Chapter 3

As the doors opened, everyone saw Gibbs and McGee sharing a hug.

Ducky was the first to recover from the shock of seeing Gibbs hugging an agent in a public place. Ducky raised his voice and said "Welcome Home my friends!" This seemed to shake everyone out of their trance and they started moving towards Gibbs and McGee as they exited the elevator.

Everyone but Abby. She was frozen in place as she watched them.

Vance left his office when he heard cheers and clapping. He watched from the upper level as his agents were greeted by their co-workers/family.

Gibbs POV:

Gibbs could see the shock on everyone's face as the elevator doors opened to him in an embrace with McGee. But Gibbs did not care about everyone's face. He only wanted to see Abby's face. He would be happy to visit with everyone once he had a chance to recover from the last 46 days. All he wanted right now was to see Abby and feel one of her hugs.

He saw everyone coming towards them when Ducky said "Welcome Home." Everyone but Abby. She was standing next to Ducky but seemed frozen in that spot. Ducky was staying close to her. Gibbs quickly moved his way thru the others handshakes and hugs. The closer he got to Abby the more he could see the distance in her eyes. It was as though she was somewhere else. He glanced to Ducky who was looking back and forth between Gibbs and Abby. Gibbs noticed Ducky was looking down at Abby's right arm. As he looked at her arm and hand, he noticed she was pinching her right leg. Gibbs knew this was something Abby did when she did not believe what she was seeing. She was trying to wake herself up in case it was just a dream.

When Gibbs stopped in front of her and still received no reaction from Abby. He raised his right hand and touched his palm to the left side of her face. This contact did the trick. She said "Gibbs, you are real." She immediately thru her arms around his neck and gave him a giant hug and did not let go. Gibbs hugged her back and did not let go of her either. Abby never said another word during the hug.

Ducky smiled and walked towards the group talking with McGee just as Vance came down the stairs and announced, "It is time for everyone to go home and get a good night's sleep. After all, it has been over a month since that has happened to all of you. Gibbs and McGee, I will see both of you in my office at noon tomorrow. Everyone sleep in a little in the morning."

Gibbs heard Jimmy announce he was taking McGee home since he had driven Delilah to headquarters.

He then heard Ducky ask Abby if she was driving Gibbs home. "Yes. Yes." Replied Abby. She took Gibbs hand and walked towards the elevator. Again not saying a word to Gibbs. She hugged him again in the elevator and took his hand again when they got outside. She walked him towards her car and opened the passenger side for him. Gibbs followed her direction as she seemed to be in auto pilot.

As they pulled out of the parking lot Abby was quiet. Gibbs could not take it and finally said, "Abs, talk to me." Abby started telling Gibbs about everyone while he was gone. "Ellie did a great job at being in charge. Nick was worried Gibbs would be upset with him for not turning the helicopter around to pick them up. Confused if he did the right thing or not. Ducky and Vance always tried to be positive for the others but Abby knew they got together to console each other. Jimmy had stepped up to help Delilah with her birthing classes. Reeves called every contact he had in the world trying to get information." Abby went on and on but never mentioned herself or how she coped with Gibbs and McGee being gone.

Once they pulled into Gibbs driveway, he got out of the car and headed towards Abby's side of the car. She was out of the car and running towards the front door before he got around the car. He was beginning to get worried.

As he watched Abby unlock the front door, he realized she must have been taking care of his place for him. Why else would the door be locked? He looked around once inside and noticed everything was perfect. Everything was where he kept it and it was like the house sparkled. It was almost like a shrine. It reminded him of how he had kept Shannon and Kelly bedrooms after they passed away. Gibbs turned to look at Abby and thank her.

When their eyes met, he saw embarrassment in her eyes. She said all in one breath, "Gibbs, I am sorry. I hope you do not mind but I was staying at your house while you were gone. I picked up food at the diner when I found out you were on your way back. There is a turkey club in the frig for you and a few cups of coffee. It will reheat in the microwave. I double checked with them at the diner. They were so excited to hear you were coming home. I can get it for you. Or do you want me to leave?"

Gibbs smiled and walked towards Abby. When he reached her, he took her face in both hands and said, "Abby, you are always welcome to stay here. Thank you for taking care of the house and getting me food and coffee. I will pass on both of them for now. All I need right now is you." With that he gave her another hug.

Neither knew how long they stood that way. It was the ringing of a cell phone that broke them apart. Abby answered her phone. It was Ellie letting them know everyone was back at McGee's and wanted to see if Gibbs and Abby wanted to stop by. Abby asked Gibbs but he shook his head no.

Gibbs then said, "Abby, you can go." Abby relayed the message that they would not be stopping by but looked forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.

She clicked off the phone and put it back in her pocket.

Gibbs was walking around the house touching things.

Abby said, "I am going to leave. I am sure you wanted some alone time."

Gibbs turned and started towards Abby. "No. Please don't leave."

Abby had turned towards the door and froze in place when she heard Gibbs. As she turned around, Gibbs was standing right in front of her.

"Abs, I know I do not say much but I really need you to stay tonight. I do not want to be alone." Said Gibbs.

Abby smiled and gave Gibbs another giant hug.