Rewritten/posted tag to Thirst.

Happy Endings Never Grow Old.

Ducky turns from his desk at the sound of the doors swishing open.
"What's up Doc?" Abby asks in her usual cheeky manner.
"Nothing."
"Then why are you here so late? I stayed to finish my requisition forms and when I got to the lot I saw you Morgan still there and so I came back."
"That was sweet of you but I am fine Abigail. Just finishing paperwork." It had been like this for the past week with all of the team trying to comfort him after his unfortunate foray into the world of online dating.

Gibbs had taken him home and offered to stay if he wanted company. Luckily Jethro was not the type to be offended when he'd said that he would be perfectly fine alone. Tony had offered a Marx brothers movie marathon. Tim a round of golf but upon seeing his horrified look quickly amended it to an evening listening to some records. Jimmy has insisted he agree to come dinner again soon as Breena wanted to hear more of his stories. Each in their own ways letting him know they were there for him.

"Why don't you leave it and come and grab a bite to eat with me? Maybe talk about things a bit?"
"Thank you, my dear. I really am fine Abby."
"Really? Are you sure? I mean it was... that is..."
"Yes. Goodnight." He turns back to his paperwork knowing he's been uncharacteristically abrupt with her but a little wearied by the constant smothering attention.
"Goodnight" she responds in a tone that others would find neutral but in which he can hear her hurt at his rejection.
"Wait!" She turns back. "I am sorry Abigail. I know you're just trying to help." They smile at each other. "Please take a seat. I have a story to tell you."
"A story? Goody." She pulls a stool up to the desk and perches on it swinging her legs back and forth like a little kid.
"Have you ever wondered why I never married? Why I seem to continually date rather like DiNozzo?" He chuckles. Of course with her insatiable curiosity she had wondered but always been too polite to ask. "The reason is simple. Like Gibbs I too have suffered the loss of a sweetheart." He pauses searching for the words.
"Oh, Ducky." Abby reaches out and pats his arm comfortingly.
"Her name was Laura."
"Was?"
"She was a nurse at the local hospital in Edinburgh where I was starting my medical training. We met on the wards. One look and I was smitten." He smiles. "We courted. Went for walks. Went to dances." He smiles caught up in memory. "We became engaged before I left for Afghanistan. I remember her smile when she said yes. I thought at that moment I must be the happiest man alive."
"What happened?"
"She was murdered. Late one night walking home after her shift. The killer was never found."
"Oh, no."

"That and my experiences overseas changed me or I should say changed my plans. Instead of going to work in a hospital or opening a practice I decided to become a medical examiner even though I was not keen on the extra study. I could help others find the answers I was denied. The questions that arise after the unexpected death of a loved one and maybe, just maybe those answers would help the killer be caught. Something else I was denied. It also meant I could work mainly alone with perhaps an assistant and at that time there was no-one really I wanted to be with except the one I couldn't." Abby leans in and gives him a brief hug and he pats her back.

"That is so terrible Duckman."
He smiles at her. "It is all so long ago Abby. My point is that I survived that and I will survive this. I thank you for your concern though." He catches sight of the clock on his desk. "That can't really be the time can it? I must go and change. I don't want to be late." He stands and reaches for his jacket.
"Late?" Abby queries as she springs from her chair and helps him on with his coat.
"Ziva and I are going to the opera. La Traviata. It's one of my favorites." He smiles.
"That's great. You can tell me all about it tomorrow." They leave the lab. As she heads to the carpark she thinks how amazing it is the stories that we all live with. Carry around with us each day. As he heads towards the men's room to change he is smiling with anticipation of the night ahead and in gratitude for the comfort of friends.