Disclaimer: NCIS and all associated characters are property of DPB and CBS. I make no claim on them and write this purely for my own entertainment and the entertainment of others. No copyright infringement intended.
Note: So sorry for the delay! Had some trouble with this last chapter. Also, many thanks to AngelQueen for her assistance in smoothing out the many kinks.

Chain of Events
Chapter Three

"The DNA matches…" Abby stopped, realizing no one was listening. They were too busy staring at one another. "My neighbor's cat," she continued, irritated.

No response. Abby glared at them.

Double smack!

"Ow!" McGee cried. Gibbs didn't make a sound, but blinked.

"You're worse than dogs fighting over a bitch," Abby scolded. "And I'm not a bitch… right?"

"Right." They still eyed each other.

Abby nudged Gibbs.

He glanced at her, then sighed. "Truce?"

There was a pause, then McGee nodded. "Truce."

Abby smiled, then glanced past them. "Palmer? Need something?"

Jimmy must've seen the whole thing. He grinned. "Nope."

"Hey, Autopsy Gremlin," Tony said. "What're you so happy about?"

"You won't believe what I just saw!" Jimmy said.

"Ducky performing an autopsy on Abby's neighbor's cat?" Ziva guessed playfully.

"No, but actually…" Tony's glare interrupted him. "Abby just head-slapped both McGee and Gibbs!"

Immediately, Jimmy's back hit the plasma projector as the two agents invaded his personal space.

"Talk!" Tony demanded excitedly.

"Yes, do!" Ziva added.

"Well, I needed to ask Abby…" he trailed off, his eyes landing on something behind them.

Tony quickly figured it out. "He's right behind us, isn't he?" he cringed.

Double smack!

"Sorry, boss!"

"Dr. Mallard, just the man I needed to see."

"What can I do for you, Director?"

"I need a favor. It won't be an easy task and it has to be done on the QT."

"Oh dear, I was afraid you were going to say something along those lines. Please, Director, I can't do anything that will jeopardize my confidentiality with the people I work with."

"And I wouldn't put you in that position. I just need you to organize a little something for our newly married couple."

"Oh, well in that case, my services are at your command, sir."

"Franks," Vance said into his phone, "you're a hard man to track down."

"Yeah, well, that's why I live south of the border. What do you want, Leon?" Mike growled.

"We need your help on a cold case."

"Aw, Leon, why is it you only call when you need help? I'm hurt," the former agent mock whined.

"Why else would I call you?" Vance asked, amused.

There was a pause. "Right. Who're you sending?"

"Gibbs and one of his team. They'll arrive on Sunday," Vance said, smirking inwardly.

"Fine. I'll make sure to put a case of beer on ice."

"Gibbs," Abby said. "What do you need?"

He looked at her, perplexed. "Nothing. I didn't call you."

"I did," Vance said. He held out an album to Abby. "From Jackie and me."

"And this," Ducky said, wheeling in a wedding cake, "is from everyone. Since the festivities were interrupted," he glanced at the blushing McGee, "we thought we'd continue now."

Tony held out an envelope. "From everybody, boss."

Gibbs took the envelope and opened it. After a moment, Gibbs smiled and Abby squealed.

"You leave Sunday. Franks expects you and another team member. He doesn't know anything," Vance said, smirking.

Abby was amazed at how Jackie had captured everything. All of the moments they shared, from their bringing out the food, to the little kiss Gibbs had pressed against her wrist at the party. They would treasure this album for the rest of their lives.

"She did a great job," Gibbs whispered, not wanting to share the moment with the other passengers.

"Yeah," Abby agreed. She turned the page and laughed, seeing the picture of Gibbs in the apron. He groaned.

"I think you look hot in that!"

"Well, I guess it can stay then," Gibbs said, kissing her cheek.

"Probie."

"Mike."

No handshake, no indication that they even liked one another… until they both smirked.

"You bring Ziva?" Franks asked, nodding toward the nearby ladies' room.

Gibbs didn't respond. The door opened and Abby came barreling out. "Franks!" she squealed, throwing her arms around him.

Franks staggered, but he returned her hug. "Hey, darlin'!"

She pulled back, but his arms remained circled around her. They chatted for several minutes, and Gibbs glared at Mike, who just grinned. When they paused, Gibbs intervened. "Okay, Mike, get your hands off my wife."

"Wife?"

Abby laughed, flashing the ring on her finger.

The fading sun against the water was beautiful, but Gibbs preferred the light splashing against Abby's face. She sat between his legs, her back against his chest while he leaned against a log. They had the beach next to the house to themselves, since Mike, Leyla, and Amira had all gone inside for the night.

The fire crackled next to them. Abby sighed and held one of his hands up to her lips, kissing it. "I love you," she whispered.

Gibbs smiled and leaned down to press his lips to her neck. "Love you too," he breathed against her skin.

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