[A/N: Two short drabbles, like an intermission between real chapters. And thank you to those who have reviewed and fav'd!]
I'm watching a train wreck. My hands aren't strong enough to stop it; my voice is too soft.
Nothing helps.
She's barreling fiercely down that track, trying to be unafraid and trying to be strong and trying to be who she used to be.
But she won't cut herself any slack. Her standards are high and her expectations are high.
Too high.
I tell her to slow down. She won't.
I tell her to stop. She refuses.
I tell her to let me help. She pushes me away.
At night, she crashes. She's depressed. And she still won't say anything.
[words 100
Gibbs POV]
The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.
"I wouldn't have asked unless-" Her eyes are closed, breaths are short.
"I know, Jen," soft words. Her forehead brushes against your cheek. She's burning up. It feels like the flu, she said. Only it isn't.
"Jethro, one of these days, someone unsavory is going to take advantage of your generous door-locking policy." Without missing a beat, "Though I suppose for someone like you, that wouldn't be a problem." The sight on the couch stops him short, "Dear God."
"Hey Duck. Found this in the desert."
"Hi, Ducky," she opens her eyes and doesn't move from your shoulder and you can hear her smile.
[words 104
Gibbs 2nd person POV]