Feb 21
"An after dinner speech should be just like a lady's dress; long enough to cover the subject and short enough to be interesting." - Anon.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs hated wearing a tux.
It made him feel like he was at a wedding. But as always, he hadn't been able to say no to a certain redhead...
Getting ready, she'd buttoned his shirt and fixed his tie, distracting him enough to make them late to the restaurant.
If the team hadn't been questioning the validity of Rule 12, they definitely were now.
Although considering he suspected a little more than friendship between certain members of his team, they could hardly talk. Quoting Rule 12 would now make him a hypocrite. Not quoting it would be out of character.
Maybe he'd just stroll into the bullpen with his trusty baseball bat instead tomorrow morning?
Jenny had organised the evening, wanting the team to relax. She'd picked the restaurant and set a strict dress code – one Jethro now approved of as he let his eyes roam over her mesmerising figure. She wore a black evening dress, her hair falling in loose curls down to her shoulders.
"You look beautiful." He whispered in her ear as he followed her to their table.
The others had already settled, casually sipping on wine and enjoying the conversation. Jethro pulled out Jenny's chair for her, setting himself between her and Ducky.
"Stuck in traffic, boss?" Tony teased, thankful he sat opposite his superior and out of headslapping reach. Then again, nothing would surprise him.
Looking around at his team, Jethro smiled. Ziva wore purple, her hair also down. Tony and McGee sat either side of her, both in a tux. His eyes fell on Abby next, the white of her dress contrasting her hair perfectly. Dating Jenny made him notice the effort they made. Seriously, what had she done to him?!
"I'd like to make a little toast." Ducky rose, silence falling across the table. Judging by the shared looks, they were all thinking the same thing... Was this such a good idea after all?
"I can do it." Tony offered, yelping a few seconds later from what Jethro could only guess to have been a kick under the table from Abby.
Ducky raised his glass, waiting for everyone to follow suit. Smiling, he uttered five words that Jethro could only describe as perfect.
"To our own little family."