After they were seated in the restaurant Abby began to stare down Jethro.
"Why are you staring at me, Abby?" He shifted his eyes uncomfortably.
"I'm just wondering what it is you could have to talk to me about. I'm worried about you, Gibbs," she studied his face.
"That makes two of us," he mumbled as the waiter approached their table.
He was about 5'8 with bright blue eyes and blonde hair, "Can I get you something to drink?"
"I'll have a glass of your best wine, please," Abby smiled up at him.
"Alright, and for you, sir?" The waiter turned to him.
"Just a water please," Gibbs nodded his head.
The waiter walked away and Abby looked at him, "No wine?"
"My stomach's a little upset, Abby," he glared at her suspicion.
Gibbs picked at his meal as Abby's suspicion rose rapidly. He was shifting uncomfortably when the bill arrived. He paid for it and then stared at her.
He sighed and looked down at the table.
"Gibbs, seriously, talking would generally be done over dinner," Abby said, growing slightly irritated.
A slow piano solo played out over the speakers of the restaurant, "May I have this dance?" his voice shook.
Abby smiled and walked to the dance floor with him.
Gibbs held up his right hand. It was shaking. Abby stared at it, growing all the more concerned, and she placed her left hand in his and he wrapped his left arm around her and placed his shaking palm in the small of her back. Her right arm hung loosely over his left with her hand on his shoulder.
"Gibbs…" She attempted to make eye contact.
"Please, Abby, don't pry. I'm trying, here. Please, let me do this at my own pace," he said barely meeting her gaze.
He pulled her closer so that she couldn't directly look at him. His mouth was by her ear.
"Abby, there is something I've been meaning to tell you for years now. I just never thought I would ever muster enough courage to actually say it. But, now, I cannot focus. I need to say it. I need to tell you," his breathing became uneven and his heart began to race.
"Abby, I…I….I love you. I'm in love with you," he closed his eyes tight and hung his head as she pulled away from him.
When he opened his eyes, his heart shattered as he saw her looking at the floor. She was completely silent.
"I'll….I'll take you home now, Abby," his voice cracked with heartbreak.
The ride home was awkward and silent. Jethro had no idea what to say and he had no idea what was going through Abby's mind. It was probably the same thought going through his. He is too old. He is much too old.
Gibbs pulled into her driveway and walked her to her door in silence.
"I'm sorry," he whispered as she opened her door.
She looked at him quickly, "Thank you for dinner, Gibbs,"
He felt the knot in his throat tighten. He spun on his heel and practically ran to his car. Jethro sped home, not caring how bad the roads were. If he wrecked and he died he wouldn't even mind.