Abby stared into her closet. Gibbs said casual, but she couldn't help thinking she should dress up a bit. Whatever this was, it was important to him. Important always translated into better than casual. Her mother taught her that.
But if it were formal, he'd have said so. No ball gowns then, or the funeral dress. Which still left her with no idea what to put on. Damn.
She sighed. If Tony had just been a little more forthcoming, she wouldn't have spent the last half hour unsure of what to wear. Who knew the little shit could be so good at keeping a secret?
Abby had even tried to enlist McGee's help, but he was proving to be just as difficult. Although, McGee was no where near as cagey as Tony, he'd been avoiding her with astonishing ease. She grimaced. She'd never realized McGee was sneaky in his own right. And she couldn't decide if she was pleased or pissed by that revelation.
She was sure that he knew something about tonight. When she told him about Gibbs' invitation, McGee had smiled. He looked happy and way too smug to not know something. She was pretty sure it wasn't bad news. McGee wouldn't have looked happy if it was. That was one worry off her mind.
She didn't even bother asking Ziva. If the Mossad officer knew about whatever it was before Abby did, she'd have to kill someone. It was better not to know. At least not just yet.
Abby finally pulled out a pristine white silk, button down shirt. It had been a gift from Gibbs for her birthday the year after she started at NCIS. It looked good over her black leather bustier. Her below-the-knee length black leather skirt was long enough to be demure if one overlooked the thigh high slits on either side.
She opted to leave her hair down, but secured it at the back of her neck with a silver barrette decorated with a spent .22 casings. Abby kept her leather wrist bands. She selected a pair of dangling cross earrings that had been the inspiration for the large tattoo on her back. The earrings had been a gift from grandmother.
She regarded her reflection in the mirror. Abby smiled at herself. She looked good. It was not exactly formal, not quite casual, and definitely not what she wore to the office every day. She grinned down at her shoes. The lace up granny boots with their small heel were not high enough to qualify as a fetish but they were definitely sexy as hell. She didn't get to wear them nearly often enough.
She grabbed her leather motorcycle jacket on her way out. Abby had found the heavy coat at a secondhand store. The various buckles and snaps, and the death head skull design on the back sealed the deal. There was no way she could have left it behind in the store for someone else to take home.
Abby drove to Gibbs' house, head bobbing along with her music. She wasn't surprised to see Tony's mustang parked in the driveway when she turned in. She'd known he was going to be there, but she expected him to be late, not early. Tony was never so late as to be rude but he was rarely on time either, unless it was work related; then he was always prompt.
She bounded up to the door. Abby frowned when she found it locked. Gibbs had never locked it in all the time she'd known him. He'd mentioned not even knowing where the keys were when she'd asked him for one, in case of emergencies. He had one to her apartment; he had one for everyone on his team's place of residence, just in case.
She cocked her head studying the door knob. It looked new. Maybe he'd finally wised up and realized leaving the door unlocked all the time was simply not safe and replaced the old locks. Hell, Ari Haswari had gotten in without difficulty. Bastard could probably have picked the lock or broken the door down, but still, there was no reason to make it so damn easy for him to have gotten in. Abby knew even Madame Director had shown up uninvited at least once. She nodded to herself. It was definitely a good idea for Gibbs to start locking the doors. Abby made a mental note to ask Gibbs for a key, before knocking on the door.
Tony answered, smiling in greeting. "Hey, Abby."
He was wearing a green gray sweater that did nice things for his eyes and those gray slacks she liked. They made his ass look great. Abby had always appreciated the aesthetic appeal of Tony. The man was definitely easy on the eyes.
Abby considered herself to be too mature to be attracted to someone solely on the basis of looks, so it was a good thing Tony was smart too. And funny, charming, and liked the same horror movies she did. He was too much of a friend for her to consider a serious sexual relationship.
Although, she'd have been more than willing to indulge in a little casual sex with him if he'd ever made the offer, but for all his comments to Kate about friends sleeping together, Abby knew Tony never slept with a good friend. Casual friends?sure. Those were people he wouldn't miss if everything was ruined or got hinky because of the sex, but good friends, people he'd miss, never. Abby considered it a compliment that she fell within the category of someone too valuable to lose for a moment of gratification. It definitely put her a step above the likes of Paula Cassidy.
She stretched up on her toes and gave Tony a quick kiss on the check. "Hi, Tony."
He made a small bow and made an inviting gesture with one hand. Abby smiled. She loved it when he got formal and proper. She didn't know any one else who could pull it off with as much natural grace and ease as Tony did.
"May I take your coat?"
"Please." She turned her back to Tony, letting him slip the jacket from her shoulders.
He hung it on the small rack near the door, treating the garment like it was of a fine fur rather than distressed leather. He gave her outfit an appreciative once over that she took as the compliment she knew he intended it to be. It was always nice to know she looked good enough to warrant more than a passing glance.
"Where is the Silver Fox?"
"Kitchen." Tony tipped his head.
"Anyone else coming?" Abby asked quietly.
"No."
Abby nodded. The only other person she really expected might be there was Ducky. He was probably one of Gibbs' oldest and best friends. And he had been part of the team for longer than anyone else. She tried not to think about how the original team was no longer intact, and never would be again.
She headed for the kitchen. Abby knew Gibbs could cook; they'd shared meals infrequently over the years. She never really knew when he'd invite her over or what he'd make, but she'd always enjoyed their time together. Thinking about it, she realized it had been months since Gibbs had invited her over.
She took a deep breath, savoring the aromas coming from the kitchen. Gibbs was one of the few people she trusted to do a good job with Cajun Cuisine outside of New Orleans. She loved his chicken Jambalaya, and she was delighted he'd made it for her.
Abby stepped into the kitchen, noting the table was set with what she'd jokingly called Gibbs' good china. As far as she knew, he didn't own any real china: good, bad or indifferent. But he did have at least one set of plates and flatware that matched.
Gibbs looked up from what he was doing at the stove and smiled. "Good timing. Just need another minute and dinner will be ready."
"Would you care for a glass of wine?" Tony asked from over her shoulder.
"Sure." Her tastes tended toward hard liquor when she drank, but Abby didn't mind an occasional glass of wine.
She blinked in surprise when she took the glass of white wine Tony offered her. She was expecting one of Gibbs cheap glasses not expensive cut crystal that would likely ring with a clear tone. Abby studied the glass, watching the light play along the delicate facings and intricate design etched into the side. She was savvy enough to grasp instantly that the 'DN' she saw most likely stood for 'DiNozzo'.
"Yours?" She asked anyway, sipping the light, semi-dry beverage.
Tony nodded. "Mine."
Interesting, Abby thought. She knew Tony's relationship with his family was estranged to say the least. It was odd that he would have anything with a family emblem on it at all, much less something he'd bring to set Gibbs' table with.
Tony smiled softly, looking at his own glass as he swirled his wine. "My aunt Sully had them commissioned on one of her trips overseas." He shook his head, smile fading. "Used to be a set of twelve. There are only seven left now."
The way Gibbs' gaze sharpened as he looked at Tony, Abby realized he was hearing this for the first time the same as she was. Gibbs frowned, blue eyes darting to the glass on the table.
"Maybe we shouldn't--"
"Of course we should." Tony's smile brightened again. "Sully always said they were meant to be used, not sit in a cabinet and collect dust. She made me promise to use them when she willed them to me."
"Are you sure?" Abby interjected softly. She had no idea who Sully was, but she was clearly someone important to Tony. And Abby understood the value of mementos left by a lost loved one.
"I'm sure." He smiled. "I wouldn't have brought them by if I wasn't." He reached out and lightly tapped her glass with his own. The soft ping resonated just like she thought it would. "Salute."
"Salute," she returned the toast. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask about what happened to the other five glasses and for more information on Tony's aunt. It was so like Tony to just drop a tidbit about his family and not fill in any of the really important details.
"Sit." Gibbs ordered, neatly cutting her off before she could voice her questions. She shot him a look, which he ignored with practiced ease as he deftly placed the food on the table.
Damn, Silver Fox doesn't miss a trick, Abby thought with an internal smile. He definitely kept her on her toes. And in her place. Letting Tony offer the information was one thing, but asking was quite another. As much as her insatiable curiosity begged for answers, her affection for Tony made her realize Gibbs had been right to stop her from asking. His family wasn't quite taboo but it was within spitting distance. And she wasn't sure if talking about Sully was a painful subject for him or not. It was better to leave it alone.
Tony held out her chair for her. She smiled, and took her seat. He took the seat on Gibbs' right. It was, Abby thought, his rightful place. He was Gibbs senior agent, quite literally his right hand man. Stan Burley never assumed that role even half as well as Tony did.
Conversation began as a lighthearted affair, which Abby had expected. Getting Gibbs to open up about anything wasn't done easily. It took time, and usually had to be approached in a round about way. She could be patient.
Abby didn't mind reminding Gibbs how frustrating she found being assigned an assistant she didn't need, or thanking him again for getting the Director to rescind the stupid dress code. And she always enjoyed discussing favorite movies and bands with Tony. She was okay with talking about the weather even, but eventually she had to force the conversation to the real reason she was here. Abby had a suspicion if she didn't, Gibbs might never get to it.
She'd been patient long enough. Tony had sent several nervous glances toward Gibbs since they'd sat down to eat. He was almost as anxious for the moment to break as she was. Abby figured she owed it to the both of them to move this along.
Finished with her meal, Abby pushed her plate forward enough so she could easily rest her elbows on the table. She held her wine glass loosely between her hands. Better to take the bull by the horns had always been her motto. Or in this case, Gibbs, she thought wryly.
Cocking her head to one side, she made eye contact with Gibbs and held it. "You know, I love having you cook for me. And the food was delicious, as always." Her gaze flicked to Tony. "And I love sharing a meal with good company." She sipped her wine, taking her time and making sure she had their complete attention. "But if all we were getting together for was eating and talking, you would have said as much, Gibbs. And you wouldn't have been so antsy about it."
"Antsy?" Gibbs scowled. "I have never been antsy."
Abby rolled her eyes. She'd known him long enough to know antsy when she saw it. She pointed a finger at Tony. "And you wouldn't have been so evasive."
Tony looked away, a bit of color rising to his cheeks. "Busted."
Abby grinned. "I may not be a field agent, but I'm a damn good investigator in my own right." Taking another sip, she looked at Gibbs once more. "So, you want to tell me why it is you wanted me here?"
Gibbs smiled softly. "I wanted to tell you that I'm seeing someone. And it is serious."
Abby hastily put down her wine glass so she could hug him awkwardly, leaning precariously over the corner of the table to reach him. "Gibbs...that's great. That is just so awesome."
He returned her hug. Too excited to stay still she pulled back and searched his eyes. She knew he had been lonely, or at the very least in need of company, more than just at work. The mysterious red-head hadn't been seen in weeks.
"You really found someone special?"
"I really found some one special," he confirmed.
She grinned and hugged him again. This was wonderful news. Her grin faded as it suddenly occurred to her just who he might be seeing. It would certainly explain Tony's evasiveness and those earlier nervous glances toward the former Marine. She pulled back and pinned Gibbs with a firm look.
"Please tell me you aren't doing the wild thing with the director?" A blind man could tell there was a past between them. "That would just be so not right, Gibbs. I mean, I'd be happy for you and all if you're happy, supportive of a friend and all that, but I just can't see how you would---"
"Abby, I'm not dating Jen." Gibbs glared at her, clearly offended by the idea. "We might have gotten together...For a case." Gibbs' emphasis on 'for a case' and terse tone made it clear whatever he'd had with Sheppard it was not his idea or anything he cared to repeat. "I do not now, nor have I ever wanted to have a long term, meaningful relationship with her." Gibbs growled. "Not just no, hell no."
"Okay...good." She bounced in her chair, clapping her hands. That was settled. She felt much better about knowing Gibbs wasn't interested in the Director. That would have just been so wrong she didn't even have enough words to articulate how wrong.
"So who is she?" Abby waved her hands. "C'mon, spill. I've been in enough suspense already."
"She's a he." Tony injected quietly. "It's me, Abby."
Abby started at him momentarily stunned. She felt like such an idiot. Why else would Tony have been there for dinner? And brought fine crystal classes as well. Or been so nervous and evasive. Sheesh, talk about missing the obvious, she told herself wondering if she should give herself a head smack for being so dense.
She already knew he batted for both teams; it has just never occurred to her that Gibbs might as well. Abby was also belatedly aware that Gibbs was holding Tony's hand, and had been since she asked if he was dating Sheppard. She really did need that head smack.
She slowly realized her silence and open mouth was creating the wrong impression. Tony's posture had gone stiff, and his expression was nearly impossible to read. Abby would have been her salary he was getting ready to toss it all off as some sort of joke, already trying to pull his hand from Gibbs' grasp. She couldn't let him deny this. And she definitely couldn't let him think she was anything but deliriously glad for him to have found someone who would treat him right.
Abby quickly left her seat and moved to Tony's side of the table. She hugged him hard before pulling back and kissing him soundly on the mouth. "Congratulations. I am so happy for you."
He looked a little dazed. She wasn't sure if it was her enthusiastic hug and kiss or her easy acceptance. She smacked him on the arm. "You should have told me before you told McGee. We've been friends for years. Years, Tony."
"Hey." Tony rubbed his arm. "It wasn't like we planned to tell him."
"But he knew before I did." She pouted.
"How do you know he knows?" Gibbs asked, eyebrows raised.
"Because, I asked him if he knew what was up with this dinner invite." She put both hands on her hips. "He started avoiding me. McGee never avoids me without good reason." She snorted delicately. "You didn't really think Tony would be the only one I asked, did you?"
The vaguely sheepish look on his face made it clear that was exactly what Gibbs had thought. Abby shook her head. "I do listen to you, you know."
Gibbs smiled, and saluted her with his wine glass. "I do now."
She laughed. Abby kissed Tony's cheek. "I really am happy for you." She looked at Gibbs. "Both of you." If any two people deserved to be happy it was them.
"Thanks, Abs."
"Now, I want to know all the details." Abby took her seat again, leaning in.
"Details?" Tony swallowed hard.
"You know, details." Abby waggled her eyebrows, waving a hand. "The why I already get." She leered good naturedly at Tony and then favored Gibbs with a saucy wink. It wasn't hard to see why they'd be interested in each other. The only one who wouldn't find either man worth lusting after was dead.
"But I'm still missing the how and the when." Abby grinned. "And feel free to expound on favorite sexual positions. Locations. Kinks. Whatever."
Gibbs held up a hand. "Not going into our sex life with you, Abby."
"C'mon Gibbs, I'd tell you."
He stared at her before shaking his head. "That is not the point."
"Prude." She giggled, unfazed by his glare. Abby knew he wasn't going to budge. She hadn't really expected him to; it was just so much fun to tease him.
"Okay, fine." Abby smiled. "Have it your way." She could afford to give in. Tony might just spill if she could get him alone at some point.
"But I definitely want to know when you got together and how."
Tony man tipped his head to Gibbs, clearly signaling he was willing to let the older man tell the story. She tapped her wine nearly empty wine glass, asking for more. Tony smiled and poured it for her, filling his own and Gibbs' glass as well.
Abby wasn't surprised to find out it Gibbs had been the one to initiate the relationship. It made sense. Hell, she hadn't known Gibbs was into men, it was unlikely Tony would have. Tony was always careful never to hit on any man he thought was straight or might rebuff his advances. He'd hinted once at something bad that made him cautious but he'd never given her specifics. And for all his bravado, Abby knew Tony was about decidedly insecure about his ability to maintain a relationship. If he wouldn't risk his friendship with her for a quick roll in the hay, there was no way he'd risk his place on the team. Working at NCIS, with Gibbs and the team, was everything to Tony.
What did surprise Abby was just how long they'd been a couple. Oh she'd known Tony was seeing someone for a some time, but she would never have guessed he and Gibbs had been together for more than six months. As far as she knew that was a high water mark for Tony. None of his relationships had lasted that long.
And Gibbs?well, he was clearly deeply in love with Tony. He worried about Tony more than he did anyone else on the team. He made a point of touch him. She knew that head smack thing definitely meant as much as a kiss. Made sure Tony ate well. Made sure he wasn't staying at the office until two in the morning any more. Tolerated his childish antics, even encouraged them from time to time.
Gibbs was certainly more in love with Tony than he'd ever been with his last ex-wife. That woman was proof positive Gibbs was better off playing for the other team. No doubt about it. She was a head case.
"So how long has McGee known?" She sipped her wine. "And just how did he find out if you didn't plan to tell him?"
Gibbs cleared his throat and looked away. Tony blushed. Abby stared. "Is that why you started locking the doors?" She chortled. "He walked in on you in flagrante delicto?"
"Not quite." Tony shrugged one shoulder. "And not here."
"At the office?" Abby nearly choked. "Are you out of your minds?" Not everyone was as open minded as she and McGee were. Good lord. Stuff like that could get them fired or ruin their careers or worse. "Have you any idea?"
"It was two in the morning, Abby." Tony was quick to cut her off, expression earnest. "And it was a kiss. In the parking garage."
"We'd just gotten back after that case on the Enterprise," Gibbs added quietly, his hand still holding Tony's.
Abby nodded. She remembered that case. The whole team had been gone for more than a week. She'd hated having them all gone and being stuck in the lab. "No time alone for you guys?"
"No." They answered in unison.
That had to be just a bit frustrating. "Guess I can understand how you might get a little?well, stupid about where you were and what you were doing."
Tony snickered, trading a look with Gibbs. "Didn't seem stupid at the time."
"Never does, Tony," Abby pointed out. She'd had her own moments of insanity when getting off was more important than good sense.
"We haven't done it since, Mom." Tony rolled his eyes at her.
"Good." She nodded, giving him an approving look and a smile. Not that she wouldn't mind getting the chance to witness the two of them in a lip lock, but at the office?it was just too risky for that, there was too much they could lose.
"We know what's at stake, Abby," Gibbs stated calmly.
Gibbs might be careless with himself from time to time, but Abby knew he'd never be careless with Tony. He would not risk the younger man's career or his well being. She patted his arm, letting him know she understood.
"And that's kind of why we wanted you to know about us." Tony bit his lower lip. "This last case was a little...intense."
That was definitely something of an understatement, but Abby wasn't sure she had a better descriptor. Nearly losing Tony had scared the hell out of her. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like for Gibbs. Or how he'd have felt finding Tony bloody and bruised in that hotel room. Pretending to just be his boss would have been a lot to ask of anyone in that situation.
"We...ah...it seemed like a good idea for us to have more than McGee to--"
"Gotcha." Abby nodded, touching her thumb to her nose. It was the signal that Redford and Newman had used in The Sting.
Tony smiled brightly, clearly recognizing the gesture. "I love you, Abby."
"Love you, Tony." She gave Gibbs a fond look. "Love you too."
"Never had any doubts, Abby."
"So just McGee knows?"
Both men nodded. Abby was decidedly pleased to have been invited into the inner circle. She was damn good at keeping other people's secrets, and she looked forward to helping them out whenever they needed it.
"We've considered talking to Ducky." Gibbs lightly squeezed Tony's hand. "Just haven't worked out the how and when for that yet."
"Sweet." Abby grinned. She was delighted to know she ranked higher in the order of priority for sharing the good news, but it wouldn't be right to leave Ducky out for long. He was too good a friend to be kept in the dark. And she and McGee would likely need more help if Tony kept getting into dangerous situations.
"You ready for dessert?"
"Oh yeah." Abby laughed. "Definitely." She wondered just how much more information she could get them to share before she left. Abby just loved a challenge.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Abby comes to dinner
Chapter End Notes:
This is the first chapter of a longer story.