Year 12

Abbys saturday had not started the same way as it had done for the last few months. Her boyfriend would go get her coffee and bring it back to bed, there they would make plans for the day. But this morning something was different, he still bought her the cofee but then said "I've got to go in to work this morning Abbs"

"Why Gibbs I thought we all had the weekend off?"
"You do, but I got some paperwork that Vance wants finishing straight away"
She pouted at him and wrapped her arms around him tightly "are you sure you have to go in?" she said "Isn't there anything I could do to persuade you to stay with me?"

Gibbs giggled "As much as I would love you to persuade me the sooner I get to the office the sooner I can be back home with you and we can celebrate your birthday" he said placing a quick kiss on her lips

"Ok, if you put it like that"
"Why don't you spend the day with Ziva? I'm sure she'd like that"
"That could be fun. I could use a girly day"

Gibbs dressed as if he were going to work and Abby dressed as she always did. Abby phoned Ziva to make plans for the day: Abby would collect Ziva then they would have brunch before going to the Mall. Gibbs wished Abby a fun day and got in his car and headed for the Navy Yard, or so Abby thought. In actual fact he was heading to meet Tony & McGee. Today he was planning a party, not just any party but a surprise party for Abby and he needed help and lots of it.

Abby
Although she was a little upset to not be spending the day with Gibbs she was long overdue for a girly day with her friend. There were a few new shops opened up that she wanted to check out and if they had time there was defiantly a film that they both wanted to see.

Somehow Ziva would have to persuade Abby to let her drive for the day. She still wasn't that good at gently persuasion, persuasion with a few choice punches and a gun not a problem, but her subtle persuasions technique still needed work. Now seemed like a good time to practice.

Abby parked her car and headed for Zivas front door just as Ziva opened it for her

"You ready Ziva?"
"Yes. Would you mind if I were to drive today?"
"I suppose not" Abby answered wearily "any particular reason?"
"Thank you, Tony said I need to practice driving like an American and as he will not show me what he means perhaps you could advice me on were I go wrong"
Abby smiled "You're driving is perfect Ziva, I think Tony says those things just to annoy you but sure if you want to drive, I don't mind"

So far so good Ziva thought to herself now I just have to keep Abby occupied until 1700 hours.

Gibbs
Tonight was going to be a birthday she would never forget; well that was the plan anyway. To achieve exactly what he wanted he'd called in help from a friend or two. Over the last few years Abby had taught him that not only were his team of special agents his colleagues they were also his friends. Although they had been given the weekend off from the navy yard they were more than willing to help Gibbs surprise Abby.

He needed today to be perfect and as much as he wanted to do it all himself he was no superhero despite what Abby thought. He had food and drink to get, balloons and decorations to put up and some very special guests to collect from the airport and the all important birthday present to collect from the jewels.

"Hey Boss" Tony said opened the door "McGeeks already here"
"Right I have things I need both of you today and today has to be perfect NO messing about"
"Would we?" Tony said innocently.
"Yes" Gibbs said
"This is really important to you, isn't it?" McGee asked.

Gibbs took a deep breath and explained to them that this was not just any ordinaly surprise party.

"Wow Gibbs, thats huge. Scouts honour no messing about today"
"You were never a scout Tony" McGee said.
"Yes I was, for about 2 days before they kicked me out, but that's beside the point. Today I will do what ever you ask of me boss" Tony said saluting
"That'll make a change" Gibbs said.

Gibbs gave them each an envelope with written instruction and hopefully enough money to get everything he wanted. They were told to be back at his house by 1500hrs so that everything could be ready for when Ziva bought Abby home at 1700 hours

Tony had been sent out for the drinks. He knew this wonderful little wine shop that would supply everything he needed and as he was a special client there he would get Gibbs a very good deal. Gibbs had instructed him to get red and white wine, bourbon, vodka, red bull and fruit juices, enough for ten people and as Tony knew the secret behind tonight he would include on his list a couple of bottle of champagne.

McGee went first to his sisters apartment then to the supermarket. Sara had more of an artistic eye than he did, so she was there to help with the buying of decorations.

Gibbs' first job was to go back home and make sure Abby wasn't there. When he found the place empty he was both happy and surprised. Surprised at the fact that he had gotten so used to Abby being there with him it felt empty without her there. He smiled to himself, if tonight went smoothly it would be a miracle, but after discovering Abby felt for him what he felt for her he certainly believed miracles happen if you wanted them enough.

First job; coffee. He had so much to do and so little time. It was already midday that gave him 3 hours before Tony and McGee arrived 3 hours until his Dad arrived and 4 until he had to be at the airport and 5 before Abby arrived. Abby had been pestering him for weeks to put up some pictures that she had found hiding in a draw and that's what he did next. He had taken the pictures of Shannon and Kelly down as they had been too painful to look at and although the pain was still there having Abby there helped. With a little help from McGee he had also got pictures of Abby that he had had framed and as he was about the hang them there was a knock at the door.

Gibbs answered the door for his father "hey you're early"
"Nice to see you to son"
"Come in"
"This place certainly looks different"
"That a good thing?"
"Yeah, it feels different to, feels more like a home now Abbys moved in properly"

Gibbs smiled "yeah she has that affect"

Gibbs talked his father through the plans for the day whilst they hung the rest of the pictures.
Tony and McGee arrived at 3pm sharp carrying everything they had been tasked to get.
Jackson helped McGee with the lighter box of decorations while the younger Gibbs helped Tony with the drinks.

"Hope you don't mind boss but I took the liberty of getting some champagne as well"
Gibbs raised his hand to Tonys head, but in stead of slapping it patted it and said "see you can do well DiNozzo"
"Thanks boss"

Gibbs checked the time, told his Father he was in charge and headed for the jewellers then the airport.

1658 hours

"This has been a very enjoyable day Abby, thank you"
"It has been fun hasn't it?"

Ziva turned the corner in to Gibbs road before Abby had realised were they were. "What are we doing here?"
"You live here?" Ziva had replied

"But my cars is at yours"
"You can collect it tomorrow"

Abby was going to start arguing about how she needed her car but seeing the balloons attached to Gibbs gate stopped her "balloons? Why are there balloons?"
Ziva smiled and pointed out towards the house "you better ask Gibbs"

Gibbs opened the car door for Abby who was still unsure of what was happening.

"Gibbs what's going on?"
"Do you trust me?"
"With my life"

Gibbs smiled and wrapped an arm around here waist and gently lead her through the front door of their home.

"SURPRISE" everyone shouted.

"Oh my God Gibbs this is amazing" she said giving him a massive hug.

Gibbs gently pushed Abby a step away from him so that she could see his hands. He signed and said "There are a couple of people over there who want to see you" he said point to the back.

She instantly ran over to give her parents a massive hug.

"What are you guys doing here?" she signed "never mind I'm just so glad you are here"
"Are you going to introduce us to your friends?" her father asked
"Gibbs! Why didn't you tell my parents who everyone is" she scolded him bother verbally and using ASL

He just smiled and replied "thought you might want to do it"
"Oh" she said "and this is one of the many reasons I love you"

Abby and her mother chatted with Ziva and McGee while Tony talked to Jackson about old films. Gibbs took Mr Sciuto aside to ask him a very important question. Abby had to translate the conversation for her mother so she didn't pay that much attention to her father and Gibbs, although there were a few words/signs that got her attention. The words permission, promise and forever were used and when Abby saw her father looking at her and almost crying she defiantly knew something was wrong. She was about to excuse herself from her current conversation when Gibbs said "Ladies and Gentleman may I have your attention"

The room went silent and everyone turned to face Gibbs.

For the benefit of everyone in the room Gibbs both signed and spoke the next part.
"A toast to the birthday girl, and if she'll have me the future Mrs Abigail Gibbs"