A/N: The quotes are from a 2008 calendar, so I had to write a Feb 29...
Feb 29
The only way to have a friend is to be one. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Friendship"
Ducky knew he was running late, but wasn't overly concerned. Mr. Palmer was capable of coping for a few short hours, and he was not as egotistical to believe that the whole agency would grind to a halt if he was not present.
The elevator doors opened and he entered the squad room. Passing by Gibbs' team, he paused. "Good morning," he greeted them cheerily, smiling his greeting.
Ziva smiled back. "Good morning, Ducky. How is your mother?"
"In perfect health," he replied, please to hear her concern and anxious to allay it. "Her nurse was a little late this morning."
"You need a new nurse," McGee suggested helpfully. "That's, what, the third time this month?"
"Mother likes her though, and I am loath to fire her," Ducky answered.
"There comes a point when you just snap," Tony smirked. Ziva glared at him.
"Now, now, children," Ducky soothed, approaching Gibbs' desk and depositing a fresh, warm cup of coffee on it.
"Thanks, Duck," Gibbs smiled.
"See you later," he called to the team as he made his way to the back elevator.
He arrived in Autopsy less than a minute later to find Palmer and Abby awaiting his arrival. The Goth launched herself at him, delighted.
"Good morning to you too," he greeted her,
"I hope to get lots of evidence from you later," she beamed, letting go and heading back to her lair.
"Would you like me to start?" Palmer inquired, pointing at the corpse on the table.
"If you would," Ducky replied. "Give me a few minutes and I will join you."
