Fathers' Day
A/N: another couple of pure 'smuff' chapters before we head for Stillwater.
Chapter 37 – Lazy Thursday
Drifting awake after the first solid night's sleep in a few days, Gibbs slowly became aware of the weight of soft curves lying against him. Abby was snuggled securely into his side, one leg thrown possessively over his and an arm tucked around his waist. Her head was tucked under his chin and warm breath washing across his chest as she sprawled boneless partly across his front.
Even in the relatively short time they'd been together, Gibbs had discovered he loved watching Abby sleep; the stillness contrasting with the constantly moving bundle of energy she became when awake.
The morning sun shone through the curtains, lighting the room. He wasn't usually one to lie in bed, but Gibbs felt so comfortable and warm that he was tempted to doze for a while longer, relishing the contented peace of the moment and the way they were entwined together. Now Abby was back, he also felt okay about spending the night in this bed.
Neither he nor the bed felt empty any more.
Abby's tousled dark hair was spread over the arm he had wound round her back, tickling his skin. The slight hitch in her breathing showed Abby was slowly waking up and he heard, as well as felt, her mumble something unintelligible into his skin, nose pressed into his chest. Breathing out a soft sigh, she burrowed impossibly closer into his arms as if she was trying to imprint herself on his front.
His body had already decided that it liked waking to the feel of Abby's curves wrapped around him, an erection burgeoning as she pressed a leg between his... and his mind couldn't help but agree.
Gibbs ran his fingers gently through her hair, enjoying the weight and texture of the silky strands, and down onto her back, stroking light circles on her smooth skin. He promised himself that it wouldn't be many more nights before he'd be able to trace all her tattoos blindfold.
He heard Abby murmur his name as she nuzzled into his skin and he bent his head to bury his nose in her hair and just breathe her in. Shifting slightly so he could see her face, Gibbs brushed her hair away from her forehead so he could study her profile. He loved her face... the long line of her nose, strong jawline and the full lips on that mouth that could drive him crazy. Thick dark lashes fluttered on her cheeks, hiding vivid green eyes.
As Abby mumbled again, stirring more fully against him, Gibbs cupped the back of her head as he felt her eyelashes tickle his skin. Abby wriggled closer and her hair slid over his skin as she moved, her head tilting as green eyes blinked up at him.
Her lips curved in a sleepy smile as she murmured, voice husky with sleep, "Mornin'".
"Mornin'," he returned, smiling as he pressed a kiss to her hair. "Sleep okay?"
Her face turned into his chest, dropping soft kisses onto the skin. "Mmm, totally. I could really get used to waking up like this every morning."
Gibbs felt her momentarily freeze again in his arms and sighed inwardly. He wondered if Abby would ever get over this hesitancy... this reaction that cropped up regularly whenever she said something she thought Gibbs might not want to hear.
He'd hoped she'd gained some confidence after last night, but Gibbs figured it might take some time for those nerves to fade away completely, and it was up to him to help her if he could.
But then he couldn't blame her for worrying.
His track record with relationships was hardly a shining example. But as crap as he was with words, Gibbs found himself wanting to reassure her. He may not be big on talking, but that didn't mean he didn't want to hear whatever Abby wanted to tell him. He didn't want her to be apprehensive about sharing anything with him.
Gibbs tightened his arms around her back, whispering against her hair. "I already did." He was rewarded by the feel of her lips curling into a smile against his skin, and the grateful squeeze of her hand on his arm. To give Abby time, he went on, changing the subject. "Breakfast?"
She giggled softly, enjoying the rumble of his voice in his chest. "I'd say yes, but it's usually brunch by the time we get downstairs, and at the moment, I don't wanna get up... I'm just too comfy."
Gibbs' body was radiating a warmth that seeped right through her and despite the heat of the day outside, Abby didn't want to pull away. She could quite happily have lain here in his arms all day, absorbing the increasingly familiar feel and scent of him... and getting good use out of her 'pillow'. Although judging by what her leg was pressed against, her pillow might have other ideas than sleeping.
He chuckled. "Me too. 'kay, food can wait." The feel of her lying against him was just too good... too tempting.
Gibbs slid a hand round her neck, tilting her head up to urge her closer. When her face drew level with his, Abby gently rubbed her nose against his, whispering his name. He guided her mouth to his, exchanging a lazy, slow kiss.
Abby responded by rocking her pelvis slowly against his hardness, feeling him moan into her mouth at the contact as she tugged and nibbled on his lips. The sound sent a pulse to her core as his hands stroked lightly along her arms and sides, and she let Gibbs gradually deepen the kiss, feeling a familiar longing and yearning pour through her.
His hands ran down her back to cup her ass, grinding against her gently as he pulled her as close as possible. Abby slid on top of him as lust sparked for them both and the room was soon filled with hushed whispers, soft sighs and loud moans.
In contrast to the desperate need of the night before, their coupling was slow, achingly tender and erotic and this time, it was Gibbs' turn to be overwhelmed.
Gibbs hadn't felt this combination of deep emotion and overwhelming desire in a long time. So when they finished and lay there in a tangle, he buried his head in her neck, wrapping his arms and legs around her, not wanting to lose their connection.
Abby sensed his struggle, but said nothing, merely stroked his hair gently and traced patterns on his shoulders and back, relishing this closeness and the feel of him around her as they lay there in contented sated silence.
She was beginning to love and cherish these glimpses of the tender, vulnerable, gentle man hidden underneath the strong, hardass exterior he presented to the rest of the world... the inner Jethro inside Gibbs.
When they eventually made it downstairs after a shared shower, they prepared brunch together, enjoying the light teasing and banter which flowed so easily between them. Gibbs was determined to enjoy every minute of this extra day with Abby before they headed out to Stillwater to see Jackson, and he had to share her company with anyone else.
"Well, that's a more familiar view of your fridge... half empty," Abby commented dryly, holding open the door and surveying the inside.
"Hey," protested Gibbs, swatting her lightly on the ass as she moved past him, giggling. "Didn't stock up coz we're off to Jack."
"I'll let you off then," she threw him a teasing grin as he rolled his eyes. Abby reached up to retrieve plates from the cupboard, the NIS T-shirt she'd borrowed from him riding up, giving him an enticing view of her long legs. "Oh, by the way, I brought you a present back from New York."
"Thought you were my present," Gibbs replied, smirking as he broke eggs into the pan.
Abby cocked her head to one side as she considered. "Well, you have a point there, although maybe I should have tied a ribbon round my neck, huh?" When his smirk widened to a smile of approval at that idea, she laughed and went on, throwing her remark over her shoulder as she headed out of the kitchen. "Okay then, this is an extra present... call it a two for the price of one special offer."
Abby rummaged in her bag in the hallway and returned carrying a coffee mug which she placed on the kitchen counter in front of him, grinning up at him expectantly, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Gibbs chuckled when he saw the slogan on the mug which carried a picture of a boat similar to The Kimmie, which read 'Permission to board, Cap'n.' He leaned across to drop a brief kiss to her mouth. "Like it, thanks Abbs."
Abby ran a hand slowly down his back over the material of the T-shirt Gibbs wore over his boxers, enjoying the feel of the firm muscles underneath, resting a hand on his hip. "Thought it might remind you of us christening the couch."
He threw her a heated glance. "Not likely to forget that, but I'll think of it when I use it."
Abby pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, before turning to pour them both coffee. "I brought presents for the team too... something totally tacky for each of them, but it'll have to wait till next week when we get back."
"We might have to think of something else next week too," he told her, quietly.
"What d'ya mean?" Abby asked, frowning slightly as she leaned back against the counter next to him, sipping her coffee.
"Think Tony knows too... about us." Gibbs began dishing up their brunch, taking the bacon out of the oven where it had been keeping warm.
"How d'ya know?" she queried.
Gibbs shrugged. "Something he said in the lab made me think he knows, or has guessed."
And if Tony suspected, then it was likely Ziva wouldn't be far behind. He wasn't sure if and when Tim might get there on his own too. He trusted all of them not to spread the news, but would rather he and Abby controlled who they told and when, rather than just let it filter through his team and possibly beyond.
Abby looked down at her mug, picking at the pattern, nervously biting her lip. "What d'ya wanna do, Jethro?"
Gibbs examined her profile before suggesting, "Perhaps we oughta tell 'em."
"You sure?" Abby glanced at him, surprised at his ready suggestion. She took the plate he offered and moved to sit at the table, watching his face closely.
Gibbs nodded, bending to press a kiss against her hair as he passed, squeezing her shoulder. "Yup... Not interested in making a big deal of it but don't wanna hide either. It depends what you wanna do."
Abby took his hand when he sat next to her, smiling almost shyly at him. "I'd like to tell them. They're my family and I want them to know it's you who's making me happy. That okay?"
He raised her hand where it was entwined with his and brushed his lips across her knuckles. "Yeah... more than okay, Abbs." He watched as a bright smile spread across her face and couldn't contain his own grin as Abby launched herself at him, wrapping her arms round his neck and kissing him soundly as she landed in his lap.
"Thank you," she whispered, resting her forehead against his, squeezing her arms round him, feeling joy bubbling up inside her. It also showed her how serious Gibbs was about them, how committed he was to the idea of them as a couple, that he was willing to share their news with their team... their family.
"Hey... decisions together, remember?" He bumped his nose gently against hers, splaying his hands on her lower back, settling her more comfortably against him.
"Uh-huh, I remember." Abby slid her hands to the back of his neck, playing with the short hairs she found there, her smile teasing. "Remind me again where's this guy called Gibbs who keeps screwing up, coz I'm not seeing much sign of him yet. Strikes me, he's doing everything pretty right so far... and I gotta tell you it feels pretty darn good."
"Oh, give him time. It'll happen... too often, Abbs, it'll happen," Gibbs assured her, quirking a wry smile.
Seeing the sudden flash of vulnerability in his eyes, Abby leaned into press a soft reassuring kiss to his mouth, knowing Gibbs wouldn't believe whatever she said to try and deny it. "We'll tell everyone next week, when we get back," she suggested.
He nodded agreement, cupping her face and giving her a quick kiss before tipping her off his lap and reaching for his fork. She snatched a piece of bacon from his plate as she dived back to her seat, giggling at his protests.
Gibbs watched her eat for a few moments before asking, "Will McGee have a problem... with us?"
Abby paused, fork poised in mid air. "Not sure. We were over years ago, at least it was for me." She put her fork down and reached for his hand again, and he laced their fingers together, squeezing gently, encouraging her to go on if she wanted to.
He'd never asked her directly about her relationship with his junior agent before and didn't want to push her to say anything Abby wasn't comfortable sharing.
Abby gazed down at their joined hands for a moment before sighing and meeting his gaze. "I never wanted to hurt him, Jethro, but Tim wanted something more... wanted a commitment I couldn't give him. I cared about him but I didn't love him... and I think it took him a while not to be hurt by that. So it was tricky for a while. But we got over it... and I hope he still thinks that way..." she trailed off, frowning.
"But..." Gibbs prompted. Sometimes he'd seen an expression on McGee's face or in his eyes that made Gibbs wonder if his junior agent was truly over his feelings. But how did you ever get over loving Abby?
Abby shook her head, shrugging slightly. "Dunno, I like to think he accepts we're just close friends now but how he'd react to us... I'm not sure."
Gibbs reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, enjoying the way Abby leaned into his touch. "Don't wanna disrupt the team, Abbs, but not givin' you up for anyone."
Abby turned her head to press a kiss into his palm. "I'll talk to him." She didn't want to hurt Tim, but she wasn't about to hide or play down the best thing that had ever happened to her for anyone.
TBC...