**Chapter Eight -- When The World Comes Down**
**May 22, 2009 -- NCIS Headquarters**
Abby smiled up at Tony as the elevator came to a stop in the basement. "You better get upstairs, mister. Gibbs will tan your hide if you're any later!" She joked, hugging him.
"Yeah, yeah." He said, kissing her on the forehead. "I'll meet you later for an early dinner?"
"You betcha!" She said, bouncing out of the small car and into her lab.
Tony grinned as the doors slid shut, pressing the button for the third floor. He stepped off the elevator a few moments later and walked to his desk.
"Mornin' McGriddle." He said, dropping his badge and gun into the desk drawer before sitting down.
"Good morning, Tony." McGee responded, nodding at him while taking a sip of his coffee. "Oh! Did Abby get ahold of you last night?"
"Oh yeah, she got ahold of me alright." He winked slyly at McGee, chuckling when the younger man rolled his eyes.
"Um, excuse me? I'm looking for an Agent Gibbs?"
Tony stood up when he heard the young woman's voice, stepping out from behind his desk. "I'm Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, can I help you?" He flashed his suave grin, extending his hand to her.
The young blonde woman shook his hand and smiled back. "Agent Pam Fletcher. I've just been assigned." She handed Tony her paperwork, all signed off by the director.
"Um, heh..." Tony stuttered, looking at the papers in disbelief. "Does Agent Gibbs know that you're here?" He threw a quick glance back at McGee, who shrugged.
She giggled. "I hope so, I interviewed with him and Director Vance yesterday for the open position."
Tony's jaw dropped as he turned to face McGee, who wore a similar expression. "Problem, DiNozzo? Gonna catch flies if you don't close your mouth." Gibbs set his coffee on his desk and looked over at the female agent. "Agent Fletcher. Here's your desk." He grunted, pointing to Ziva's vacated desk.
McGee watched as Tony's eyes turned dark when Gibbs ushered the new girl to Ziva's desk. "Uh, Boss?"
Gibbs looked over at McGee and shot him the 'Gibbs stare'. The younger man immediately say back down, only serving to make Tony angrier. He turned back to face the young woman, clenching his fists. "That's not your desk, Agent Fletcher. That's Ziva's desk."
"DiNozzo." The senior agent warned, glaring at him.
"Boss! That's Ziva's desk. Don't tell me you're gonna replace yet another team member this quickly! It's only been 2 days, for Christ's sake!" He fumed, throwing his hands in the air.
"Go." Gibbs said simply, pointing to the elevator. "Go. And don't come back until you can speak to me properly. I don't need this temper tantrum from you, DiNozzo. You're not a child."
Tony's jaw dropped yet again at the harshness of his boss' words. He grabbed his backpack off the floor behind his desk and stormed toward the elevators, hoping that Abby wasn't too busy.
**Four Years Earlier -- May 25, 2005 -- NCIS Headquarters**
Abby watched the stairwell door slam closed behind Tony before she turned back toward her brother. "Bradley! What the fuck!?" She yelled, punching him hard in the shoulder. "He didn't do a damn thing to you and you hauled off and punched him?" She landed another blow closer to the center of his chest, making him take a single step backwards.
Bradley didn't move, allowing his sister to land a few more hits before catching her wrist firmly in his hand. "Abby."
She pulled her wrist out of his grasp and struck him again. "Don't you 'Abby' me! I'm not a little girl! I don't need you to be my knight in shining armor, Bradley!"
"Okay, okay." Gibbs said, pulling Abby away from her brother. "That's enough, Abs. We get the point." He gripped her tighter around the waist when she struggled against him. "McGee, take her down to Autopsy. She needs to cool off."
"On it, Boss." McGee said obediently, leading Abby to the elevators with a gentle hand on the small of her back. "Let's go, hon." She allowed McGee to lead her around the corner and away from Gibbs and her brother before turning and going into the stairwell. "Abby!" McGee whined, watching her take off up the stairs.
She climbed the stairs quickly, hoping that she would be able to catch Tony before he left the building. When she reached the third floor, she pushed the stairwell door open to see that Tony's desk lamp had been turned off. She frowned, noticing her backpack laying on Gibbs' desk with a change of clothes inside. She picked it up and slung it over her shoulder, walking over to the elevator and heading down to catch a cab to Tony's apartment.
**Tony's Apartment -- 0530 Hours**
Tony's jaw was throbbing as he sank down on the couch, dropping his head back against the cushion. On the table, his phone vibrated obnoxiously, though he ignored it, his desire to be alone winning out over his curiosity as to who was calling.
Though he'd scrubbed his face raw once he got home, he couldn't forget the feeling of Kate's warm blood splattering against his face seconds before she hit the rooftop. Lifting the bottle of vodka to his lips, he took a long drink, praying that he could forget the last twelve hours.
He had just closed his eyes when the sound of fists beating loudly on his door startled him awake. He reached instinctively for his Sig, before remembering it was tucked away safely in his night stand.
Pushing himself unsteadily to his feet, he stumbled towards the bedroom before Abby's nearly hysterical voice stopped him.
"Tony! Open up! I know you're in there!"
He sighed, contemplating whether or not he wanted to let her in. The pounding continued, only making his jaw ache more. Taking another swig from his bottle of vodka, he walked toward the door.
"'M comin'!" He slurred, unlocking the deadbolt and opening the door.
Abby pushed her way through at the first opportunity, snatching the vodka out of Tony's hand and taking a long drink.
"Hey!" He whined, watching her as she took a second long gulp from the bottle. "Tha's mine!"
"Sorry," She said sheepishly, handing the bottle back and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Just needed a drink. About Bradley..." Her hand reached up and gently brushed the large deep blue bruise on his jaw, making him jerk away.
Tony shook his head, closing the door behind her and locking it again. "I deserved it, Abs." He walked over to the couch and flopped himself down on it, taking up his previous position.
"No you didn't, Tony. Bradley was out of line." She joined him on the couch, resting her head in his lap. The Goth smiled up at him, already buzzing from the liquor she had when she first came inside.
He pushed her bangs off her forehead and smiled back sadly, noticing her bloodshot eyes for the first time since she came in. He could tell that she had been crying. "You okay, Abby? I mean, you know, we got shot at...and Kate..." He took another gulp of the vodka, not wanting to delve deeper without more booze in his system.
"Yeah." Abby closed her eyes momentarily, willing herself to not cry. "I'm fine, T. Just need some more..." She plucked the bottle out of his hand again and took a swig. "...of this. Then I'll be good as new!"
Tony accepted the bottle as she handed it back to him, looking closely to realize there wasn't any left. Shrugging, he dropped the empty bottle onto the carpeted floor next to the couch, making a mental note to pick it up later. He ran his hand over her bare arm a few times, chuckling to himself when goosebumps appeared under his fingers.
Abby grinned up at him, her eyes drooping slightly from the alcohol. "Movie time, Tony-boy?" She giggled, lacing her fingers through his free hand and resting them on her stomach.
He grinned down at her, his gaze slightly unfocused. "Dunno 'bout that. Not really in a movie kinda mood."
"Oh yeah? What exactly DID you have in mind?" Abby asked boldly as she sat up, her fingers grazing the bruise that was forming on his jaw. He winced slightly, catching her wrist in his hand.
"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "'S it hurt bad?"
She rested one hand against his cheek as she moved closer, pressing a gentle kiss to his jaw.
Reaching up, he cupped the back of her head, pulling her pigtails free before he tangled his fingers in her hair. "Abby..."
"Shh. Let me make you feel better T," she mumbled against him, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Abby..." he tried again, half whispering, half moaning her name.
"Shh," she repeated.
"Not here," he groaned, feeling himself harden against her as her lips trailed from his jaw to his lips.
"Bed. Now."
Not needing to be told twice, Tony stood, the Goth's legs locking around his waist, her arms around his neck. Stumbling slightly, he headed towards the bedroom, the woman in his arms nipping and teasing him with every step he took.
Dropping Abby to the mattress, Tony wasted no time removing his shirt before he joined her, her fingers gripping his soft brown hair as she tugged him down, her lips attacking his. He moaned against her as his fingertips trailed down her body slowly, coming to a rest above the waistband of her pajama pants.
"Tony," she gasped as she lifted her hips, allowing him to remove the offending fabric.
Throwing the flimsy material to the floor, Tony's hand found the creamy skin of Abby's thigh, his lips attacking her neck. His hands worked quickly as he finished removing her clothing. She shivered slightly as she watched him kick his pants off, positioning himself between her legs.
She tensed briefly when he slid into her, a cry of pleasure ripping from her throat. Nipping at her collarbone, he held himself still for a moment, allowing her to adjust. She wrapped her legs around him, her nails scraping down his strong back when he started moving again.
"More," she commanded breathlessly, lifting her hips to meet his, their bodies moving together. Tony slowed his movements deliberately, enjoying the pitiful whimpers that escaped her as he teased her.
"Tony!" She practically sobbed, her nails digging into his back as she thrusted her hips upwards.
"Tell me how you want it," he ordered, his warm breath tickling her ear.
"To hell with this!" She groaned, taking the opportunity to flip them over. She repositioned herself astride him, her hands gripping his shoulders as she moved against him. His hands gripped her hips in an effort to slow her desperate movements, but it was to no avail. He could feel her tensing around him as she grew closer to the edge.
"A-Abby...I'm..." he moaned, thrusting upwards.
She threw her head back, a strangled cry escaping her as she felt Tony explode inside of her. It was all she needed to send her over the edge. Her entire body trembled as she collapsed on top of him, his fingers drawing lazy circles on her back.
Tony kissed her shoulder gently. "That was..."
"Amazing." Abby mumbled, her face buried in his chest. He smirked, wrapping his arm around her waist and slowly slipping her off of him, causing them both to groan at the loss. She snuggled up close to his side and smiled. "Feel better?"
She rubbed her face against his chest as she got comfortable, her fingers resting lightly on his bare stomach and her legs wrapped around his thighs. "Baby? T?" She looked up from at him and smiled. Tony's was sleeping, his head leaned toward her with his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open. Abby kissed his bruised jaw again, snuggling down against his chest before falling into a dreamless sleep.
**Tony's Apartment -- 0730**
"How do you even know she's here?" Bradley asked, disgust and concern lacing his voice as Gibbs knocked for the third time on his senior agent's apartment door.
The older man didn't respond as he listened, growing increasingly frustrated when he heard no movement inside the apartment.
"Isn't there anywhere else she would have--"
"No," Gibbs responded curtly, removing the small kit from his back pocket. He slipped the tools into the door, silencing Bradley with a single look when the sandy-haired man began to protest.
He couldn't help the satisfied smirk as the lock clicked quietly. "Keep your hands to yourself this time," Gibbs warned as he turned the knob, pushing the door open wide enough to slip in.
They walked into the apartment and Bradley immediately spotted Abby's shoes by the front door. He made a move to say something, but Gibbs silenced him with a raise of his hand.
"You wait here." Gibbs ordered, scanning the apartment as he moved through it silently. He made his way toward the partially opened bedroom door and snuck in.
Tony stirred at the sound of quiet footsteps on the carpet in his bedroom. He flexed his arms, feeling Abby still wrapped around his body tightly. He untangled himself from her warm body and pulled the sheets over her head, effectively hiding her. Sliding his arm out from underneath the light comforter, he opened his nightstand drawer, pulling out his Sig quickly before sitting up and pointing the weapon at the intruder.
"Damn it, DiNozzo, put the gun away."
"Sorry, Boss." He obediently slid the weapon back into its holster and placed it back in the drawer, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Did I miss your call?"
"Nope." Gibbs responded shortly, noticing the small lump in the center of the King sized bed that he could only assume was Abby. "She did, though." He reached down and pulled the blanket back just enough to see her bright green eyes staring up at him.
"Gibbs! I..." She started, sitting up and clutching the sheet to her naked form. She noticed Gibbs' eyes widen and she blushed sligtly. "Okay...before you go all papa bear, let me explain."
He held a hand up and stopped her from continuing. "Don't need to hear it, Abby." The Goth frowned, she could tell just by looking at him that he was dissapointed in them. "Your brother has been looking for you since you left the Yard."
Abby crossed her arms over her chest, feeling slightly self conscious with Gibbs staring at her. "Serves him right! He punched Tony for no good reason!"
"Abby?" Bradley called, hearing his younger sister's voice in the bedroom.
She slid back under the covers and glared at Gibbs. "You brought him with you?!" She hissed, keeping her voice low. She contemplated hiding in the bathroom, but her brother came storming into the room before she had a chance.
Bradley froze at the doorway, seeing his sister wrapped around Tony, a light sheet being the only thing that seperated their bodies.
"Abigail Elizabeth Sciuto!"
Tony chuckled and whispered in her ear. "He must be pissed, using the full name..." Abby simply snuggled closer to Tony, trying to hide herself from her brother's glare.
"What the hell were you thinking?" He yelled, taking a step closer to the bed only to have Gibbs step in his way. "Leaving the Navy Yard without telling anyone where you were going, just after being shot at?"
Abby remained silent, letting Bradley ream her from the other side of the room. Tony looked over at her, surprised that she would just sit there and let him yell at her.
He started to say something to Bradley when Abby's hand found his and gently squeezed as she shook her head, urging him to stay quiet. He had every intention of speaking up anyway, when Gibbs threw a pair of pants at him.
"Get dressed, DiNozzo. Then come with me." The older man said, walking out into the living room. Abby let go of Tony's hand and started climbing out of the bed, pulling one of the sheets tightly around her body.
"You're ignoring me. Real mature, Abby." Bradley shook his head as she brushed past him, grabbing her clothes out of Tony's dresser drawer. "You keep clothes over here? Jesus, how long have you been screwing?" He asked, looking between the pair.
She swung around quickly and slapped her brother across the face. "You can be a real asshole, Bradley." She said, tears stinging her eyes as she turned and went into the bathroom.
Tony stood up and slipped into his pants quickly before walking toward Bradley. "You feel better, Bradley? Now that you've yelled at your sister?"
"You're the one that took advantage of her." Bradley pushed Tony's shoulder.
Tony fumed, swinging his fist at the slightly older man, only to be stopped at the last second by Gibbs.
"DiNozzo!" He growled. "With me. Now." Gibbs pulled his agent out of the room and into the kitchen. "He's angry. But that doesn't mean you get to provoke him."
"I didn't take advantage of Abby, Boss. I swear."
"I know that, DiNozzo." Gibbs said, leaning against the counter.
Abby came out of the bathroom and groaned when she saw Bradley sitting on the bed waiting for her. "Didn't you get out everything you needed to say, Bradley?" She asked, hoping the irritated tone in her voice covered up the hurt she was feeling.
He grabbed her elbow as she tried to pass him, turning her around to look her in the eyes. "You let him take advantage of you, Abby." He scolded, his voice low. "What would Mom say?"
She rolled her eyes and pulled her arm away roughly. "Mama would know me well enough to know that he didn't take advantage of me." She scowled at him. "And how dare you use our parents against me!"
Bradley stood up and looked down at her. Abby rolled her eyes again and pushed him away, turning toward the door. "You may be able to intimidate Britty by being all dark and brooding, BB, but not me."
"You know, you've been nothing but rebellious since Mom and Dad passed. Always trying to deflect."
Abby spun around and pointed a finger into his chest. "I am an adult!" She shouted, her green eyes narrowed angrily at her brother. She knew that he was only looking out for her, but she suddenly felt like she was fifteen again, getting scolded for sneaking out. "I'll deal with my problems however I see fit. Because they're *my* problems, Bradley. Mine!" She could feel the hot tears sliding down her cheeks and she reached up to wipe them away while maintaining the arm's length between herself and her brother. "Kate was my best friend. And now she's gone! So...if what I wanna do is come over to Tony's and try to help us both feel something other than pain, that's what I'll do!"
Bradley threw his hands up and started signing, not wanting to risk bringing Gibbs and Tony back in here if he started yelling. *You know, I came here for you. I flew here in the middle of the night on the first flight I could find. For you. I don't even know why I bother sometimes, Abby.*
*I don't either.* She replied, her signs showing her anger with their sharp motions. Bradley scoffed as he pushed past her, leaving the bedroom and ignoring Gibbs and Tony as he left the apartment without another word.
Abby flinched when the front door slammmed, cursing herself. She turned around and exited the bedroom, walking into the kitchen to join Tony and Gibbs. "Don't ask." She said simply, grabbing a Red Bull out of Tony's fridge and plopping herself down on one of the kitchen stools, her head in her hands.
Tony walked over behind her and wrapped his arms around his friend, pulling her back against his firm chest gently. "Abs, you wanna talk about it?" He asked quietly, pressing a kiss into her hair.
She started to respond, but Gibbs cut her off. "You two can talk later. In case you forgot, we have a case."
Tony released Abby from his embrace as she stood up and grabbed her shoes from their place by the front door. "On it, Boss." He said, giving Gibbs a small glare as he headed into his bedroom to grab a clean shirt. The Goth was waiting patiently by the door when Gibbs came over and squeezed her shoulder.
"Everything will work out, Abs."
Chapter End Notes:
"When The World Comes Down" by All-American Rejects