Chapter 10 – Arts and Crafts My…Butt
Ducky, Gibbs, Frank, Eddie, Abby and Ziva made their way over to the hut.
Ducky and Gibbs walked side by side next to Frank and Eddie, conversing lightly; Abby and Ziva walked with the group they had made friends with the day before.
Everyone found a seat in the circle of chairs.
"Musical chairs looks like a definite possibility," muttered Frank.
"Oh my lord," groaned Eddie.
They all made themselves comfortable; bracing themselves for the worst possible outcome.
"Ok gang!" Arnie came into the middle; clasping his hands together with enthusiasm, Ducky tried to suppress a groan.
"Welcome to group therapy!" said Arnie.
"Oh gosh, I need a drink!" groaned Frank.
Chuckles emerged from around the group.
"Now, now, we're here to love, and understand each other," said Arnie.
"If he's says love and understanding, in any way shape or form, again, I'm gonna…" Eddie made a chomping motion with his hand. Frank glared at him.
"Now, if you aren't sitting next to your respective partner, please do."
A few people shifted and switched chairs to sit next to their girlfriend or boyfriend.
"Arts and crafts my…"
"…Butt" Ducky cut Gibbs off.
Another series of chuckles sounded among the group.
They started with going around the circle, having each couple tell their respective stories. Each one sounding like they had their own issues; ups and downs; some to the extreme such as infidelity, some towards the trivial such as annoying habits, or embarrassing traits.
It came to Ducky and Gibbs.
"State your name for those who don't know," said Arnie.
"I'm Harlan," said Gibbs.
"Hi Harlan," said the group rather monotone.
"And I'm Goosey," Said Ducky; he tried not to cringe at the name.
"Hi Goosey," again very monotone.
"This feels like an AA meeting," whispered Frank to Eddie.
There was a long pause while Ducky and Gibbs decided who would start.
"So…um, Harlan and Goosey, how good would you say your relationship is?" asked Arnie.
"Great," said Gibbs.
"The best," said Ducky.
"Care to elaborate?" asked Arnie.
"Nope."
"Not really."
Arnie rolled his eyes a bit, whiles some chuckles sounded.
"Ok, when did you two meet then?
"Long time ago."
"Yes, feels like an eternity."
Arnie was getting a little frustrated.
"HOW'D you guys meet?" he asked a little exasperated.
"In a bar."
"In a Hospital."
"Well, which one is it?"
Ducky realized they had screwed up.
"You forgot!" This was Ducky's attempt at a save.
"It was a long time ago!" Gibbs played along.
"Oh, you demented old twit!" yelled Ducky.
"Oh like you don't forget anything!" yelled Gibbs.
"Names and faces maybe, but never important things like how we first met!"
"Well, I remember our first date!"
"Then why don't you recall it, go on, tell it to the whole class!"
Gibbs gave Ducky the 'stare.'
Ducky's eyes just twinkled back with humored delight.
"Well…it was at a gay bar; you were sitting at the bar, drinking some concoction, I was on the dance floor. Then you turned around and we made, uh, eye contact, and you were wearing the most brilliant red suit I had ever seen, then I asked you to, uh, dance, and through some chance of fate you accepted, and we were suddenly entangled in a very thrilling tango."
Abby suddenly snorted. Ducky tried not to laugh at Gibbs distorted retelling of his story of the Puerto Rican Princess. Abby obviously remembered the story.
"And then what?" asked Ducky trying not to giggle.
"Then we had dinner."
Gibbs almost seemed to turn red, as everyone either went 'awww', or chorkled.
"Well, now Goosey what do you think of that?" asked Arnie.
"That's not exactly how I remember it, but it's good enough for me."
Abby giggled again.
"So you've been together for a long time, right?" asked a woman.
"Very long!"
"Seems like forever."
The two went back to their short answers.
"Would you have any tips for new couples?" asked Arnie.
"Um…never have your dog stuffed," said Gibbs hesitantly.
"No, uh, never, 'cause they attract fleas and creep out house guests," added Ducky, though he had no idea where Gibbs got that answer from himself.
The group all shared a laugh at the old pair.
"Ok, next couple please!" Arnie switched the group on to the next pair sitting beside Gibbs and Ducky.
Ducky couldn't help but feel that as son as Gibbs could get him alone…he was gonna get the biggest thwack at the back of the head that not even Tony will have something to compare it to.