Usual disclaimer applies - I don't own NCIS and I'm not making any money from this. Okay?

Apologies for the delay in posting - I've been having a disagreement with the computer/internet/posting bots... I explained a few things and it's sorted now... nothing like a bit of explaining to promote understanding!

Thank you so much for all your very kind reviews - I do appreciate them.

Please be aware: I've actually finished this story - it's being released in chapters to heighten your enjoyment levels! I'm not really evil though. Well, maybe the Diet Coke of evil perhaps... but, hey, if you really want something different to happen, I can always go back to the drawing board - just bear in mind that you'll have to deal with Know Your Dog afterwards!

Okay, you've waited long enough... on with the show!

The room was slowly filling up with people. All the men were in tuxedos and sharp suits, the women in a myriad of colours from the classic little black dress to almost eye-watering white, and every shade between. The orchestra was playing quietly in the background, lights spilled from chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and there was a gentle hum of conversation in the air.

Abby and McGee stood by the table they had been allotted when they bought their tickets. Tim was nervously straightening his jacket and looking around.

"Are we too early? Should I have picked you up later?" he asked Abby.

She laid a gloved hand on his arm and smiled at him. "Tim, it's fine. Just relax. Look there's Ducky!" She waved at the older man who stood at the top of the staircase scanning the room.

Ducky saw Abby waving at him, raised his own hand in recognition and walked swiftly down the steps towards his friends. Abby met him halfway and hugged him.

"Ducky! You look fabulous!" she enthused, "Bit of a change from your scrubs!"

"Abigail! You look lovely, my dear. May I have a twirl?" Ducky asked.

"Certainly!" Abby giggled at him and spun round slowly so he could see the whole of her outfit.

Tim caught up with them. "Good evening Dr. Mallard" he said, holding out his hand.

Ducky shook the outstretched hand and smiled at McGee. "Good evening Tim - will you please call me Ducky? I think we've known each other long enough now, don't you?"

Tim nodded. "Okay, er, Ducky. Have you seen Kate or Tony?"

"You mean Kate AND Tony" grinned Abby, "They are sharing a cab!"

"Really?" Ducky mused, "Well, Tony does surprise us all, doesn't he?"

"Shall we all get a drink?" Tim asked.

"Yes - champagne all round" Ducky waved Abby forward. "After you Abby?"

They were just making their way to the bar when Abby heard Ducky and Tim both catch their breath at the same time. She turned and saw them both looking at the top of the staircase, where Tony and Kate were arm in arm and descending the steps. As they did, they saw their three friends. Tony raised his hand and Kate smiled at them. They walked up to Abby, Tim and Ducky, Kate's colour rising as they drew nearer. Abby stood back as Ducky and McGee both gaped at her friend and her appearance.

"Good evening Ducky, Tim - you both look very sharp" Kate said, smiling.

"Caitlin my dear, you are the most stunning woman in the room" Ducky enthused, then coughed and quickly added, "As are you Abby"

Abby waved her fan dismissively at him.

Tim was lost for words. "Wow Kate - that's, wow!"

"Great Proby - you really know how to shower a woman with compliments!" Tony rolled his eyes.

Kate nudged Tony with her elbow and threw him an exasperated look. "Tony! Thank you Tim, and Ducky, you are both very kind."

Right then, a waitress bearing a loaded tray of drinks arrived at their group.

"Kate? Drink?" Tony offered.

"Thank you Tony" Kate took the proffered glass, as did Abby, Tim and Ducky.

The band struck up with a Cole Porter classic "Let's Face The Music And Dance".

"Aw - I love this song!" Abby cried and began to tap her feet in time to the beat.

"Well, if Tim doesn't mind - would you like to dance?" Ducky offered.

"Tim?" Abby asked. Normally she wouldn't have, but as he was her escort, it seemed only fair.

Tim shook his head as he swallowed his drink. "No, I get the feeling that Dr. Mallard will be far better than me for this one!"

They headed back to their table where Abby left her bag and fan, then Ducky led her off to join the other couples on the dance floor. The remaining three friends watched as the M.E. led his dance partner round the floor.

"Wow! I didn't know Abby could dance like that!" Tony watched impressed,

"So, this is our table for tonight?"

"Yes, look, our names are all on the place cards" Tim pointed out.

Kate stood, counting the chairs. She frowned. "They have it wrong! There are five of us - and six chairs! Oh, I hope we haven't got a complete stranger sitting with us"

"The list in the middle just lists our names and 'plus one' but that's hand-written" Tim mused.

"I wonder who it is?" Tony asked.

"I guess we'll have to wait and see" Tim replied.

Outside, Gibbs got out of his car and locked the door. Damn the traffic! He thought. He should have been here twenty minutes ago! That accident on the freeway and the delay surrounding it had forced him to do some quick thinking and tearing up of side roads to get to the Gala in record time.

Still, he was here and there was no going back.

As he stood in the parking lot, Gibbs took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders and took a minute to listen to the music.

"Before the fiddler has fled" the sound of a female vocalist came floating across the cars, "Before they ask us to pay the bill, and while we still have the chance"

"Lets face the music and dance" Gibbs sardonically murmured.

Taking a deep breath, he slipped his keys into his pocket and stepped out towards the Gala.

TBC