Hi all,

It's been too long, I know. The world has gone mad at the moment and I am doing my part to flatten the curve by staying in my cozy apartment. The silver lining? More fanfiction for you all. This piece is a two-shot inspired by MaidenMoonshine. Her edits and suggestions made it what it is now.

Hope you enjoy and please review! (Also, wash your hands and stay home if you can) hugs!

Chapter One

Abby took her platform boots off in the driveway and carried them in one hand with her jacket and clutch in the other as she approached Gibbs's front door.

She had the Uber driver drop her off at the corner and she walked the few hundred feet from there to the house as a means for making a silent entry. Now, as Abby tiptoed in her black tights across the porch and let her hand rest on the door knob, she felt confident she could slip in unnoticed.

Abby waited a moment to make sure she didn't hear any noise. It was hard to make sure when mostly all she could hear was her own hurried breathing and pounding heart. She was well past the agreed upon time all the "kids" were to be home when going out during the week.

Generally, Gibbs's family rules were that they could stay out as late as they wanted on the weekends. But during work weeks, the family had all agreed upon midnight for a curfew. For the most part, getting home by midnight during the week wasn't even an issue given how many nights the team worked late and how early they had to be back at work the next day.

But Abby had a high school friend coming into town for one night and it happened to be a Wednesday. She had been staying at Gibbs's house (aka the family house) for the last few weeks while her apartment was being freshly painted and re-carpeted.

The weekday curfew seemed to be especially hard for Abby since she was a natural night owl and also kept herself caffeine-fueled all the time. Gibbs saw the curfew as a matter of good health and self care for his team – especially his youngest – since she was always stretching herself too thin and routinely didn't get enough sleep.

It had only been earlier that day that Abby assured her boss-turned-dad for what seemed like the millionth time that she would be home by midnight. Now it was 2:30 am and Abby was attempting to creep up to the room she shared with Ziva like nothing happened out of the ordinary.

Abby opened the door slowly and stepped in, closing it soundlessly behind her. In the dark, she made it to the bottom of the stairs before a side lamp clicked on in the living room revealing one very agitated Gibbs in his armchair.

"Hey Abs, did you have a good time? I see that you were trying to be quiet given the hour. I assume that's for my benefit?"

Abby startled and turned to face Gibbs, setting down her shoes, coat and purse. She stood and fidgeted, unsure of what angle to approach this from.

Bottom line, she was busted and she knew it. Abby was caught red handed sneaking in well after curfew.

Gibbs got up from his chair and crossed the room with surprising speed. He stood in front of Abby and she risked a look at him, seeing disappointment, anger and fatigue in Gibbs's eyes.

"I'm sorry," Abby wailed as she burst into tears, throwing herself into Gibbs's arms. "I know I'm late and I'm sorry. Time just got away from us and it was so fun I just thought…"

Abby cut herself off since she was about to say that she just thought she could sneak in and no harm would be done. Instead, she bit down on her bottom lip as Gibbs held her at arms length so he could see her.

"You thought what, Abs? That you could sneak in and I'd be none the wiser? That I wouldn't stay up worried for your safety until you came home? Is that what you thought, Abigail?"

Abby cried steadily as Gibbs chastised her in a measured and stern voice. She hadn't meant to disobey. She just hadn't thought much at all beyond the fun time she had been having with her old friend.

"I didn't think, Dad. About any of it, really. I didn't mean to make you worry. I'm so sorry."

Gibbs sighed and rubbed his hand across his face. He was getting too old for this. Gibbs never thought he would get to parent again after Kelly died so long ago. Now he had four charges and sometimes he wondered why he wanted parenting responsibilities at all.

"I know, Abs. I believe you are sorry. But there will be consequences – just not tonight. It's late. Go on up to bed. We'll take care of this in the morning."

Gibbs gestured with his hand for Abby to go upstairs but the tired and emotionally charged Goth opted for disobedience once again.

"No, Gibbs, please. Can't we just deal with it tonight?"

Gibbs looked at Abby and began to feel his blood pressure raise.

"Abigail Rae, you are in no position to say anything at this point, young lady. Now go to your room and get in bed. Now."

Unfortunately for Abby, her stunned silence and lack of movement was interpreted for continued rebellion. Gibbs turned his youngest sideways and landed three hard smacks on her bottom.

Tears sprang into Abby's eyes from the sudden sting as Gibbs continued to hold her in place.

"Do you need more tonight or are you going to obey now?" Gibbs asked, his hand raised for more spanks.

"No!" Abby cried out. "I'll go. No more."

Abby practically ran up the stairs and into her bedroom. She took care not to slam the door as that would likely bring Gibbs into her room for more swats.

A few minutes later Gibbs came into Abby's room after she had settled in bed.

"Good night, Abs," Gibbs kissed her forehead and brushed her hair out of her eyes. "Love you."

Abby signed that she loved him and snuggled further under her covers. Gibbs smiled and left the door open just a crack in case Abby needed something in the night.

His girl was home safe. The rest could wait.

Hope you enjoyed this little distraction! Next up: Abby has a "discussion" with good ol' Dad. Any ideas how that will go? : )