"Anyone can make a mistake, Jen."

She did not see him again for the rest of the day. In a way she didn't mind not seeing him, it was probably better that way, but another part of her wanted to continue the conversation from the morning. She wanted to know what he meant. Did he mean -? She was afraid to think about it, but she couldn't think about anything else.

The next morning she went to the hospital to see Abby as usual, wanting to make sure that the younger woman did not fear the consequences of something that she couldn't help.

"Hello, Abby," she said, walking into the room with a smile.

Abby started visibly, and her eyes grew wide. "Hi, Director - uh - how are - how are you this morning?" She looked away from Jenny and tried to smile.

Jenny sat in the chair beside the bed. "It's okay, Abby," she said gently. "Really."

Abby looked down at her hands and a fugitive tear ran down her cheek. "I'm sorry..." she began.

"Abby, look at me."

Abby didn't move, just squirmed uncomfortably.

"Please Abby, look at me." Jenny waited a few more moments, then reached across the bed and placed one finger under Abby's chin, slowly raising and turning her gaze.

"It wasn't your fault. You were injured, you had no control over what your mind imagined." Abby tried to turn away again, but Jen wouldn't let her. "You saved my life, Abby. The last thing you did before your injury was to save my life. Doesn't it make sense that your mind, when you couldn't remember reality, would create a reality with me in it?"

Abby swallowed hard and nodded.

"You see?"

"But - why did you - why -"

"Because I wanted to help you get well." Jenny lowered her hand. "Abby, you are very important to all of us. You needed me to be there for you. I'm glad I was able to do that."

She was thrilled when a real smile blossomed on Abby's face. "So you aren't mad?" Abby asked.

"Why should I be?" She smiled back at Abby. "Can I give you a hug?"

"Sure!" They hugged each other tightly, remembering what each of them had done for the other.

When they separated, Abby blurted out, "Gibbs loves you."

Jenny froze. "What?"

Abby nodded. "He loves you. He told me so. He told me that he was jealous when he thought you and I were really an item."

"I - are you sure?"

"Absolutely. There's no one who knows him better than I do - except you," she amended. "He's always told me things he didn't tell anyone else. Besides, everybody has known for a long time that you two should be together." Abby grinned. "Ask him, if you don't believe me. If he says no, I'll drag it out of him."

"No need," said a new voice, as Gibbs entered the room. He went immediately to Jenny. "Abby's right, Jen."

Remembered the conversation of the day before, Jenny said, "You were right, too. I did make a mistake. Perhaps I can unmake it?"

He took her in his arms and held her close, then kissed her. When they broke the kiss, he murmured in her ear, "Do you know how hard it was for me to watch you kissing Abby every day? Even though I knew it wasn't real. It just about killed me, Jen."

"I won't kiss anyone but you now," she promised, then promptly proved it.

Several minutes later, Abby cleared her throat loudly and said, "I think you two should finish this elsewhere."

"Yes," they both agreed. Jenny started to follow Jethro out, then stopped and went back to Abby. She leaned over and hugged her again, then gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Abby - for saving my life, and for - well, you know. For everything."

Abby grinned. "You're welcome!"

the end