Title: I Know You Can Feel This Too - posted in parts due to length and LJ only accepting way UNDER max posting length.

Author: Gosgirl

Written for: v_angelique on Dreamwidth

Full header below on first entry...

Chapter 15 – Plucking up Courage

Leaning against the bar, nursing a bourbon but unable to take his eyes off the dance floor, it had taken a while for Gibbs to even hear what Ducky was saying. The Scotsman had seen the interplay at the table with Fornell and Abby and he could still feel the tension radiating off the Marine.

“You’ve only yourself to blame, Jethro,” he pointed out, mildly, sipping his own whisky.

The scowl Gibbs sent in his direction didn’t daunt Ducky in the slightest. The Scotsman was tired of seeing his two friends miserable.

“Glare at me all you like but you know I’m right. If you leave it any longer, Jethro, you’ll lose her. The decision’s yours. Although after upsetting Abigail yesterday, I’m surprised she’ll even speak to you,” Ducky stated, firmly. He remembered all too vividly the aftermath of Gibbs’ visit and how long it had taken Abby to recover.

“I know, Duck, you don’t have to tell me.” Gibbs admitted, as he took another swig from his glass. “She didn’t deserve any of it.”

“No, she didn’t. Whatever’s happening between Abby and Fornell, and between you and your lawyer...” Ducky had rarely seen Abby look as upset as he’d seen her yesterday and was still angry with Gibbs that he’d lashed out at her in such a way.

Gibbs interrupted, annoyed. “She’s not my lawyer.”

“Well, however you’re describing Ms Hart,” responded Ducky irritatedly, “it would help if Abby knew that but knowing you, you haven’t made that clear, have you?” When Gibbs didn’t answer, Ducky sighed and turned away from the bar. There was no use pushing Gibbs when he was in this mood, he would just clam up. “Just think about it, Jethro. Personally, I’m going to find our lovely Ziva and take her for another spin round the floor.”

Gibbs was barely conscious of Ducky leaving, his gaze riveted on Abby in Fornell’s arms. She was smiling at him, looking relaxed, and being spun round gracefully as the couple moved around the floor.

Jealousy was like a lead weight in his stomach, making the bourbon taste sour as he clenched his hand around the glass.

Abby looked absolutely breathtaking.

The black dress contrasted with her flawless alabaster skin and her statuesque figure was emphasized by the floor length dress, her curves drawing the eye. He’d seen with a jolt of masculine satisfaction that she was wearing his most recent birthday present. The elegant black choker looked so perfect on her beautiful neck, the green of the emerald matching her eyes perfectly and he wanted nothing more than to run his fingers over it.

Like a tongue tied teenager, he’d not even been able to summon up the words to tell her how lovely she looked tonight. He couldn’t find his voice or move through the jealousy which had risen up to grip him, or even to ask her to dance, to take her in his arms and hold her close. He’d watched in helpless envy as she accepted Fornell’s invitation to dance.

Chapter 16 – Talking is Overrated

After a couple of dances with Fornell, plus one each with Ducky and Tony, during which she’d lost sight of Gibbs at the bar, Abby finally excused herself to go to the ladies room. She looked round for Gibbs as she made her way out of the ballroom but couldn’t immediately see his striking figure or silver head.

Passing an alcove on her way back, she looked up as a tall figure rounded the corner in front of her. Abby just registered the flash of silver hair before she was grabbed and crowded into the alcove. She gave a yelp of surprise as Gibbs pushed her behind the tall plant occupying the front corner so they were out of sight of anyone passing by.

“Gibbs, we’ve got to talk.”

Before Abby could gather her wits and utter another word, Gibbs had hooked a hand behind her neck and claimed her mouth in a kiss that knocked the breath from her lungs.

Desire surged through her as she tasted him for the first time.

Grabbing for his shoulders, Abby arched against him as she felt him press her against the wall with his body, kissing him back frantically. Bracing one hand on the wall, Gibbs held her head steady as he dominated her mouth. Hearing her making soft mewing sounds in the back of her throat only intensified his need and he felt his body reacting with a speed that surprised him.

If he didn’t slow this down, he’d end up taking her against the wall right now and to hell with anyone who saw them. Abby deserved more than that. She deserved to be worshipped slowly and thoroughly... preferably in a large and comfortable bed.

Slowing his kiss to become slow and languid, Gibbs pulled back to see Abby with her face flushed, eyes dazed and hair slightly tousled.

God, she was intoxicating.

Trying to calm her pounding heartbeat, Abby panted as he broke the kiss, “O-k-ay, I guess talking is overrated sometimes.”

He braced his arms either side of her head, leaning close. “That answer your question, Abbs, about what I want?”

“Well, yeah... and does this answer your worries over whether it’s you or Toby that I want?” Abby slid her arms up around his neck and pulled his mouth down into another searing kiss, pouring everything she felt into it. She heard him groan as he returned her kiss.

Lust threatened to overwhelm her, her body humming with arousal.

When they broke for air, Gibbs rested his forehead against hers, breaths mingling as he tried to calm down.

“Can’t stand the thought of you with anyone else,” he confessed before trailing rough fingers across the soft skin of her shoulders, tracing the line of the choker, feeling her shiver at his touch.

“And I can’t stand the thought of you with her either. We need to talk,” Abby told him, running her hands down the front of his shirt, enjoying the feel of his muscles under her fingers.

“Thought you said talking was over-rated,” he couldn’t help teasing. Gibbs bent his mouth to her neck, kissing his way to her tattoo, licking his way across it for the first time, her moan sending a jolt straight to his cock.

Abby slid her hands round his back, digging her nails into the strong muscles of his back, hearing him groan into her skin, thinking it was the hottest thing she’d ever heard.

“Gibbs... let me breathe,” Abby gasped, trying to gather her disintegrating control through a haze of lust.

Gibbs raised his head from her neck and her insides flipped at the slow sexy grin he gave her. He smoothed his hands over the silky material of her dress, wrapping his arms round her to pull her flush against him.

She snuggled into his arms, relaxing into his embrace, enjoying the way he gently nuzzled her cheek and neck, in contrast to the almost rough intensity of his initial caresses.

Not wanting to break the mood but conscious that anyone could walk past and see them, Gibbs cupped her face, thumbs stroking across her cheeks as he asked. “Can I see you later, Abbs?”

She smiled up at him, “Come to my apartment after the dance. We can talk there.”

He nodded and brushed another soft kiss over her lips. Now he’d begun kissing her, he couldn’t get enough of her.

Before Gibbs could distract her again, Abby reminded him. “I have to talk to Toby. I was going to anyway but even more so... now. I’ve got to explain, Gibbs, it’s not fair to him. I don’t want to hurt him.”

As angry as he’d been with his friend these past few weeks, Gibbs could sympathize. He could imagine only too well how much it would hurt to be told Abby wasn’t interested in anything other than friendship. He’d lived with the same thought for years.

So he reluctantly acknowledged. “No, Tobias doesn’t deserve that. Do ya want me to talk to him?”

Abby laughed softly, shaking her head. “Last time you two talked, you nearly turned the elevator into a boxing ring, remember? No, I’d like to talk to him myself, I feel I owe him that much.”

“Okay,” Gibbs agreed, softly pressing another kiss to her mouth. “You’d better go first. I, er... I need to calm down.” He gestured ruefully down at the evident bulge at the front of his pants.

“So I see,” she murmured appreciatively, tempted beyond measure to run her hands over him. She was feeling a trifle hot and bothered herself but at least her arousal didn’t show. Abby settled for giving him a quick kiss before tenderly wiping off her lipstick from his mouth.

“I need to go and fix my hair and make-up too.” She couldn’t see what damage had been done but she was sure her lipstick was smudged and her hair must be in disarray.

Abby left to return to the ladies room, throwing a beautiful smile at him over her shoulder as she left. Gibbs watched her move away before leaning his head against the wall, trying to calm down and think of anything but the way she tasted and her soft body under his hands.

Chapter 17 – Running Repairs

Abby stared at herself in the mirror in the ladies room, a satisfied smile curving her lips. She looked exactly as she felt – thoroughly kissed.

Her lipstick had gone completely, her lips were swollen, and her carefully constructed bun was more than a bit dishevelled, the intricate hairstyle being no match for large strong hands.

But Abby didn’t care... the taste and feel of him just now was more arousing than anything she’d imagined in the past... and she had a pretty healthy imagination. It wasn’t exactly the conversation she’d imagined they would have after this morning in her lab, but it had worked just as well.

In typical Gibbs fashion, he’d let his actions speak for him.

The thought that Gibbs wanted her as much as she wanted him was both thrilling and scary at the same time. Abby wasn’t sure how much talking would happen later before lust overwhelmed her again, but if Gibbs came to her apartment and stayed with her, they’d hopefully have time tomorrow to talk properly.

In the meantime, it was time she got back out there, back to spend some time with Toby again before he wondered where she was. But first, she needed to fix her war paint and try and salvage her hair.... if it was salvageable, she thought with a giggle as yet another pin fell out and more curls tumbled onto her shoulder.

Forceful alpha males and elaborate hairdos just did not mix.

The door opened and Ziva entered the ladies, shooting her a knowing smile when she took in her appearance.

“I was about to ask if are you alright, Abby, but I can guess from the state of your hair and missing lipstick that you and Gibbs... talked.” Ziva had passed the Marine on her way out of the ballroom and had guessed where Abby might be.

Abby giggled, wielding her red lipstick, “Oh yeah, we... talked, Ziva. I’m just trying to repair the damage from that... talk.”

“Let me help,” offered Ziva, chuckling. The sparkle was well and truly back in her friend’s eyes and she was relieved and happy for her. They pulled a stool in front of the mirror and Abby sat down so Ziva could reach the taller woman’s hair more easily.

While Abby redid her make-up, Ziva re-pinned her hair as best she could with less pins than she started with. Presumably the others were scattered on the floor of the alcove somewhere. After a while, Abby said quietly, “I think it’s going to be alright, Ziva.”

“I know it will, Abby,” Ziva’s voice was warmly reassuring. “Is Gibbs taking you home?”

“I asked him to come to my apartment later and I hope he’ll turn up. But first I really need to talk to Toby, it’s only fair.” Abby bit her lip, feeling slightly uneasy at the prospect.

Ziva nodded, eyeing her friend. “Then you will need some privacy for that. I will ask Ducky to take me either back to your apartment to pick up my car after the dance or take me home, and I can collect my car tomorrow.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that, Ziva, ride back with us,” protested Abby, reaching up for her friend’s hand. “I can talk to Toby afterwards.”

“My presence in the car will only make things more awkward for you and Fornell. Do not worry, Abby.” Ziva squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It is more important that you get home so you and Gibbs can continue your... talk,” she finished with a mischievous smile.

Abby giggled, “Thank you, Ziva.” Abby leapt up and wrapped Ziva in a bone crushing hug.

“You are welcome, Abby,” Ziva told her, smiling when she pulled back. “I am pleased he has come to his senses. “

“I know it won’t be easy,” conceded Abby. “His three divorces show that but... I think he’s worth it.”

“And you are worth it too, and I am sure Gibbs knows that. But if he hurts you, Abby...” Ziva trailed off, voice firm.

“Yeah, I know, Ziva, 18 different ways with a paperclip...” They shared grins. “And remember I can kill without leaving any forensic evidence. But I won’t need it... my gut tells me I won’t need it.”