Abby: Gibbs, it's just the last time you guys went to LA one of you didn't come back
Gibbs: I'll bring him home Abs
Abby: Just make sure you bring yourself back too.
--
It wasn't long before the elevator doors closed that a twinge of guilt hit him. He then exited and made his way back into her office. But before he could open his mouth he was engulfed in a hug.
"Aw Gibbs, you came back… how sweet." She squeezed him rather tight before letting him go.
He regained his breath and smiled at her. "We'll be fine." He stated simply; letting his eyes express the assurance he needed her to have.
"You don't know that." She watched his expression change. "I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just saying…it's not like Tony and Ziva knew what they were gonna face when they went down there…"
"Routine case Abs."
"So was theirs…" she added. "Just a measly old protection detail…"
Gibbs eyes shifted to the ground. Maybe he should've stayed in the elevator after all. "Then What do you want me to say Abs?"
"Nothing." She hugged him a second time. "Just come back."
"Planning on it."
She hadn't released him.
"Gotta go Abs…" He let his arms fall to his sides before obliging and giving her another squeeze. "Pick ups in forty minutes." He lifted up his arm and glanced at his watch. "Thirty five minutes till pick up Abs." He felt her ease up a bit and assured her a third time. "I'll bring us both back…"
Abby let her arms fall at her sides and resisted hugging him a third time. "Okay," she pouted and signed slowly, "I'll miss you."
He replied likewise with a signature "I love you." And a simple, yet loaded. "Ditto."