Sep 12
There is flattery in friendship. – William Shakespeare
Abby squealed as she ran into Autopsy as best she could in her favorite platform boots. "Ducky!"
She watched as he turned around, surprised to see her. But he recovered well, opening his arms to accept her hug. "How are you, my dear?" he inquired. "I thought you would have been well on your way home by now."
She shrugged slightly. "Gibbs had my babies working extra hard today," she admitted. "They needed a little TLC before tomorrow begins. And then I realized you need a little TLC as well."
"T-L-C?" Ducky sounded it out. "Which one is that again?"
"Tender Loving Care," she reminded him gently. "I realized I haven't spent much time with you recently and I've been taking you for granted."
"You have been busy lately," he reminded her. "I know you care for me and I do not require daily reminders."
Abby ignored him and straightened up, as though she was about to start a speech. "Ducky," she began.
"Yes?" he nodded, already smiling softly.
She cleared her throat. "You are a wonderful person and the best friend I could ask for. You put up with both me and Palmer, which should earn you a medal in itself. You always listen to anything I have to say and you refuse to judge me."
Ducky was slowly turning red.
"You're the most patient man I've ever met," she continued. "You know so many things that I know you could never impart to me if I sat by your side every minute for the rest of time, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to know more. You're just… the best."
Ducky was now very red so she gave him a big hug.
"Thank you, Abigail," he finally managed to say.
Abby thought she could see tears in his eyes but decided to say nothing. For now, everything was perfect.