Author's note

I was watching the episode Trojan Horse again, and fell to wondering what might have happened if Abby hadn't added the line "like I love puppies" to the end of her declaraction to McGee. Please read and review.

Anything in italics is straight from the episode, normal text is my own

Disclaimer: All characters etc belong to Belisarius Productions, not to me.

From the episode 'Trojan Horse'

"They are questioning the validity of my ballistics!"

"Vincetti's lawyers are desperate. They're desperate. They're like drowning men grasping..."

"At thin polystyrene tubes."

"I was gonna say straws but I like that even better."

"Well that's because it's more accurate. I mean, does the saying "grasping at straws" tell you if they are made out of paper, or glass, or metal, or polystyrene? No! I pride myself on the accuracy of my forensics and lawyers, LAWYERS, are question it?"

"Abby, they don't know you like we know you. OK? They are hoping you made a mistake but when their ballistics experts don't find any that will make your forensics all the more damning in court. So please don't let desperate lawyers grasping at thin polystyrene tubes upset you. Please."

"Mmm...I love you, McGee."

Abby froze, her arms still wrapped around McGee's suddenly still form. She'd always been outgoing and affectionate with the members of Gibbs' team, especially McGee, but she couldn't remember ever telling one of them that she loved them before. A Freudian slip, perhaps?

Had he just taken her comment as how she originally intended it, in gratitude for his constant understanding? She drew back a fraction, daring to shoot one quick glance at McGee's face.

He was looking down at her, obviously confused but somehow...hopeful?

"Abby, do you mean that? His voice was quiet and serious, and a little bit shaky

She hesitated a moment, considering her reply. All of a sudden, their flirty little relationship had changed; they were unexpectedly on the brink of something deeper than friendship, and she knew her answer would make the change permanent.

Suddenly the realisation dawned on her. Yes, she did love him. Not just as her treasured best friend, though he'd always be that; she was in love with him. The epiphany stunned her, leaving her speechless. Helplessly, she took another glance at him, knowing he was waiting for her reply.

He sighed, a curious mix of pain and remorse on his face

"Don't answer that, Abs, I'm sorry. Just forget I said it"

He turned to leave, but she was quicker, bolting to the button that would lock her lab door and prevent his exit

Exasperated, he spun to face her, still with that hurt look on his face.

"What is it, Abs?"

"You never gave me a chance to answer, Tim" her voice was quavery. Damn it, he really wasn't making this any easier. She took a deep breath, willing the butterflies in her stomach to stop fluttering.

"And yes, I did mean it. I didn't even realise that I meant it until I said it, but I'm going to say it again so there's no confusion here. I love you, Timothy McGee; I guess I always have."

He stood frozen to the spot for a moment, then strode across the lab and swept against him in the tightest hug she'd ever experienced

"God, Abs, you have no idea how long I've wanted to hear you say that. I love you, too" he murmured in a shaken voice.

Releasing her just a little, he kissed her with all the passion that he'd kept inside for so long.

Down in Autopsy, Ducky quickly shut down the video link he'd just opened to Abby's lab, knowing that he'd just stumbled onto something very private.

Smiling to himself as he thought about what he'd just witnessed, he mused aloud "Things are about to get quite interesting around here"