She was silent
"Abs, what do you mean by partly?" He pressed. Usually he knew that pushing Abby for answers was counterproductive, but he really had to know this one
"I really missed you Tim" she hedged
He sighed- he knew that
"I know I've already told you that, but I mean really missed you. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, even Caf-Pow didn't taste as good. You're my best friend, but that's not it. The thought of you leaving really scared me, Tim. And I don't really know why. That's why I came over, and that's why I stayed. I'm sorry I didn't use the spare bedroom, I probably freaked you out."
He smiled at the memory
"It was a little unnerving" he allowed "I didn't even know you'd stayed until I realised you were in my bed. You're always welcome at my place, Abs. So don't apologise- it's a sign of weakness" he teased.
"Rule 6" she laughed
"Yeah"
Serious again, she said "Look, Tim, I'm sorry if I crossed a line last night. And I wanted to have a better explanation for you than 'I don't know', but I don't have one right now. When I figure it out, I'll tell you"
...
"Why did you think I'd leave?" he asked a moment later "I love my job, Abby. I've never even thought about leaving"
She thought for a moment before answering "I guess it's just because you've changed so much since you joined the team, McGee. I keep thinking that one day you're going to want something other than being a field agent"
He shook his head "Not going to happen, Abs. Look, I've worked two positions other than Gibbs' team, and I didn't like either of them. Being a case agent was mainly paperwork, and Cybercrimes was just as bad. I missed the fieldwork, I missed the team, and I missed working with you. I'm not gonna give that up, Abs"
Absorbed in their conversation, the sound of his cell phone ringing made them both jump. Pulling it out of his coat pocket, he checked the caller ID. Tony. Grimacing, he answered it
"McGee"
"Better get back here, McMissing. Boss is about to start the interrogation."
He cursed inwardly as he answered
"Be there in 5". He hung up and turned back to Abby.
"You gotta go huh?"
"Yeah"
He stood up and gave her money for the check then picked up his pack
"Look Abs, I really am ok with you coming over and staying like that. Just let me know if you're going to make a habit of sharing my bed" He smiled at her. "I wouldn't mind" he admitted, then turned and walked away