A/N: Gibbs is a mystry dipped in a riddle wrapped in an enigma, which is something my muse just can't refuse.

Disclaimer: Not mine, but Abby's wardrobe rocks!

Gibbs heard the front door open and shut and was aware of the sound of movement in his kitchen, but took his time putting away his tools before investigating. He had a pretty good idea of who it was.

He wasn't surprised to see her. In fact, after so many years, he shouldn't have even been annoyed anymore. Should have just accepted that she was just as stubborn as he when she wanted to be and resigned himself to knowing that he was actually a little bit glad she was there.

But that was just not Gibbs' style.

He breezed into the kitchen all but ignoring her presence as he went to the sink to wash sawdust off his hands.

She glanced at him from her spot at the stove and gave him a soft, understanding smile.

"Go home, Abs," he said quietly, his shoulders back as she stood with unnaturally straight posture a few feet away at the sink.

You can take the man out of the marines…

Abby's smile faded and she returned quickly to her pot of boiling water.

"You like spaghetti?" She asked brightly, ignoring his previous order. Her hair was let down from her pigtails and brushing against her shoulders as she moved.

"Abby," he waited until she looked at him and then raised his eyebrows, dipping his chin, "go."

She sighed, "do we have to do this every year, Gibbs?"

"Apparently, 'cause you keep coming back," he said with a sarcastic half grin and folding his arms over his chest.

Abby's face darkened considerably and with it, her voice, a flicker of hurt crossed her eyes but disappeared almost instantly.

"Fine. I will," she snapped, her grip on the pot handle tightening, "but only if you really want me to," she continued quickly, "if you're only asking because of your 'the names' Gibbs, the second 'b' is for bastard, I'm the strongest man in the world and I don't need anybody' persona then forget it."

The edge in her tone made her doing an impression of his voice less funny than it should have been, "because I already think you're the strongest man in the world and one night a year isn't going to change that," she paused, taking a deep breath and watching Gibbs for a reaction which she did not receive. Her tone became gentle and she continued, "but, if you really want me to leave, to be alone while you remember two people who you loved very very much...then I'll go."

Gibbs watched her silently for several moments.

"It was fifteen years ago Abs," he said, his voice even and quiet.

Abby nodded, not missing a beat, "I know. But don't try and tell me that means it doesn't hurt."

She waited, but Gibbs didn't say anything else. Instead he turned way and reached into the cabinet that housed the plates and then into the drawer with the silverware and went to set the table.

For two.

Abby nodded to herself and returned to the spaghetti, knowing it was as much of an invitation as she was going to get.

She felt his presence beside her a few minutes later and stilled her movements. Slowly, Gibbs leaned foreword and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"Thank you," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear as he moved away again.

Abby smiled but didn't respond. The thanks wasn't necessary, it was a given that she would come. Not because he had asked her, God knows getting Gibbs to ask for help was like pulling teeth. And not because he was incapable of handling himself, there was no one on the planet more capable of taking care of themselves than Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

But because it was what he needed from her. Because he spent all his time looking out for everyone else and it was high time somebody returned the favor.

And because he would do the same for her.

In a heartbeat.