The Only One

Rated: M

Pairing: Gibbs/Abby

Spoilers: Season 10 – episode 2, Recovery

Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS, any of its character or anything affiliated with it, this is purely for fun.

Prompt: Established, but not known, except for Tony. Abby's at home by herself. Gibbs and Tony are away and aren't supposed to be back in time for Christmas. Surprises Abby with Gibbs under huge wrapped box by the tree. Make love in front of the fireplace!

A/N: This was written before the Season 10 Christmas episode hence there being no mention of DiNozzo Senior.

Chapter 1

"Boss," Tony grunted as he struggled backwards up the icy pathway to Gibbs' house with the trunk of a rather large Christmas tree grasped in his hands. "Are you sure this is gonna get through the door?"

"I'll make it get through the door DiNozzo, hurry it up will ya, Abby's at midnight mass now so we haven't got all night."

It was snowing lightly and Gibbs hoped the roads would all be clear so she could get to his house without incident. He was tempted to call her and tell her to drive safely and just to let her know he was home if she needed him, but if he did that he'd ruin the surprise.

Tony rolled his eyes at Gibbs' urgency, though he couldn't help feel a little envious of his two friends spending their first Christmas together as a couple.

Gibbs and Abby had been together going on three months, and while their relationship was still a secret to everyone else, Tony had gotten the surprise of his life one evening when he'd walked through Gibbs' front door to find his mentor and Abby half naked on Gibbs' couch.

In their hastiness to touch each other's skin after a long day at work the pair had neglected to lock the door behind them, Tony's discovery resulting in a horrified yell from him and a subsequent scream from Abby.

What had followed had been a scramble for clothes and an awkward explanation in which Gibbs and Abby had made Tony promise not to tell anyone, at least not until they were ready to share their news. He'd agreed of course, happy for them once he'd gotten over the initial shock.

Continuing to back up towards the door DiNozzo heard a cracking noise coming from within the tree, his eyes widening at Gibbs. "You made sure there was no squirrels in there right?"

Gibbs stopped walking, making Tony stagger backwards up the last step. The glare Gibbs gave him made the younger agent duck his head even though he was well outside head slap range.

"Shutting up, boss."

Gibbs fumbled for his keys in his pocket, knowing Abby would've locked the door when she'd left, and threw them to Tony, who with much groaning rested the tree on his leg and reached around to unlock the door.

Tony pushed the door open and stretched out to switch on the light, smiling when he noticed a pair of Abby's boots just inside the door.

"She been staying here while we've been away?"

"Yeah," Gibbs nodded.

Abby had been staying at his house almost every night since their relationship had gone beyond simple friendship, but Gibbs also felt better knowing that she was staying in a safer neighborhood while he was out of town.

He and Tony had been away for the last three days doing surveillance and going undercover for their latest case, and although he'd had to break the news to Abby that he'd most likely be away from her for their first Christmas, he'd hoped by some miracle he could make it home to her.

For the first time in years, Gibbs wanted to be home for Christmas.

Abby had tried to tell him she wasn't upset, but she didn't need to...he could see it in her eyes and feel it in her body when he'd pulled her into a hug. Gibbs hadn't admitted it to her but he was upset too. He'd tried to do everything to postpone the operation, at least until after Christmas but there had been no other way.

This had been their first separation since they'd crossed the lines of friendship and Gibbs knew with absolute certainty it wasn't something he wanted to go through again anytime soon.

While they were moving on after what had happened with Harper Dearing, Gibbs was hesitant to leave Abby since she was only just beginning to recover from all the consequences of the explosion at NCIS. It had been in the aftermath of one of her nightmares that Gibbs had been unable to control his feelings for her any longer.

Even after reuniting with Kyle, she had still suffered from occasional bad dreams and when she had called him for comfort in the middle of the night, Gibbs had calmed her down and twenty minutes later turned up on her doorstep. He couldn't bear to watch her struggle and be in pain any longer, he wanted to do more for her...look after her as more than friend and be beside her when she awoke from a nightmare.

In the end it had been easier than he thought to tell Abby he was in love with her and she had left no doubt in his mind that she felt the same. Since that night they hadn't looked back, agreeing they would only go forward, together.

Shoving the tree through the door, Gibbs pushed forward ignoring Tony's protests as he tried to keep his balance, pine needles catching on the door frame until the tree was finally inside.

"Over in the corner by the window," Gibbs indicated, waiting for Tony to back into the right spot.

Gibbs didn't usually celebrate Christmas, there were too many memories associated with that time of year which brought to the surface the pain of the girls he'd lost. As much as he never wanted to forget them, he hoped that having Abby with him this year would make things easier; they had over the last several weeks. She brightened up his days and made him look forward to the future instead of always dwelling on the past.

Abby had told him she didn't need a Christmas tree, and he was grateful that she understood that this time of year was always going to be a bit difficult for him, but he wanted her to realize how important she was to him, and that he was willing to make the effort to make her happy.

Once the tree had been situated where Gibbs wanted it Tony went out to get the few decorations they'd managed to round up with it being Christmas Eve. Gibbs had some stored away in boxes but he didn't have the time to try and find them, and he also wasn't sure how Abby might react to seeing decorations he'd used with Shannon and Kelly.

He knew she'd be accepting and wouldn't throw accusations at him but he didn't want her to feel awkward or overpowered by the situation, like he was trying to recreate something that she hadn't been a part of. Gibbs wanted them to have new memories anyway, this was a new start for them and he needed Abby to not doubt that he wanted to be with her.

Abby had been nothing but supportive when it came to his two other girls, but tonight Gibbs just wanted to make things about her, about them, and their future together. Even though things were still new between them, he was certain their relationship would be permanent and he needed Abby to understand how serious he was about her being in his life.

"What made you decide to get a tree?" Tony asked, breaking into Gibbs' thoughts as he dropped the bags of tinsel, lights, and other various ornaments down on the couch.

"She loves this time of year," Gibbs smiled faintly, thinking of Abby and how excited she got by Christmas. "It's gonna be our first real Christmas together so I want it to be special for her."

"It'll be special if she gets to spend it with you when she didn't think she would," Tony reasoned. "Speaking of which, I better go grab the box from the car too."

Gibbs quickly swept up the mess they'd made when bringing the tree in, shaking his head when DiNozzo blindly made his way up the pathway carrying a box that was higher than his head and wider than his arm span. Walking slowly he lost his balance on the slippery path, a startled yelp ringing out into the night before he regained his footing and made it safely to the steps.

Earlier that night after Gibbs and Tony had completed their assignment they'd brought their suspect in for questioning. Gibbs had been so determined to get home to Abby quickly that he'd been ruthless in getting a confession, his anger being unleashed fully in a barrage of accusations and threats that achieved a result even quicker than he'd hoped.

Once they'd finished up for the night, Gibbs had asked Tony to go with him to pick out a tree and other Christmas things he knew Abby would like. Gibbs had to be dropped off at home by DiNozzo anyway as they'd left in the same car, and because he was pushed for time he was grateful for the help.

Gibbs couldn't exactly remember how, but somehow between leaving the navy yard and arriving at home Tony had talked him into putting himself into the large box now being carted inside to give himself to Abby as a Christmas present.

"I don't know how I let you talk me into this," Gibbs grumbled.

"Come on boss, are you kidding, Abby's gonna love it. Not only does she get to come home to a tree but a gift wrapped Marine underneath it...trust me, it's gonna work in your favor."

Gibbs merely raised an eyebrow and walked over to the fireplace to get a fire going while Tony started decorating the tree.

"Really appreciate you helpin' out DiNozzo, not sure I would've had enough time for all this before Abby gets here."

Tony beamed at him. "No problem boss, just wish I could be here to see Abby's face."

Gibbs grinned and shook his head, with what he had planned for Abby later he definitely didn't want Tony around, the senior field agent already knew far more than he should about their sex life after walking in on them.

"I'll tell her you were here, or you can come over for lunch tomorrow if you want, tell her yourself."

Tony turned from where he was putting lights around the tree, a wide smile on his face at Gibbs' offer. "Really, you sure?"

"Wouldn't have asked if I didn't mean it."

Tony returned his attention to the tree, the gratitude evident in his voice as he spoke. "Thanks boss, that'd be great...I'd love to"

The two of them managed to decorate the tree without incident, and by the time they'd finished the fire was burning steadily, the house beginning to warm for Abby's arrival.

Gibbs was eager to see her, although they'd spoken on the phone while he'd been away he found himself yearning for her presence. Her radiant smile and sparkling emerald eyes had been imprinted on his brain, along with images of every curve of her tempting body. Her sensual kisses, breathtaking hugs, and the feel of her soft skin snuggling up to him or enveloping him making him crave her every hour, both awake and asleep.

Making his way to the front door Tony hovered as he put his jacket on. "Sure you don't want me to help you get in the box before I go?"

The box was already wrapped with a bow tied on the top, so all Gibbs had to do was hop in and pull the lid over himself.

Gibbs walked towards him, shaking his head. "Think I've got it covered, I'll see you tomorrow, DiNozzo."

"Right, see ya in the morning." He paused at the top of the stairs, opening his mouth to speak several times before he finally continued. "I'm glad she has you boss...Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Tony."

Gibbs watched as Tony got in his car and drove off, closing and locking the door behind him before he switched off all the lights. Abby would most likely see the lights on the Christmas tree as she pulled her car up outside, but he wanted to set the atmosphere for the rest of the night.

Rummaging through the bags on the couch, Gibbs pulled out the ribbon and bows then stripped off his sweater. He knew Abby would be home any minute and felt slightly nervous about what he was about to do, but he also knew it would be worth it to see her reaction and hopefully make her day.

Quickly putting all the bags on the couch out of sight, Gibbs sat down and took off his shoes and socks. He couldn't help but smile at how Abby could make him lower his walls without even trying...only for her would he disregard his own sense of modesty to try and make her happy.

Only for Abby would he bare himself completely...emotionally and physically.

TBC...