Closer Reality

A/N: the bunny deliveries from Kesterpan and Gibbsredhoodie continue... anyone would think they've been breeding them like, um, bunnies.


Chapter 28 – Acceptance

The rest of the morning passed with much banter and laughter, and Abby's excitement and joy at having everyone with her today was plain to see. Each man was treated to random hugs and kissed soundly, not that any of them objected to Abby using the excuse of the mistletoe tangled on her reindeer antlers.

Gibbs paused in the action of banking up the fire again, smiling as he listened to the sound of the lively conversation taking place in the kitchen... his house full of warmth and life at Christmas for the first time in years.

He hadn't been convinced he'd be able to cope with it but so far he was doing okay. And even if he did need to be alone with his thoughts at some point, he didn't miss the brooding and getting drunk in the basement which usually formed part of the day. And it was certainly better than most Christmases he could remember with his exes when those relationship began to freefall. He definitely didn't miss sitting through stilted dinners with hostile in-laws.

Gibbs stood up, his eyes drawn to the photo of Shannon and Kelly on the mantelpiece. He traced their faces with his fingers, smiling at their beloved features. "Miss you guys... so much. I'm trying, Shan, and it... it feels good. Help me do it right, will ya?"

Gibbs headed back in the direction of the dining table as Abby appeared from the kitchen, carrying plates of food, and Gibbs smiled as he took in her flushed face, pigtails slightly askew, antlers bobbing and mistletoe in danger of falling off one side. Abby looked positively radiant, almost bouncing on the spot, and beamed at him as Gibbs took the plates.

Tony came downstairs from using the bathroom, grinning as he took in her appearance. "You looked in a mirror lately, Abbs? You look a bit flushed and dishevelled and your antlers are all... hinky." When she waved her hand over her head, trying to reach them, Tony stepped closer, his hand going to her head. "No... not that bit. There... but you might need a mirror to straighten yourself out... a long one."

His comment ended with a yelp as the expected hand connected with the back of his head. "You gonna do something useful, DiNozzo?"

"Ready, willing and able, Boss." He threw them both an unrepentant grin as he escaped to the kitchen.

"That'll be the day," muttered Gibbs.

Abby giggled, seeing the smirk tugging at the corner of Gibbs' mouth as he tried to suppress a smile at his SFA's antics. "He's real subtle, isn't he? And I'm sure he's only getting started."

"Oh yeah." Gibbs reached up to fix her antlers. "C'mere. Can't say I've ever straightened a woman's antlers before."

"Another first then." She grinned up at him when Gibbs finished. "Hey, Marine. Got a kiss for the cook."

He grinned back, raising an eyebrow. "Well... I will when Ducky appears."

Abby laughed, swatting at his arm and Gibbs wrapped a hand around her neck, kissing her softly. She hummed her appreciation against his mouth, wrapping her arms around him in a loose hug.

Ducky's voice from the kitchen had them reluctantly separating. "I think we are nearly ready, Abigail."

Abby pressed a quick kiss to his mouth, before spinning away and returning to the kitchen. Gibbs followed her and they took it in turns to carry the food through.

"Tony... can you carry through Trevor please?"

"Trevor?" Tony eyed Abby uncertainly.

She gave him a wide smile, nodding as if it was obvious. "Yeah, Trevor the turkey."

"Abbs... I'm not keen on eating something I'm on first name terms with," confessed Tony, triggering chuckles from Ducky and a sympathetic mutter of agreement from Jackson. Gibbs bit back a grin at the expression on Tony's face as his... mental... wife teased his friend.

Abby put her hands on Tony's shoulders, gazing at him solemnly but with a twinkle in her green eyes. "Tony... you gotta be brave. He won't hurt you."

Tony rolled his eyes, shooting a look at Gibbs who held up his hands, shaking his head as if to say he was on his own. Tony gave an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, Abbs... lead on. Never let it be said I failed a woman in need."


Lunch itself was a lively affair, with Ducky and Jackson competing with each other to tell the most stories, everyone enjoying the time spent together. It felt like a real family gathering and he could tell his dad was having a great time.

Tony took advantage of Gibbs' mellow mood and egged Jackson on to tell stories of Gibbs' youth, soaking it all up gleefully, and the Marine allowed it with a good-natured roll of his eyes. Jackson asked Abby more about Gloria and her brother, Luca, and about growing up in New Orleans, and both Ducky and Tony heard some stories they'd never been privy to before.

Even Tony shared a few tales from his childhood. Gibbs knew there wasn't much happiness for Tony as a kid at Christmas time and most stories related to his mom. But mostly his senior agent was happy to ask questions and listen and encourage everyone else to talk. Tony genuinely seemed to be having a good time and Gibbs was glad that was another positive from the day.

It wasn't the first time Gibbs had felt angry at the way DiNozzo Senior had behaved in the past towards his only son. Tony was a son any father would be proud of and yet his life was littered with missed opportunities, hidden hurts and so many masks used for protection that it was only people who knew Tony well, or observed him closely and for long enough, who were able to see past all the barriers to the real man.

Jackson, of course, wasn't aware of any of this and when Tony occasionally became uncomfortable at too many probing questions from his dad, they could all see the signs, and Gibbs joined Abby and Ducky in deflecting attention away from Tony when necessary.

Seated at the opposite end of the dining table from his dad, and with Abby on one side and Ducky on the other, and Tony between Abby and Jackson, Gibbs was content as usual to let everyone else do most of the talking, but chipped in occasionally.

Abby laughingly teased and tested Jackson with some of the signs he'd learned and Ducky chipped in where he could, and they talked about Gloria's visit.

It was after the main course had been demolished that Ducky stood up, holding up his hand for quiet, raising his wine glass as everyone fell silent. "I won't hold up the festivities for too long but there's something I would like to say and as much as I would like to, I will not wrap it in a long story."

Laughter broke out as Abby grinned, tilting her head to one side, her antlers slipping again. "Awww."

Seated next to her, Tony pounded the table. "Shame!"

Ducky laughed. "Yes, alright, calm down, both of you. Although I might remind you both of that next time someone interrupts me." He exchanged a smile with Gibbs. "I simply wanted to say that I am delighted that Jethro and Abigail are together. I've told you both that privately already, but I think it bears repeating here, while we're among friends and family. I've never seen you both look so happy... and it is quite the best Christmas present I could ask for."

Tony grinned. "Well said, Ducky, and I'll second that."

"I'll third it," Jackson put in, a wide smile on his face as he looked at his son and Abby.

Abby felt herself blushing at being the centre of attention suddenly, but couldn't tear her gaze away from Gibbs, surprised that he was making no effort to hide the emotion in his blue eyes. He titled his head, his half smile tugging at his mouth and he covered her hand where it lay on the table and she read his face as easily as if he'd spoken and nodded in reply, turning her hand over and lacing their fingers together.

Tony's teasing voice made her jump. "I see they've progressed to not even needing sign language to communicate now and jumped straight to telepathy."

Abby laughed, tearing her eyes away, and punched Tony on the arm as she stood up. "Could someone give me a hand to get the pudding?"

All of them made to get up and Abby giggled, raising her hand. "Oooh, four gorgeous men eager to do my bidding... is it Christmas? Just one of you will do fine."

Gibbs rose to his feet before the others could move and followed Abby to the kitchen. He stepped up behind her as soon as they were out of view, sliding his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "You look happy," he murmured in her ear.

"That's coz I am. So, so happy." Abby turned in his arms, looping her arms around his neck. "And how are you doing?" she asked quietly.

He framed her face in his hands, thumbs stroking her cheeks gently. "Doing okay." Gibbs knew what she was referring to, but he genuinely was doing more than okay with the day so far.

Abby examined his eyes seriously for a moment, accepting what she saw there, that he wasn't sugar coating things for her sake. She nodded slowly before leaning in for a soft kiss. "Okay then... then let's get the masses fed, shall we?"

Gibbs carried in the heavier plate with the large Christmas pudding while Abby took through the bowls and cream.

"Well, that's my dessert... not sure what the rest of you are having," Tony commented, smiling when he saw the size of the pudding.

Ducky laughed. "I'm sure you could indeed eat most of this, Tony, although it is very rich and fruity and we are about to make it even richer."

"So this is the famous Mallard Christmas pudding," observed Jackson.

"Uh-huh, complete with sixpence... somewhere," replied Abby.

Jackson grinned. "And a lot of alcohol by the smell of it." He began refilling everyone's wine glasses round the table.

Abby exchanged a grin with Ducky. "Yes, well... my story is that my arm got jostled by Ducky and I'm sticking to it."

"I protest my innocence, Abigail. Although we are about to throw even more alcohol over it... the tradition is that we pour brandy over it and set light to it. Jethro, would you be so kind as to fetch the brandy I brought with me."

Gibbs nodded. "Sure thing, Duck."

"Isn't that a waste of brandy, Ducky?" asked Tony.

"At least it's not bourbon, Tony," Gibbs put in.

"Good point, Boss."

"Believe me, Anthony, it only enhances the flavour." Ducky paused, a twinkle in his eye. "Trust me... I'm a doctor."

Groans and laughter broke out as Ducky chuckled. Abby giggled, wrapping her arms around Ducky. "How long have you wanted to use that line in here?"

Ducky laughed, patting her arms. "Oh, I've been saving it up, my dear. Thank you, Jethro."

Ducky took the bottle of brandy and poured a generous amount over the Christmas pudding before lighting a match and setting the whole thing aflame. Abby insisted on taking a photograph of Ducky behind his Christmas pudding, to record the occasion.

"What do we get if we find the sixpence?" said Jackson, curiously as he watched the flames dying down.

"You mean apart from a visit to the dentist, Jack?" Gibbs put in, smirking.

"You get a wish, Jack," replied Ducky, sending a mock glare in Gibbs' direction as Abby giggled.

Tony watched Abby dishing out a portion for each of them. "So if I crack a tooth on the sixpence or it goes down my throat and I start choking on it, who's paying my medical bills," he asked with a grin.

Gibbs returned his smile. "Hazards of the job, DiNozzo."

After they'd all doused their pudding with cream, Ducky watched as they all tucked in, suppressing a grin as he saw them all surreptitiously poking at the pudding and examining each spoonful before they ate each bite.

Tony was the first to finish, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his stomach. "That was really good you two. I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed I didn't get the sixpence."

"Well, you could always have another portion, Tony," Ducky teased. "That way you would have two chances."

Before Tony could reply, Abby held up her spoon with a cry, "No need, guys. I got it. Yay!" She fished out the sixpence, holding it up, dripping with cream. She licked the cream off and felt Gibbs' leg jump next to hers, giving him a wicked grin.

Ducky smiled. "Then you must make a wish, my dear. Wish for anything you want."

Abby tilted her head on one side as she considered. "Umm." Abby gave Gibbs a soft smile, covering his hand. "Well, I'm not sure I can think of anything, Ducky. I'm pretty sure I've got everything I want right here."


Gibbs and Tony insisted on clearing the table and Gibbs set the coffee pot going. Gibbs took the bourbon bottle, the good stuff, and glasses through to the living room. Abby came into the kitchen to put some of the leftovers away and discarded her antlers in the process, giving up on them before they fell off again.

Tony heard Gibbs' voice in the living room talking to Ducky and glanced at Abby as he poured coffee for them all. "Hey, Abbs..."

Abby came over and wrapped her arms around Tony, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Hey Tony. Thank you for coming today, hope it was okay."

Tony pressed a kiss to her hair. "More than okay, Abbs. Really appreciate it... especially when it's your first Christmas together."

"We're family, Tony," she told him, squeezing tighter. "We shoulda done this years ago."

"You mean the you and Gibbs thing or the getting together at Christmas thing," Tony teased.

Abby chuckled. "Good point... both I guess."

"Best Christmas I've had in years, Abby," Tony admitted quietly, leaning his cheek against her hair. "Best Christmas present too."

She raised her head from his shoulder, narrowing her eyes. "Have you been peeking at your present, Anthony DiNozzo?"

Tony chuckled. "Nope... not me. I'm talking about Gibbs."

Abby grinned. "Gibbs is not your present, Tony... he's mine."

"Yeah, I kinda noticed that," grinned Tony, rolling his eyes. "And I think it's coz of you that we've got a less cranky Gibbs."

"Aawww... I don't know about that, Tony." Abby released Tony and leaned against the counter next to him.

"Well, I do." Tony held up a finger. "Mellow... that's a good word. Okay, not totally mellow coz the death glare is always simmering under the surface and his right arm is just as strong, but he's a lot more relaxed lately. And I gotta tell ya, a happy Gibbs is the best present you could have given me for Christmas, Abbs. Fewer head slaps."

His head rocked forward as Gibbs thwacked him upside the head as he returned to the kitchen, but it lacked the force of his usual slaps and Tony grinned over his shoulder as the Marine grabbed a couple of the coffee mugs from the counter.

"You sure about that, DiNozzo."

Tony met his gaze. "Yeah... pretty sure, Gibbs." And both men knew they were referring to a lot more than just head slaps.

Gibbs returned his grin as he left the kitchen and Abby giggled, rubbing the back of Tony's head. "Aawww, poor baby."

He gave her a mock pout. "Thanks, Abbs... just a little further right, that's it. Oooh, that's better."

Gibbs breezed back in. "You pouring that stuff a drip at a time?"

"Nope, we're done. Meant what I said." Tony looked between the two of them. "I'm really pleased for you both. It's good to see you happy."

"Aw, Tony." Abby launched herself at Tony again, hugging him tightly and Gibbs held out his hand to shake Tony's, nodding his thanks.

When she released Tony, Abby slipped an arm around Gibbs' waist and he curled an arm around her shoulders.

"We're still, erm, figuring it out, Tony, but I think we're doing okay," she gazed up at Gibbs with a soft smile and he pressed a kiss to her hair.

"Looks like you got it figured out pretty good already," observed Tony, smiling as he saw the expressions on their faces as they looked at one another.

He really liked this new guy emerging from his boss and had a feeling he was seeing glimpses of Gibbs as he used to be, before he lost everything. He'd always have a dark side but lately he seemed more balanced and if there was anyone who deserved to be happy, it was Gibbs.

TBC...