I Know You Can Feel This Too

A/N: Setting Toby straight... trying not to be too mean... bless him.

Chapter 18 – Letting Go

Fornell glanced over at Abby as he drove her home.

She'd been subdued ever since their last dance. She had smiled at him, joined in the conversation but he could tell she was distracted.

For her part, Abby thought back over the latter half of the evening.

Gibbs had vanished again, which at least had removed one distraction. She'd enjoyed more dances with Toby, and had let herself be spun round the floor by Ducky and each of the boys in turn, relaxing and enjoying the evening far more than she thought she would... given how impatient she was for it to end.

Ducky had not pressed her with questions but had simply asked her if she was alright, or whether she needed him to whip Jethro's ass. She had hugged him tightly, immensely touched at how concerned Ducky was for her, but had reassured him that 'things' were well on their way to being sorted out.

Tony's perceptive gaze must have seen the change in her mood and probably slightly altered appearance from earlier. Abby found herself blushing as he gave her a knowing look when taking her hand to lead her onto the dance floor again.

She'd managed to forestall any questions or comments by saying that she and Gibbs were starting to work things out. Tony had just raised an eyebrow at her, smirking slightly but refrained from further comment, simply giving her a warm hug and told her that if she wanted to talk, he would be there if she needed him.

Abby knew that, however much Tony may play the joker, it was just a front. He cared deeply for all his adopted family and treated Abby like the sister he'd never had. And now on the way back to her apartment, Abby could feel anticipation building of an altogether different kind.

Would Gibbs turn up tonight?

And if he did, the thought of where they might… okay, probably… end up was enough to get her pulse pounding.

Abby was brought out of her reverie as they pulled up in front of her apartment. Toby turned towards Abby and waited for her to speak. He had an inkling what it might be about but let her speak in her own time.

She sat twisting her fingers nervously in her lap before saying quietly, "Toby, I have something to tell you."

"About Gibbs?" he responded, quickly.

She looked up at him, guiltily. "Yes. How... how did you guess?"

"Not so much of a guess, Abbs," he smiled at her, gently. "He was acting like a jealous lover yesterday and he's been like a dog with a bone for ages, and you've been a bit preoccupied tonight. Has he finally come to his senses?"

He saw her eyes light up, which answered his question almost as much as her next words did. "Yeah, I think he might have."

"What about Allison Hart?" he pressed, determined to find out if she'd tackled Gibbs about it.

Abby shrugged, before replying, "He says they're not together... not involved."

"And you believe him?" He injected scepticism into his voice but deep down he knew she was right. He'd suspected there were other motives behind Gibbs' supposed involvement with the lawyer all along.

"Yes, I do," nodded Abby, firmly. "He wouldn't lie to me about something like that... not now."

"Then he's a lucky bastard." He reached over and squeezed her hand.

She smiled gratefully at him, surprised Toby was taking this so well. Perhaps she'd misread the situation and his intentions all along. "It's not you, Toby. It's just... "

Fornell gave her a rueful smile. "I know, Abby. You don't have to explain."

He knew how women were attracted to the Marine and when Jethro chose to turn on the charm, there weren't many who could resist him. Stand him side by side with Gibbs, and he knew that he didn't stand a chance of someone as beautiful as Abby even giving him a second glance.

She smiled gently at him. "I've really enjoyed these last few weeks, all the time we've spent together and with Emily. Please don't think I haven't."

"I have too. Don't worry, I knew I didn't stand a chance. I care about you, Abby, but you were always his, even if he took far too long realizing it." He smiled at her, sadly. "Just be happy and if he hurts you, I'll kick his ass."

"Thank you, Toby," she squeezed his hand, touched by his words. "Although I think you might have Ziva and the others as back up for that if necessary, but I don't think he will. But this doesn't mean that I want to stop seeing you or Emily, you know that."

"I know," he reached up to stroke her cheek. "I'd like to stay friends too, as much for Emily's sake."

Abby reached over to kiss him softly. "You're a good man, Tobias Fornell. Thank you."

Abby waved goodbye as Fornell's car pulled away. She turned to enter her apartment building, wondering if her life was about to change for the better or if her heart was about to be broken... again.

She couldn't immediately see his car anywhere outside, and wondered whether Gibbs had had enough time to regret his earlier actions and had now changed his mind when he'd had a chance to calm down.

TBC

A/N: Well, is Gibbs going to be there?