A/N: Because my chapters look a lot smaller on than in a word document I decided to post the next one as well. Also for gonnabemarine who pointed out this out.
Gibbs made regular trips to New York over the next year. Each time he would make sure to check up on Abby, whether it was a quick coffee between classes or dinner if time allowed. He knew that she was still escorting, but something was different about her each time to the point that the girl he first knew as Susie was not recognisable by the time her graduation came about. The more he learnt about Abby the more he liked, not in a sexual way but friendship, a need to protect her. She had an amazing humour that would make him laugh no matter the day he had had, a spark of mischief and a laugh that was so raunchy in nature that he was sure people were staring at them. He learnt that she hated nougat, that her taste in music was something to be avoided and that she signed, everything that was Abby and nothing that was Susie.
Abby was nervous at first, letting someone that close to her, to let down the wall she had carefully constructed as Susie. But slowly she had begun to trust Leroy Jethro Gibbs. He let her vent when she was frustrated with school, would walk around Central Park with her when she wanted some silence, buy her a drink to celebrate good grades, and a meal on her birthday. For once a man who could truly be a friend.
27th September Gibbs stood at the back of a packed Dukes Hall. In front of him the class of 2000 were graduating but he was keeping to the shadows at the back. He watched as Abby's name was called out stating her grade and position as first in her year. He was so proud of her as she made her way up to the podium, she gown blowing out behind her, hat firmly on her head. As she reached out to take the degree Gibbs scanned the hall looking to see if he could see her parents or anyone else who had attended to congratulate her but could see no-one.
Abby exited the hall desperate to take her rob off, the gown clung too tight to her throat and she felt like a geek in it. On her way out various friends stood with their friends and family having pictures taken. Some called out to her asking her to pose with them which she obliged with so by the time she had given her gown back and walked down the front steps most of the crowds had disappeared with just a few groups scattered talking. She felt rather than saw him first. The hairs on the back of her neck bristled as she felt someone starring at her from behind. The feeling travelled down her back and along her arms to her fingers as she felt him come up behind her and bend to whisper in her ear.
" Well Ms Sciuto, didn't you do good today."
Abby felt herself smile to herself as she turned to face him, giving him a quizzical look she eyed him up and down before responding.
" Agent Gibbs, I would like to think I would be surprised to see you here but you always seem to turn up in places you are not suppose to be."
Although her words could be construed as cruel Gibbs could help but smile. He reached behind her head and slowly rubbed his thumb at the base of her neck causing her head to bend slightly to one side and her eyes to close.
"Abby you did really good. I'm very proud of you."
" What are you doing here Gibbs. Don't get me wrong I'm glad your here but I didn't tell you I was graduating."
Gibbs didn't want to tell her how he had enquired with the University as to her graduation date, that he had an overwhelming need to see her and have her know that throughout everything she had done good.
"I'll tell you tonight. Will you join me for dinner, Taven on the Green at 9, wear something nice."
Abby felt a sudden loss as Gibbs let go off her neck, causing her to open her eyes and almost teeter at the lose of contact, and walked down the steps. In the pit of her stomach she felt something change, butterflies at the thought of having to dress up for him. As he walked off into the crowd her couldn't help but watch his retreating form with lust, eyes watching as he confidently navigated himself around people, his head held high.