When he did nothing but lean against the door frame and continue to look at her, Abby frowned. "Are you ok?"

Gibbs stepped forward. "Yeah, I'm ok."

Abby settled back into her pillows and watched as he moved forward again. Although there was a little light from the hallway, her eyes hadn't adjusted enough to be able to read his expression. His body language seemed relaxed and that put her at ease. As he neared her bed, Abby moved away from the edge of the bed, giving him room to either sit or lay beside her.

Gibbs sat on the edge of her bed, and Abby watched as he reached out to touch his dog tags which she had placed on her bedside table. "As much as I want to, I can't wear them at night. I think I would strangle myself in the middle of the night." Her eyes had adjusted enough to catch the corners of his mouth curve upwards in a smile.

"They look good on you."

"They make me feel safe, like you're standing right behind me, on my six." Abby reached out and ran her finger over the chain.

She thought that he was getting up to leave, briefly wondering if she had said something wrong, but then realized that he had kicked off his shoes and lowered himself beside her, across her outstretched arm.

He lay on his stomach, draping one arm over Abby's waist as he scooted close. He pressed his nose against her cheek in a soft nuzzle. "I love you, Abby."

Rolling towards him, Abby spread her fingers cross his back and kissed his forehead. "I heard you go downstairs right after I came up here. Is everything ok?"

"It is. It is now." He looked at her, smiling when he realized that she was waiting for him to speak again, as if she knew he had something to add. "I've had reservations about this. About us…"

"Have or had?"Abby tried to keep the panic from her voice.

Gibbs tightened his arm around her waist. "Relax. I had reservations, I don't anymore."

Abby let out a sigh of relief.

"Abby, I want to tell you things… about them. Every other relationship I've been in has failed because I've refused to let anyone in. I want to let you in, Abbs. I want to be able to talk about them, with you."

Abby trailed her fingers back and forth across his shoulders gently and kissed his forehead again, murmuring reassurances before speaking more clearly. "So tell me about them. I'd like to hear."

Gibbs removed his arm from around her waist and moved his hand up to cup her cheek. "I want to Abby. I… I just… I don't want you to feel like I compare you to her. I don't." Gibbs cleared his throat, he hated to sound weak. "I swear I don't."

"Gibbs…" Abby brushed her lips against his. "I know you don't compare me to Shannon. We're different. She was a redhead beauty. I've got black hair and a spider-web on my neck. It's rather obvious that…"

"You're beautiful."

"And you flatter." Abby couldn't help but giggle softly. "But I would like to know about both Shannon and Kelly. They are part of you, and I love you."

Gibbs shifted so that he was on his side rather than on his stomach. "Anyone ever tell you that you're amazing?"

Abby thought for a moment and innocently answered. "No."

Gibbs laughed. "Everyone tells you you're amazing."

Abby just shrugged.

"Come here." Gibbs tugged on her shirt, indicating that he wanted her to move closer. "Let me hold you."

Abby was torn, but she moved into his arms anyway. She took a deep breath and clenched her legs together to try and ease the slight ache she felt at the junction of her thighs. It was difficult to be in bed with him and keep herself under control, but he had sought her out to tell her he wanted to let her in and she knew it was difficult for him. If he wanted to hold her, she certainly wasn't going to say no.

Gibbs tucked her in against his chest, pressing his cheek against the top of her head.

"You were right, Gibbs, about earlier. It was about my fear. I was scared. I was worried I had lost you earlier. But Gibbs, I think I will always worry. You've got a dangerous job."

"And you don't think I worry about you on a daily basis?"

"I haven't had a stalker in a long while and now that I've got you… I can't see myself picking one up either."

Abby felt two fingers curl under her chin, tilting her face up to meet his. "You better not." It was as stern of a warning as he could give while she lay in his arms.

"Yes. Sir." Abby punctuated her response with quick kisses.

Gibbs gave her a quick nod before pulling away and sitting up on the edge of her bed. He ran a hand through his hair before standing and turning to look at her.

Abby watched, unsure of what exactly was happening.

Gibbs extending his hand. "Come on."

Abby looked at his hand and then up at his face curiously. "Huh?"

"Looks like I have to do all the work around here." Gibbs said with a smirk. He tossed her covers back and slid one arm under her knees and his other around her back, lifting her effortlessly.

"Gibbs!" Abby squealed, and wrapped her arms around Gibbs neck.

"So about this fantasy you were talking about… the mass spec and Caf-Pow. Did they play a big part, or was it just me…?"

Abby just laughed.

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TBC…