod playing softly to her right.

If I left you outside

If you ever felt I ignored you

Know my life is all you

He couldnt begin to count how many times he had thought of that night at the bar, how it all could have been so different, how all of this ould have been avoided if he had just made a different choice.

'The right choice. '

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

"To stay safe Gibbs! You didn't have a plan, You could have died! Because of me! Abby was becoming more emotional as the conversation turned to hide her tears but a tight grip on her wrist and a quick tug had her back facing Gibbs, who had a sudden intense look set upon his face.

"And if it was worth the risk?"

Abby suddenly felt like she was drowning, she couldn't look away from his magnetic blues, and her chest seized.

"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.

I don't wanna act like

I know that you'll be mine forever

Though I hope it's forever

Don't want you to feel like

I take you for granted

Whenever we are together

Gibb's takes his chance, he pulls her a fraction closer, his hand trailing from where it was holding hers, up her arm, trailing up her neckline to cup her jaw, his fingers signing two words.

My Girl.

Tonight, I'm gonna make it up to you

Tonight, I'm gonna make love to you

Tonight, you're gonna know how much I missed you, baby

Abby's eyes never leave his as she tilts her head up just enough for his lips to slowly capture hers.

stepping closer to him, Abby brings her loosely hanging arm up to gently cup the nape of his neck.

There is no rush.

No urgency.

Just them.

Gibbs and Abby.

Sawdust and Gunpowder.

Gibbs gently pulls back,

"You are always worth the risk Abby."

"Am I?"

"Im breaking rule 12 aren't I?"

"I must be special!"

Just before he recaptures her lips he whispers -

"You have no idea Abs."

Tonight, I dedicate my heart to you

Tonight, I'm gonna be a part of you

Tonight, you're gonna know how much I miss you

Stood there at her hospital bed now, watching her as she packed up her belongings, He knew he couldnt deny anything anymore.

His team knew, Vance knew. Burt knew. But deep down he knew that Abby didn't fully understand just how much he felt.

How much he was in love with her.

So he would keep on with the little gestures, the cafpows, the kisses that were a little bit closer to her mouth after a job well done, the looks that would mean more than a thousands words, the gentle hand at the bottom of her spine, just that little bit lower to be considered non possessive. he would keep defending her honour to those that should ever doubt it. he would keep saving her until his very last breath and even then he would make sure his team would be there to keep her safe.

And then, when she was better, he would show her just how much he loves her.

he would ask her for a dance.

and then,under the cover of the shadows and the melody of the music-

He would whisper the words she deserves.

Yes, he would make his girls proud. For he was finally honouring their wish.

He's on the verge of being happy.

truly and unforgivingly happy.

"Um hello, earth to Gibbs" Gibb's came back to focus, as a pale, petite hand waved in front of his face, a questioning look on his girls' face.

"You ok Gibbs? You were pretty spaced out there for a moment!"

Taking a small step towards her, Gibbs pulled Abby gently towards him and she willingly stepped into his warm embrace.

"Yeah Abs, just thinking that's all."

"Ooh dangerous Gibbs!- Hey!"

Gibbs gave a tug on one of her immaculate pigtails, earning a bumused scowl from her in return.

Bending down to grab her hospital bag, gibbs then offered Abby his free arm.

"You ready?"

"More than ready."