Such a toss-up as to continue or not… but this came to me at 3am (I couldn't sleep). Things have gotten a little crazy around here, so I apologize in advance for any delay in response.

-----

Abby slowly dropped one arm from around his neck, letting her hand rest over his heart. Gibbs could feel the heat radiating from her palm and he knew what she was saying before her middle and ring fingers curled into the sign. He covered her hand with his own and then mirrored the sign against her hand.

It takes them both a few moments to realize that they've stopped moving. They stand together, holding on to one another, in the middle of his living room as one last song curls around their still forms.

He inhaled deeply, holding his breath, hesitating, not wanting to make a mistake – one he knows he could never take back. He needs a sign, he needs Abby to show him something, anything, to tell him that he won't be ruining the best thing in life he has going for him.

Abby had matched her breathing to his so she was quick to notice when his chest failed to rise and fall again. "You aren't breathing."

He let out the breath he had been holding. His warm breath on the side of her neck tickled her skin and sent a slight shiver through her body. The shiver, however slight, didn't go unnoticed by Gibbs. It was the sign he needed.

"Kiss me, Abby."

He means for it to sound like an instruction, not quite an order, but his eyes close momentarily when he realizes how weak he sounds.

She had been waiting years to hear those words, so when she finally heard them, she isn't quite sure they are real.

Abby pulled back slightly and tilted her head to look at him, to make sure she had heard right. She had everything and nothing at all to say at that moment, but before she could do either... "Please."

She isn't sure if she hears it or thinks it – he isn't sure either – but it is all it takes for Abby to touch her lips against his. Her kiss is timid at first, her uncertainty of his request evident in the light touch of her lips.

He presses into it though, relaxing against her, feeling the tension that had been crashing around him in the basement wash away in waves, until he feels there is nothing left but what he feels for her.

She needs air, but can't help herself as she presses against his chest.

He holds her there, his hand under her shirt, his fingers splayed against the warm skin of her back.

The need for air doesn't go away, no matter how hard she tries to ignore it. She's light-headed enough from his kiss; the need for air doesn't help.

"Gibbs…" His name rolls from her lips in a soft purr.

He resents the feeling of loss as he steps away from her but the squeeze she gives his hand, as he pulls her along behind him, is reassuring.

Gibbs isn't sure how he is able to make it to the bedroom without spinning around and pinning her to the wall, but somehow they make it. If they are going to do this, he is going to do it right, not hurried against the wall like two college students on spring break – he was sure Abby wouldn't mind, they could play later.

He strips her slowly of her clothing, enjoying every inch of skin that is revealed. He is a little less patient with his own clothes, and soon lowers her to the bed.

He kisses the hollow of her neck, his fingers trailing over her sensitive skin. He loves the curve of her collarbone, delicate and soft.

Oh God I need you…

He thinks it, or she thinks it… maybe they both do. Gibbs takes his time and sinks into her slowly, savoring every inch.

She meets him thrust for thrust.

They move together.

She can't get enough of his strong shoulders and broad back. She feels the muscles work beneath his skin, and she knows he's working for her.

Their fingers memorizing, tongues tasting, souls searching - all in an effort to truly know and love the other person.

They simply are in love.

They simply are.

----

I would love to hear your thoughts…