Prompt: Goodbye
Description: Abby used to hate the way Gibbs would hang up after every phone call before either could say goodbye… now she knows.
Rating: T
A.N. – My first thought on this prompt was of all the people the team has had to say goodbye to… but I just couldn't write it. Then, while watching a couple episodes, I came across one where Gibbs hung up mid-goodbye and Abby got a bit annoyed. That's when this came about.
Disclaimer: I don't own N.C.I.S.

No Goodbyes

*CLICK*

Abby Sciuto grumbled in annoyance as she set the phone back on its receiver. Once again Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs had hung up at the end before a single goodbye could be uttered from either end. Was it really that difficult to get a goodbye in? Abby knew it was sometimes necessary to cut off the conversation that way if he spotted a suspect he needed to take in or needed to leave in a hurry for some other professional capacity. But not every situation called for her getting cut off mid-farewell.

She'd mentioned this to Doctor Mallard a few times and each time was met with the simple response that that was just how 'Jethro' was and to not take it too personally. She could understand this point as well. Gibbs often came across as a bit (or a lot, depending on who you asked) terse but also efficient. Maybe he was just trying to save time that would be wasted muttering goodbye when they'd see each other in a short while. Perhaps it was because he needed to call McGee to have something prepared in time for when he got back with the suspect. Still, all of these excuses did not help soothe Abby's feelings when, once again, the phone was clicked in her ear before she could bid Gibbs goodbye.

Not that she actually wanted to say goodbye. Oh no, Abby would happily spend hours conversing with Gibbs – in person or on the phone – if she could. Although he wasn't exactly a talkative person, his simple grunts and one word answers were enough for Abby. It was more his voice and company than what he had to say, because as anyone who knew her could tell you, Abby always had something to say.

With a sigh she packed her things up, who knew all that thinking after the phone call could make time go faster.

-0-

She'd been home for a few hours now, when her thoughts turned from the forensic article she was currently staring at to the earlier phone call dilemma. Normally, she wouldn't put a second thought to something so infinitesimal that happened at work, but seeing as it concerned Gibbs… well, that made it another matter entirely.

Putting down the journal she'd been skimming in an attempt to distract herself she gathered up her coat and purse, heading out the door and over to Gibbs' place.

-0-

Gibbs had been in his basement for only an hour when he heard the attempted sneaking of Abby's heavy platform boots above the basement. A small smile graced his lips as she came into view at the top of the steps. Any time spent with Abby was a good time for Gibbs. He tried not to dwell too much on feelings and emotions but he always felt more around Abby – for Abby.

"Hey Abbs," he said, continuing to sand his current project as she slowly walked down the steps. After he noticed her pensive look and silence he added, "What's on your mind?"

"Why do you… I mean, why won't you let me… Ugh, why can't I say this right?" Abby stumbled over her words as she paced the floor in front of the stairs. Gibbs turned back to his sanding, knowing she'd figure it out faster than if he was to interrupt her. Finally she spoke out in a small voice, "You hung up on me."

Gibbs furrowed his brow, confused at what she was talking about.

"Today, before I could say goodbye… you hung up on me. You do that a lot."

She'd finally stopped pacing and was now watching him for a reaction, just the slightest stumbling in his sanding strokes was her only indication that he had any idea what on earth she was talking about.

"I mean, I understand that sometimes you have to go quick because you're in a hurry – when are you not in a hurry? Or you've spotted a suspect you need to tail. Or-"

"Don't like goodbyes," Gibbs murmured, putting his sanding block down and turning towards Abby whose eyes had softened.

"Y'know," she whispered, shivering slightly at the look in his eyes and the way he crowded her against the tool bench. "I don't care for 'em much either."

Gibbs couldn't help but notice the shiver as well as her eyes drifting to his lips as she licked her own after her words. Her dark lipstick and luminescent green eyes drew him closer. He gazed deeply into her eyes as if making sure he was making the right move.

As Abby's breath caressed his face with a shutter and her eyelids slid closed he knew. He ducked his head down slightly, noticing just how close in height they were, and as their lips brushed they felt the electric current between them pulse. After several minutes of heavily making out, they separated slightly, resting their foreheads against each other's.

"You know," Abby panted. "See you soon works just as well."