DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!
ASSISTANT HELPER
One cold morning, Gibbs awoke instinctively knowing something was amiss. It was too cold. 'That blasted furnace is on the fritz again!' he groaned.
Taking a deep breath he prepared for the cold he knew would be welcoming him once he removed the covers. He quickly got out of bed and threw on the sweats he hung on the chair the night before. He pulled on a pair of thick socks and went to check out the furnace.
Sure enough the pilot light was out again. He knew he'd have to spend a good part of his day off fixing whatever was wrong. Knowing a second pair of hands would make things go faster he called someone he considered just right for this particular job.
He made a trip to the Do-It-Yourself store to get the parts they would need. When he returned home he found a car in the driveway. He smirked wondering if his guest would've made himself at home.
Taking the bag from the passenger seat he exited his car and trudged through the snow to his front door. Glad to see no one standing there waiting to enter, he went in himself and removed his boots and coat listening for sounds that his helper was nearby.
The smell of coffee brewing brought him to the kitchen where he expected him to be, but other than the pot keeping the coffee warm there was no sign of him. A clink made him smile as he realized he'd started without him.
He brought the parts down to the furnace and suggested that next time waiting for the replacement parts might be wise.
"No problem. I just removed the broken parts and knew you'd be back soon. If you hand them to me now I can put them right on." A hand extended waiting for Gibbs to put the parts in it. Part by part the furnace was brought back to life.
The pilot light relit and the furnace once again forcing warmth throughout the house the two men went up the stairs to enjoy a couple cups of coffee.
"I appreciate you coming over so quickly and getting the job done," Gibbs told the younger man.
"It was my pleasure," the smile was genuine. "I'm glad you trusted me to do the job."
"Well after watching you all these years, I've noticed that you're not only good with your hands, but you have an eye for finding the smallest details."
"I've had a fine Boss to learn from," he responded.
Taking a sip of his coffee smiling in appreciation for the taste, Gibbs nodded, "Yes, you do."
Soon the kitchen, as well as the rest of the house began to feel the heat rising from the furnace.
"You did fine work," Gibbs complimented him.
The blush was expected. He never took praise for granted. "I should be going. I'm sure you have things planned."
"Just enjoying my day off, now that I can," he stood with his guest walking him to the door.
As the car pulled away Gibbs smiled, "I always did like that Palmer kid."