Chapter 2: Invitation

Somewhere in Washington DC

Abby never thought that this day would arrive for her. There was only ever one man that she thought about in that way, never did she think that he thought the same. Ever since the incident in LA things had moved quickly between then but that was ok, well, most of the time anyway.

Things had changed the day after her kidnapping in LA. She guesses it took her almost being killed for him to realise just how much she meant to him. Gibbs had taken her to his place that night; all he knew was that he didn't want to let her out of his sight. In fact he had taken her to and from work every day that week, and the following week, and when ever he could.

As much as Abby enjoyed spending time with Gibbs, his being over protective was a little out of character, and she was starting to feel like a prisoner. so, one night over dinner she had confronted him about his possessiveness and they had argued, and they never argued.

Flashback
It was a simple enough question "Why are you being like this?"
"Like what?" he'd replied.
"Over protective? I don't get to go anywhere alone anymore. I can take care of myself Gibbs"
His temper broke then "You call what happened in LA taking care of yourself?"
"I'd have got out, somehow"
"Somehow? That's the best you can do?"
"Well, Callan and Hana were there when I needed them!"
That was low, she could tell my the pained look on his face "I fell bad enough about that as it is Abby I don't need you reminding me!"

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that" she said, her voice calmer but guilt ridden.
"But it's the truth" his voice calmer now as well.

"Still shouldn't have said it." She paused before she continued "I looked for you, you know?"
"When?"
"When I came out the warehouse. I thought maybe you might have been there"
"I tried Abby, I really did, bloody LA traffic. By the time I got to Hattys office you were on your way back"
"Still don't get why you wont let me go anywhere alone though"
"Don't you get it Abby?" He asked searching her face for the slightest trace that she understood "I don't know what I'd do without you"
The emotion on Gibbs face bought tears to her eyes, she smiled at him encouraging him to continue.

"Do you need to me say it?"
"It would be nice, just so I'm certain I'm thinking what I should be thinking"
He took a deep breath "I love you Abbs"
Her smile grew big and bright "I was hoping you were going to say that"

End flashback

NCIS Field Office LA

Hetty was opening up her mail for the morning when a she noticed a rather intriguing black envelope. It had gone through the normal security procedures so she new it was safe. Inside was a beautiful black and white card, simple in its design but unique enough to give her an idea as to whom it was from. And, of course she was correct. It was an invitation for herself, Callan, Hana and Kensey to attend a function in Washington. There was a date, place and time but no indication as to what the function was for, although if her intuition was correct, and it usually way, she knew exactly what the event was.

"Mr Callan, please tell your team that we are expected in Washington in one weeks time. We have a NCIS function to attend"
"The whole team?"
"That is what I said. You, Mr Hana, Kensey and I have been invited by Miss Sciuto to a special evening"

Kensey heard Abbys name mentioned "Any idea what it is? She never said anything last time I spoke to her"
Hetty smiled "I believe she intends it to be a surprise. But, unless all outstanding paperwork is done, none of you will be attending"

That was all the encouragement they needed. They all really wanted to see Abby again, she had been such a breath of fresh air to their small office. None of them wanted to miss out of this mysterious trip to Washington.