AN: I had to laugh when I read some of your reviews as you were obviously thinking along the same lines as I was. So, hopefully, you will enjoy this chapter. It's Abby centric and I really hope I've worded it so that it reflects the way I think Abby would be feeling and doesn't come across as, in Abby's words, hinky.

Enjoy and reviews are always appreciated.

Oh and Happy New Year!

Post Publication Edit - As a reviewer so rightly pointed out, Abby would use the 'hinky' rather than weird. Therefore I have edited this story to include that unique 'Abby' word.

Chapter 25 - Childhood's End

As the thunder continued to crash around the cottage and the lightning made the room look like daylight more often than night, Gibbs and Jenny soon realised that sleep was not on the cards for quite some time. Having finally managed to convince both children to crawl back up to the top of the bed, Gibbs and Jenny sandwich the two between them and murmured words of comfort and reassurance. It was not, however, having any effect as yet and with the added bonus of the power going out ten minutes into the storm, neither child was in the mood for comfort nor sleep.

Gibbs figured the storm must be right over head as the crashes of thunder and flashes of lighting were now happening simultaneously which, again, wasn't alleviating any fears. Wondering at how best to calm the children, Gibbs' thought processes were interrupted by a loud bang coming from down the hall. Lifting his head to listen carefully, he thought he could hear something happening in the children's room.

He was just about to extract himself from Ziva's clutches, when he saw a figure standing in the doorway. The next flash of lighting revealed Abby dragging a heavy mattress behind her.

"Can I sleep in here with you?" she asked. Abby always had the tendency to sound younger than she was, but right now, she almost equalled Ziva in her intonation and fear.

"Sure Abbs," said Gibbs gently.

He pulled himself away from Ziva who immediately clutched tighter.

"Honey, I need to help Abby," he said to her softly.

"No Daddy!" she cried gripping his arm. "Stay here."

Realising it was just going to be easier to bring her with him, he lifted Ziva and stood up next to the bed. As another crash of thunder reverberated around the room, he felt two sets of arms claw at him tightly. Abby had rushed forward and was clinging to him just as fervently as Ziva.

"Hey," said Gibbs soothingly, running his hand through Abby's hair. "There is nothing to be afraid of. It's just a storm."

"But it sounds so much louder out here," said Abby, nuzzling her head into his neck.

"Well, that's because there isn't the buildings, concrete or tar to absorb the sound," replied Gibbs. "But it's still just a storm."

"I don't care, I don't like it," argued Abby sounding just like a cranky toddler.

Sighing, Gibbs wondered what he should do. Suddenly, hit with an idea, he suggested brightly, "Hey, why don't we all go outside and sit on the porch and watch the storm?"

"Are you friggen serious!" yelled back Abby.

"Abby!" growled Gibbs, not impressed with her language.

Not in the least bit remorseful, Abby continued, "Well that would have to be the most ridiculous idea you've ever had!"

"Think about it Abbs," said Gibbs calmly. "We would be perfectly safe under the veranda and we could watch the lightning light up the lake. I bet it would be beautiful."

"I agree," said Jenny suddenly from behind them, trying to sit up with Tony still clinging to her waist. She looked down at him. "I think you'd love to see it. My Dad and I often used to sit out and watch the lightning during storms. It's ok if we stay undercover," she reassured him.

"I'm not so sure," said Tony hesitantly. "What if lightning hits the veranda?"

"There's enough wood to insulate us, we would be perfectly safe," replied Gibbs turning to face his son.

"Um, well, OK I guess," began Tony still not entirely convinced.

"Good boy," praised Gibbs. "That's very brave of you Tony. It takes a lot of courage to try something new you're not sure about."

Tony gave a half hearted smile and allowed Jenny to take his hand and lead him out of the room.

"So," said Gibbs bouncing Ziva in his arms. "Are you ready to go on a brave new adventure as well?"

"No figgen way!" she yelled. Unsure of how to exactly pronounce the word she had just heard Abby say, she felt it must be important though, because it made her Daddy look shocked at Abby.

"Ziva Gibbs! That is not a word I want to ever hear come out of your mouth again," growled Gibbs lifting Ziva so that she was looking directly into his eyes. "Do you understand?"

"Abby said it," replied Ziva a little less sure of herself.

"And Abby was naughty to use it as well. But she is an adult and you are only five years old. So that kind of language is not something I ever want to hear you say again."

"Ok Daddy," said Ziva quietly. "But I don't want to go outside."

Gibbs sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed and turned Ziva so that she was facing him.

"Now I want you to listen to me very carefully," he began. "You too Abby," he said, holding out his hand and pulling Abby down next to him.

"Do you trust me?" he asked Ziva.

"Yes Daddy," she said.

"Do you?" he turned to Abby.

"Of course I do Gibbs," she answered.

"Well, do you honestly think I would ever deliberately put you both in a situation where you could get hurt?"

Both girls looked down but didn't speak.

"I mean, think about it?" said Gibbs rationally. "It's one of my spankable offenses, putting yourself in danger. If I'm so against you doing to yourself, I'm hardly likely to throw you into a dangerous situation myself now am I?"

"I guess not," mumbled Abby twisting her fingers in her lap.

Gibbs lifted Ziva chin and looked at her with raised eyebrows waiting for an answer.

"No Daddy, you wouldn't," she said softly.

"Exactly!" confirmed Gibbs. "So I'm asking you both to trust me now. It may seem a little scary at first, but when you realise it can't hurt you, you may even enjoy watching the storm."

He looked at both girls again.

"Are you ready to trust me?" he asked.

"OK," grumbled Abby, still not overly impressed with the idea.

"OK," agreed Ziva. "But if we get hurt, does that mean we get to give you a spanking Daddy? 'Cause I would be real mad at you if we get hurt sitting out there."

"Sure thing Honey," he said laughing. He stood up again lifting Ziva onto his right hip and putting his left arm around Abby.

"Come on then," he said, kissing Abby on the temple. "Let's go and face those fears!"

The six of them sat on the porch, Tim having joined them when he heard movement in the hall. Jenny and Tony sat snuggling on the swing seat with Tim perched next to them. While Gibbs, who couldn't join Jenny due to Abby not leaving his side, sat on the outdoor sofa with Ziva on his knee and Abby snuggled so close she may as well have been on his lap as well.

"Wow! Did you see that one," exclaimed Tony. Although reluctant at first, he was now actually enjoying the experience. They were very sheltered under the veranda and were only catching a light breeze despite the fact that the wind was howling around the cottage.

"Yeah," acknowledged Tim. "That lit up the other side of the lake."

"This is really cool," said Tony smiling up at Jenny. "Sometimes Dad actually has some good ideas," he added cheekily.

Patting Tony's bottom as he lay against her, Jenny laughed and said, "Yeah, he's not bad for an old guy."

"Hey!" growled Gibbs. "Enough of the old thank you very much!"

He looked over at Jenny trying to look stern, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away. Grinning at him, she poked out her tongue and gave him a smug look.

Shaking his head at her antics, he turned back to the two girls in his arms.

"See it's not that bad is it?" he asked, trying to coax some response from either of them.

"I don't like it Daddy," said Ziva as she buried her head even deeper into his pyjama top.

"How would you know?" asked Gibbs, trying to pull her back. "You haven't even opened your eyes yet."

He lifted her up slightly and tried to turn her around. Ziva suddenly began kicking her legs and whining.

"Ziva," began Gibbs gently. "There's nothing to be afraid of. Daddy would never hurt you, I promise."

She stopped kicking. "You promise?" she asked looking him directly in the eyes.

"Cross my heart and hope to die," he said making the action as he spoke.

"Wow, you do mean it," said Ziva her eyes widening in awe. "Ok then, I'll look. But if I don't like it, will you take me inside?"

"Only if you give it a chance. Try watching for about 5 minutes and yes, if you still don't like it, I'll take you inside. OK?" he said.

"OK," she sighed.

Allowing Gibbs to turn her around again, Ziva held onto his right arm which was snaked around her, and squinted through her eyes. Thankfully, the next flash of lightning was beyond the lake and towards the houses on the other side, therefore it didn't feel as daunting as the closer flashes had.

"Did you see that?" exclaimed Gibbs with more enthusiasm than needed. "It lit up all the other side of the lake. I bet the people in the houses over there are watching it too."

"Do you think?" Ziva asked.

"Ah huh," said Gibbs.

As the thunder suddenly crashed, Ziva grabbed onto Gibbs' arm.

"Where's your other arm?" she asked frantically looking down to her left. "I want you to hold me."

"I can hold you just as well with one arm. My other one is around Abby," he explained.

"I want both your arms," Ziva demanded, her five year old emotions not willing to consider another person's needs right now.

"Abby needs that one," replied Gibbs firmly.

Abby pulled Gibbs arm from around her shoulders and placed it on Ziva's lap.

"Here you go Zi," she said quietly.

"Abby," began Gibbs moving his arm again.

"No!" shouted Ziva grabbing his left arm and holding it tight. "Leave your arm there. You're my Daddy."

"Z-" began Gibbs, but he was cut off by Abby saying, "It's OK Gibbs. She's little and needs you. I'm fine."

Gibbs looked carefully at Abby and could see that she was lying. While not trembling like she had been, she was still very frightened and he wanted to try and reassure her. Before he had a chance to insist however, Abby stood up and walked towards the front door.

"I'm going to make a drink. Does anyone else want one?" she asked.

"Sounds good Abbs," said Jenny standing up as well. "I'll give you a hand. Luckily the stove is gas hey!"

As Jenny passed Gibbs, she ran her hand down his cheek indicating that she understood how he was feeling but it would be best to leave it for now. He smiled at her. It always amazed him how simple touches could speak so many words and, quite often, different words depending on the situation. Leaving Jenny to follow Abby inside, Gibbs wrapped both arms around Ziva and held her close. He knew Ziva didn't mean to be possessive. But at five, she really didn't understand the dynamics to this family. To her, he was her Daddy and, after everything she had been through with Eli, he wasn't willing to betray her trust in any way.

By 2.00am, the storm had passed over and the now constant rain was beginning to splash under the veranda. Gibbs stood, lifting a sleeping Ziva in his arms and, along with everyone else, made his way into the house. Seeing a faint light from upstairs, they soon realised the power was back on.

"Back to bed?" he suggested looking at everyone.

"Yep," said Tim yawning widely which set everyone off.

As they trudged upstairs, Gibbs noticed that Abby was still very quiet. He really wanted to talk to her but knew that now wasn't the best time. He watched her move ahead and soon heard her dragging the mattress back out of his and Jenny's room. He quickly climbed up a couple more steps to reach Tony, stroking his hand over the boy's head.

"I'm going to put Ziva in our bed," he began quietly. "Do you want to sleep with us, or go back to your own bed?"

"I'll go back to my own bed," said Tony, also yawning. "The storm's over now."

"OK Bud," said Gibbs tousling his hair. "But if you change your mind, you know where we are," he added grinning.

As they reached the top of the stairs, Tony wrapped his arms around Gibbs middle, careful not to bump Ziva.

"Thanks for letting us go outside, Dad," he said looking up. "I really enjoyed it and I don't think I'm scared of storms anymore."

"That's great Tony," said Gibbs smiling down at him. "Now you try and get some sleep and no getting up at the crack of dawn."

"OK," answered Tony and, after giving Jenny a quick hug, he padded down to his room.

As he entered his room, Gibbs laid Ziva onto the bed. Turning to face Jenny he said, "Did Abby say anything to you while you were making the hot chocolates?"

"Not really," said Jenny, taking a seat on the bed. "I guess it's just hard for her. She's kind of had you all to herself for quite a number of years. Even when Ziva came along as an adult she struggled a little bit while Ziva was finding her place but I don't think she ever really felt threatened about her relationship with you. But now that Ziva is a child, I guess the dynamics have changed."

"Yeah," said Gibbs sitting on the bed next to Jenny. "I don't mean for them to be different, but it's almost impossible for things not to change a little. My relationship with Abby hadn't changed, it's just my relationship with Ziva has and I guess that makes Abby feel like things are different with her."

Jenny rubbed his back and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Have a chat with her tomorrow," she suggested. "I think it's important that the two of you talk."

"Yeah, I was planning to," replied Gibbs. He put his arm around Jenny's shoulder and kissed her head tenderly.

Suddenly withdrawing his arm, he looked down at her and said, "Now, what was all this about me being old?"

"Um…." began Jenny. She could see the mischief in his eyes and decided it was best to stand up out of his way. "You're older than me?" she pointed out grinning.

He reached out his arm with lightning speed and dragged her down onto his lap. Using the fingers of one hand to tickle her ribs, he held the other one over her mouth so her squealing wouldn't wake Ziva.

Writhing frantically on his lap, Jenny resorted to pinching him sharply to get him to stop.

"Ow!" he yelped loudly. "That's not playing fair!"

"Oh and you are?" she asked incredulously now that his hand was away from her mouth.

"Shh!" he admonished, grinning at her. "You'll wake Ziva!"

Frowning at him, she grabbed the pillow and whacked him around the head. Ducking out of the way, he scuttled to his side of the bed and quickly climbed in, pulling the covers over both him and Ziva. Peeking out over the edge of the covers, he smirked at her like a little boy.

"You're impossible!" she said shaking her head as she climbed into her side of the bed. "It's a good job I love you!"

'Hah!" he snorted. "I'm just irresistible."

"Yep," she said leaning over Ziva and kissing him on the lips. "You just keep telling yourself that, cowboy."

Looking down at Ziva then back up at Gibbs, she added sighing, "I guess it's separate corners again tonight."

"Sorry," he said apologetically. "But I figured she'd be here in an hour's time anyway, and this way she won't disturb the others."

Rolling her eyes, Jenny laid down on her back and stared at the ceiling.

"We really do need to train her to stay in her own bed though," she said.

"Yeah I know Jen. When we get home, I'll start working on it," replied Gibbs.

He looked over at Jenny as she gave out a long sigh. Frowning, he raised his head and said, "What's up?"

She pointed up to the ceiling.

"You forgot to turn out the light," she said turning her head and looking at him.

"Me!" he said incredulously. "If I remember correctly, you were the last to get into bed."

"Semantics," said answered.

"Huh?" he said.

"Never mind," she sighed. "I'll do it." And, crawling out one more time, Jenny tiptoed to the wall and flicked off the light sending them into a state of total darkness.

****NCIS****

The next morning dawned rainy and humid. As everyone sat around the kitchen table eating breakfast in silence, Gibbs thought about the best way to get Abby on her own for a chat. Her mood hadn't improved over night and she had barely said good morning to him or the others. The problem was, the constant rain was certainly making things difficult to get her on her own.

Coming up with an idea, he stood and put his cereal bowl in the sink, indicating wordlessly to Jenny to follow him into the living room. As he left the kitchen, Jenny stood and, after casually depositing her bowl into the sink as well, followed him out.

"What's with all the cloak and dagger?" she whispered as she met him near the stairs.

"I've thought of a way to talk to Abby today but wanted to run it past you first," he replied quietly.

She looked up at him expectantly.

"I was going to go for a walk with her, but the rain's kind of put a stop to that one," he said, giving a cursory look out the window. "So I was thinking I might take her into town for a coffee, but I know Ziva, especially, will want to come. But, if you know why I'm insisting on just going alone with Abby, you can back me up."

"Yeah, sure," Jenny answered. "Actually you can grab a few things for me while you're in there," she added.

"Ever the opportunist," he said laughing, as he kissed her.

Walking back into the kitchen, Gibbs poured another cup of coffee then squeezed Abby on the shoulder.

"Hey, can I have a word with you?" he asked, smiling at her so that she didn't feel too alarmed at his request.

"Um… yeah, sure," she answered, standing up and leaving her half finished bowl on the table.

Gibbs led Abby onto the sofa then took a seat next to her.

"Abbs," he began turning so that he was facing her. "I think we need to talk about last night, so how about you and I go into the town this morning and have a coffee somewhere."

"It's OK Gibbs," began Abby, not looking him in the eye. "It's all good, nothing to talk about."

"Abby, the fact that you can't look me in the eye, tells me that there is definitely something we need to talk about," said Gibbs firmly. "Now, I'm not taking no for an answer. Go and get ready," he said patting her thigh. "We leave in five minutes."

Rolling her eyes and huffing slightly, Abby stood up. Reaching out, Gibbs swatted her on the bottom.

"And don't roll your eyes at me young lady," he said in mock sternness.

He was pleased to see a smile form on Abby's face as she scampered away and up the stairs.

Going into the kitchen, Gibbs saw Jenny leaning over the counter writing something. Walking up behind her, he said softly in her ear, "Do you have that list for me?"

"Yep, just finishing it now," she answered, putting the pen down and handing him the piece of paper.

"Thanks," he said pecking her on the lips and pocketing the note. "I should be back in a couple of hours."

Never one to miss anything, Ziva looked up and said, "Where are you going Daddy?"

"I'm just taking Abby into town for a coffee. Then I'm picking up some groceries for Mommy," he answered casually.

"OK, I'll just get my shoes," she announced climbing down from the table and bringing her bowl to the sink.

"Not this time sweet pea," said Gibbs. "I need to talk to Abby alone, special grown up talk. Boring stuff," he added for good measure.

"But I want to come too," she said whining.

"Well, I was thinking we could all play a game here," suggested Jenny stepping into the conversation. "Maybe we could find something in that cupboard?"

"Can we play Uno?" Ziva asked, distracted by the thought of a game.

"Sure," replied Jenny.

"OK then," said Ziva cheerfully. "I'll go and get it."

"Thanks," mouthed Gibbs as he headed out the kitchen. "Bye boys," he added to Tony and Tim.

"Bye," replied both boys not looking up from their cereal bowls. Both still looked considerably sleep deprived.

Passing Abby on the steps, Ziva said, "We're gonna play Uno while you and Daddy have grown up talk."

"That sounds like fun," said Abby.

"Maybe you can play when you get back?" suggested Ziva.

"Sounds good," replied Abby giving Ziva a quick hug before meeting Gibbs at the door.

As they travelled south, Gibbs and Abby chatted amicably about how work was going and what her latest high score had been while bowling with the nuns. Neither one was quite ready to address the real issue, so Gibbs maintained a light, easy tone for the entirety of the trip. However, once they were settled in a secluded corner of a small café, Gibbs tackled the problem directly.

"So," he began, taking a sip from the mug the waitress had just brought over. "What was going through your head last night?"

"What do you mean?" she asked also taking a sip from the chocolate milkshake in front of her. They were sitting on a two-seater couch nestled in the corner against the wall and a window. In front of them was a small coffee table on which sat an array of condiments and coasters.

"Abs," said Gibbs. "Come on. I know something is bothering you. Spit it out."

She put the milkshake down and began to pick at her fingernails. Shrugging, she finally said, "I don't know."

"Yes you do," coaxed Gibbs.

"You'll think I'm stupid," she said daring to glance up at him.

"Abby, I have never thought of you as stupid. Kind, smart, loving, cheeky, reckless occasionally, but never stupid. Now tell me what's wrong."

He turned his body so that he was facing her, making it easier to give eye contact.

"Sometimes…sometimes I just wish it could have been me that was hit with that dart." The words came out quickly and, after they were said, Abby blushed and continued to look down into her lap.

Gibbs said nothing for a minute. It was what he had suspected. Abby had once mentioned this before and he knew of her need to feel loved and looked after.

"I um...actually kept a bit of that serum before handing it over to Ducky," she confessed, looking sheepishly at him. "And last night, I reckon if I'd had it on me, I probably would have used it."

"Abby," sighed Gibbs. He put his arm around her and drew her close, kissing her on the head. He didn't say anything. He knew the silence would encourage Abby to continue talking.

"When Ziva grabbed your arm, and said 'You're my Daddy,' I felt so jealous. And I know it's stupid to feel that way, but I did. I wanted to scream and say, he's my Daddy too, but I knew that was silly and, well, I guess not entirely true."

Gibbs frowned and shifted slightly, pushing Abby up so that he could make eye contact again.

"What do you mean 'not entirely true?" he asked.

"Well you're not. Not really, not like you are with Tony and Ziva now," she answered looking at him.

"Abby, I will always think of you as my daughter. Always," he added giving her shoulder a little shake. "Right from the very first day I met you, you managed to wheedle your way into my heart and I was caught, hook, line and sinker. From that day, you became my daughter and I have always protected and loved you like a daughter. The same could be said for Tony. Even before this happened, he was like a son to me. You two especially have been my kids for a long time now. Then when Kate, Tim and finally Ziva came along, it was just a natural path for them all to take."

"I know that Gibbs," argued Abby. "But it's not the same now. Tony and Ziva are little and they need you more. And…" she paused to take a deep breath and stop the tears from falling, "And I can't help but be jealous when I see you cuddling Ziva, or picking her up and carrying her places, or when she falls asleep in your lap. Even when you scold her I get jealous," she said laughing.

"Hey I can scold you as much as you like if you want me to," Gibbs said smiling.

She punched him on the arm.

"You know what I mean," she said. "I want to be little like that again. To be able to have you pick me up and cuddle me, carry me to bed, wrap your arms around me so tightly that I can't breathe. I want to feel that love again…"

She broke off, the tears falling freely down her face.

"Ah Abbs," sighed Gibbs kissing her head. "Growing up sucks doesn't it," he said.

She smiled and nodded.

"That's why I thought, if I injected some of that serum into me, I'd be little again and could feel all of that once more."

"Abby," said Gibbs pulling her against him. "The problem is, after the first week or so, you wouldn't know any different. The sad thing about all of this, is that Tony and Ziva don't know who they are anymore. They have no idea they were once a Federal Agent or Mossad Officer. They don't remember me as their boss. Therefore the situation is completely different. If you took that serum, well yeah, maybe for the first week, you would understand the changes. But then you would forget everything you've ever known beyond the age you had become. You wouldn't see me as Gibbs, the man you came to know and love as an adult. I would just be Dad, in the same way you saw your own Dad."

He pushed her forward again, turning her slightly so they were facing each other.

"Do you get what I'm saying?" he asked. "Ziva and Tony have no idea who Leroy Jethro Gibbs is, other than the man that they now live with and call Dad. They have no memory of ever working with me. Hell, Ziva doesn't even know that Ari is dead. She thinks he's 15 and living back in Israel. Do you really want that Abby?"

She looked down again, twisting her fingers in her lap. "No, I guess not," she admitted. "I want both worlds. I want to be an adult, but I want to be loved like Ziva is."

"You are loved like Ziva is," said Gibbs firmly. "OK, so I can't carry you around like her, that would certainly turn a few heads-"

She giggled.

"But, in every other way, you are loved just as much. I can't carry you, but I can put my arm around you. I can hold you close, I can protect you and care for you." He demonstrated by holding her against him.

"But you get all the other advantages Ziva doesn't. You get to go home to your own apartment. You get to make your own decisions. You get to eat what you want, when you want. You get to say 'No' if I ask you to do something."

She looked up at him and raised her eyebrows.

"Well, OK, maybe not all the time," he added grinning. "But you do get the right to walk away anytime you want. I know you probably never would, but that option is there for you. It's not for Tony and Ziva. They are stuck this way for, god knows how long. And we don't even know what the outcome is going to be. They could end up being in adult bodies but with the mind of a child for the rest of their lives."

"Yeah, I know," she said nodding slightly.

"But Gibbs," she said looking up at him. "Sometimes I wouldn't mind if you…if you…" She looked away.

"If I what, Abbs?" he coaxed gently.

"I don't know how to word it without it sounding hinky or something," she said.

"Just say it Abbs, it's the best way," he advised.

"Well, I like it when you kind of treat me like you do Ziva. Agh! See it does sound hinky," she said pushing away and collapsing against the couch.

"You mean you want me to 'parent' you?" he asked.

Abby blushed but nodded.

"Not in a weird, kinky way. Like I'm not gonna start wearing diapers and demanding you change me or anything," she added laughing awkwardly.

"Er, yeah. Don't think I could handle that one," said Gibbs also blushing slightly.

"But," she continued. "Like the other day on the boat when you swatted me. You didn't need to apologise. I did the wrong thing and you treated me like you would have Ziva and I kind of felt like I really belonged to you and that you were really worried about me."

"Of course I was worried about you. I don't need to swat you for you to realise that. And, I apologised because I realised you were an adult and fully capable of doing what you wanted and I didn't want you to feel humiliated in front of Ziva."

"That's just it Gibbs. I didn't. I felt like your daughter and Ziva even acknowledged me as a sister when she said, 'Daddy spanks hard doesn't he?' I felt like we were really a family."

She looked at him and rolled her eyes. "I'm not saying I want you to spank me all the time either," she clarified grinning up at him.

"Oh good," he replied dryly, smirking also.

"It's OK Abbs," he said sitting back. "I think I understand what you're saying. There are times when it's OK for me to treat you like I might Ziva or Tony. I can openly protect you, tease you, scold you and hug you, just like I might do with them? Yes?"

"Yeah," she said blushing again. "Does that sound hinky?"

"Not at all," he said kissing her. "Trust me, there have been many times when I have felt like scolding you and even, occasionally, spanking you, but I didn't because I felt that it would humiliate you by making you feel like a child. I love our relationship Abby and, when we worked together, it was important to keep it professional, so most times I just sent you a warning glare when you, shall we say, digressed." He smiled at her.

But," he said lifting her chin and looking directly into her eyes. "You are every bit my daughter just as Ziva is. Don't ever forget that."

She nodded.

"And," he added sternly, suddenly becoming very serious. "If I ever get even just a hint of you thinking of injecting yourself with that serum, I will spank you so hard you will regret we ever had this conversation. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes Dad" she said grinning at him.

"Good!" he acknowledged. "When we get back to DC, I want you to bring me that bit of serum you have and I will give it to Ducky, OK?"

She nodded.

"Verbal answer Abby," he said automatically.

"Yes," she said. "I promise." And turning herself, she snuggled into his arms and allowed him to hold her, not caring what anyone around them might think.