Ducky: You've never left the scene of a crime until I arrived, until this one Jethro…
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The Doctor stood up at the entrance of his friend. "Ah. Do what do I owe the pleasure?"
Gibbs almost smiled. "It's not often people consider my presence a pleasure."
"Non sense dear boy. I happen to know a forensic scientist that would disagree."
Gibbs nodded in agreement before getting to the point. "I figured you deserved an explanation."
"Well I am flattered; but I unlike our forensic scientist I do not need to know every detail of your sorted past."
"And yet, you asked."
Ducky managed a small smile. "That I did. But I know better than to always expect an answer."
"Well this time you're getting one." He continued with a general depiction of his mission in Columbia and the subsequent events. It wasn't quite as long as one of his friends stories, but it would have to do.
"It seems you've repaid your debt to Rose."
Gibbs sighed. "I suppose."
"I can see how a man such as yourself takes little comfort in the small things. But that young man has chosen to live an honorable life because of the impact you had on his Mother…perhaps just this once you can take some pride in that?"
Gibbs nodded after a moment of reflection. "Do you take pride in your past Duck?"
"Some of it. Not all."
"Seems to be that way for all of us." He nodded his goodbye before moving towards the door.
"Only one thing Jethro. The past will remain there; it's the future that will define just how proud we'll be when we leave this world."
Gibbs managed a smile as he turned back. "Then here's to the future Duck."