What's Past is Prologue

by Caliente

14. 'Flesh and Blood' Abby asks about Tim's parents and he deflects; 15. 'Jet Lag' Abby speculates over TIVA while Tim tries not to; 16. 'Masquerade' Abby isn't annoyed and Tim isn't overly skinny; 17. 'Jack Knife' Abby worries Werth hurt Tim—and the rest of the team; 18. 'Jack Knife' Abby sees Tim's run ragged and insists he rests –– series of unrelated missing scenes in Season 7

10. Child's Play

Author's Note: Missing exchange just before the last scene in the episode. Told from McGee's perspective. Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: Characters mentioned are used without permission and are trademarks of CBS/DPB; I am simply borrowing them for my purposes. Also, the title is a quote from The Bard and, therefore, not my own. Please don't sue.

What's Past is Prologue
by, Caliente

Child's Play

Abby was en route from autopsy to her lab when Tim caught up to her. "Hey, Abs, I need a favor."

The grin on her face was wide and unassuming, a splash of brilliant red on her pale face. "Sure, McGee! What can I do ya for?"

"Would you mind giving me a ride to Ducky's?" he asked hopefully.

Abby narrowed her eyes as she considered him. "What's wrong with your car?"

"Nothing—which is why Sarah took it as planned to visit our parents for the long weekend." He shrugged. (He'd been trying not to think too hard about what his sister might do to the car he'd spent far too much money on.)

"Aw!" Abby clapped her hands together, happy expression restored. "Of course I can give you a ride." She looked at him through her lashes.
"You're such a sweet brother, Timmy."

Somehow, despite the fact it was Abby (or maybe because it was her), Tim felt his ears and neck warming. He shrugged again and hoped she didn't notice. (Unlikely as that was.) "Well, there was no reason for us both to miss the trip home." He tried not to sound too bitter about it—the case had been important.

She laced her hand through his, fingers entwined, and squeezed. (Which probably meant he hadn't been entirely successful.) "Still."

He smiled back, returning the squeeze with one of his own. "Thank you." He wasn't really sure if he was thanking her for the ride or the compliment—probably a bit both, really.

The hold he kept on her hand was loose enough for her to pull away if she wanted but she made no move to do so. The pair walked hand in hand until they were forced to part at Abby's lab.

Tim waved good-bye as he waited for the elevator and didn't watch too hard as she walked away. (With his luck, Gibbs would be right there to catch him.) And if he couldn't quite temper the grin on his face, well, no surprise there—she'd always had that effect on him.