I Know You Can Feel This Too

A/N: Three more chapters to go.

Chapter 17 – Running Repairs

Abby stared at herself in the mirror in the ladies room, a satisfied smile curving her lips. She looked exactly as she felt – thoroughly kissed.

Her lipstick had gone completely, her lips were swollen, and the carefully constructed bun was more than a bit dishevelled, the intricate hairstyle being no match for large strong hands.

But Abby didn't care...

The taste and feel of him just now had been more arousing than anything she'd imagined in the past... and she had a pretty healthy imagination. It wasn't exactly the conversation she'd imagined they would have after this morning in her lab, but it had worked just as well.

In typical Gibbs fashion, he'd let his actions speak for him.

The thought that Gibbs wanted her as much as she wanted him was both thrilling and scary at the same time.

Abby wasn't sure how much talking would happen later before lust overwhelmed her again, but if Gibbs came to her apartment and stayed, they'd hopefully have time tomorrow to talk properly.

In the meantime, it was time she got back out there, back to spend some time with Toby again before he wondered where she was. But first, she needed to fix her war paint and try and salvage her hair... if it was salvageable, she thought with a delighted giggle as yet another pin fell out and more curls tumbled onto her shoulder.

Forceful alpha males and elaborate hairdos just did not mix.

The door opened and Ziva entered, shooting her a knowing smile when she took in Abby's appearance.

"I was about to ask if are you alright, Abby, but I can guess from the state of your hair and missing lipstick that you and Gibbs... talked." Ziva had passed the Marine on her way out of the ballroom and had guessed where Abby might be.

Abby giggled, wielding her lipstick, "Oh yeah, we... talked, Ziva. I'm just trying to repair the damage from that... talk."

"Let me help," offered Ziva, chuckling.

The sparkle was well and truly back in her friend's eyes and Ziva was relieved and happy for her. They pulled a stool in front of the mirror and Abby sat down so Ziva could reach the taller woman's hair more easily. While Abby repaired her make-up, Ziva re-pinned her hair as best she could with less pins than she started with. Presumably the others were scattered on the floor of the alcove somewhere.

After a while, Abby said quietly, "I think it's going to be alright, Ziva."

"I know it will, Abby," Ziva's voice was warmly reassuring. "Is Gibbs taking you home?"

"I asked him to come to my apartment later and I hope he'll turn up. But first I really need to talk to Toby, it's only fair." Abby bit her lip, feeling slightly uneasy at the prospect.

Ziva nodded, eyeing her friend. "Then you will need some privacy for that. I will ask Ducky to take me either back to your apartment to pick up my car after the dance or take me home, and I can collect my car tomorrow."

"Oh, there's no need for that, Ziva, ride back with us," protested Abby, reaching for her friend's hand. "I can talk to Toby afterwards."

"My presence in the car will only make things more awkward for you and Fornell. Do not worry, Abby." Ziva squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It is more important that you get home so you and Gibbs can continue your... talk," she finished with a mischievous smile.

Abby chuckled, "Thank you, Ziva." She leapt up and wrapped Ziva in a bone crushing hug.

"You are welcome, Abby," Ziva told her, smiling when she pulled back. "I am pleased that Gibbs has come to his senses. "

"I know it won't be easy," conceded Abby, wryly. "His three divorces show that but... I think he's worth it."

"And you are worth it too, and I am sure Gibbs knows that. But if he hurts you, Abby..." Ziva trailed off, voice firm.

"Yeah, I know, Ziva, 18 different ways with a paperclip..." They shared grins. "And remember I can kill without leaving any forensic evidence. But I won't need it... my gut tells me I won't need it."

TBC

A/N: Talk with Fornell next... poor thing...