I own nothing from NCIS and make no money from this story! If I did own them there would be some wicked story lines! LOL! But for now I shall merely play with them and return them very sated!
A huge thanks goes to my most excellent Beta-Amy- without whom this would not be as polished! Kudos to her for her great work and wanting to work with a nut like me! Trust me! There is much love to her!
Come by my facebook page- always a riot! Sometimes great eye candy as well! Facebook./gibbsandtonysbabe Always happy to have you drop by!
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Next chapter is the wedding!
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Gibbs smiled as he looked around the house. Jack and Tony had been cooking most of the day and last night the three of them had gone out and purchased a tree. Tony was in seventh heaven as it really was the first time that he was feeling a family Christmas. There may have been small celebrations and sparse decorations over the years, but this time it was everything that he was sure that Tony had ever dreamed.
They had spent the evening trimming the tree and adding the garland and various other decorations they had purchased. He was surprised when the overwhelming pain didn't come as he brought down boxes of ornaments that hadn't see daylight since the last Christmas with his girls.
Instead, he felt a renewed desire to give them meaning and managed to share several stories without falling into an abyss of pain. Jack added stories of his own and both men were completely charmed by the genuine desire that Tony had to hear them all. Equally speaking, both men shared glances and knew that their desire to go back and beat the shit out of Senior was also shared.
The house was filled with smells of love, home and the holidays and even he had to admit it was perfect. Watching Jack and Tony, he leaned against the kitchen wall with a smile; they were definitely two peas in a pod.
"Hey you two, anything I can do to help?" Laughing as he saw both men jump.
Tony laughed. "Payback's a bitch Jet. But no, honestly we're just about done and what isn't ready can wait until everyone arrives." He smiled at Jack. "Dad has been great." He added shyly.
Jack winked. "Seems that Tony and I share a love of fine food and cooking. Think it's time he gets your great grandmother's recipes. He can do them justice. Time they were passed down through the family."
Tony smiled that DiNozzo smile. "I'd be honored."
"You're family son and it's time." Jack went over and gave Tony a hug. "Now go clean up a bit before folks start arriving."
Looking down at his clothes Tony chuckled. "Definitely need to do that, I am a bit of a mess." Jethro came up, wrapped his arms around Tony, and whispered. "Damn sexy mess. Go before I decide we can be late to our own dinner", giving Tony a quick kiss and gently smacking his ass as Tony hurried upstairs.
"Thanks Dad. For everything."
"Nothing to thank me for son. He makes you happy, he's a good man, and he's just way too much fun. Glad to share the recipes, he'll not only appreciate them, he'll use them." Jack smiled. "I haven't seen you this happy in way too many years and it makes me feel good."
Jethro smiled. "He gives me more reasons to smile that I ever thought possible. I'm damn lucky he gave me a second chance and I'll make damn sure I never do anything to need a third. I'm no fool, I'm a lucky bastard, and I know it."
Jack chuckled. "That you are son. We best get ready ourselves. People will be knocking at the door soon and I am guessing that they are gonna want to know what this is all about as soon as they walk in."
Jethro smirked. "Abby won't be able to wait."
They started walking towards the stairs. Jethro stopped and looked at his dad.
"Go ahead Dad, you first."
Looking puzzled at Jethro until he saw the faint blush appear, Jack let out a hearty laugh.
"No problem Leroy. I'll go first, wouldn't want you mauling your fiancé before the guests arrive." Jack laughed all the way upstairs as Jethro stood looking mutinously at his father's retreating back.
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Jethro looked at the group gathered at their house and smiled as he considered each and every one of them.
Fornell; he was really more like a brother to both he and Tony. Maybe brother was pushing the envelope a bit with him, but to Tony, definitely. He was thankful Tobias was looking out for the younger man when he certainly wasn't. He'd never forget that.
Jimmy; the man had really come into his own since his relationship with Tobias. He seemed far more self-confident and assured. Again, a person who was there for Tony when he wasn't; another person he was grateful to for holding Tony together.
Abby; he loved her like a daughter. She was the one who began thawing his heart. It was hard to keep walls up around Abby. She had the excitement of a child combined with the love of knowledge; she wanted to solve every mystery. She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. He was damn proud to know her.
Ducky; the man had a story for every occasion and if you took the time to listen, they were interesting. He wasn't afraid to put him in his place and protect Tony. He exuded a quiet power that clearly showed he protected those he loved without question. He was one of his oldest friends and he simply couldn't imagine his life without him.
Dornegat; he was new to the family, but a vital part that had joined them seamlessly. He showed his strength and true colors in an adverse situation and Tony had taken him under his wing. Jethro was sure that Tony would find a way to make the man's life be everything that he wanted for saving him. Tony would never let him forget how important that action was and Dornegat was determined never to let Tony down.
Jack; he and his dad had come a long way, the hard way, but maybe for the two of them, the better way. He looked at Jack now with understanding that every lesson he tried to teach him and every word spoken meant something. The man may not have realized it, but that was where he learned the importance of words. Just because he used his sparingly didn't mean he was unaware of their significance.
Then his eyes fell on Tony; his Tony. He would be hard pressed to imagine not spending his life with the man. They fit together better than puzzle pieces, because they were bound tighter; they wouldn't come a part. He could see love for him through every pore of Tony's skin and honestly, he wasn't always sure he deserved it. But whether or not that deep and abiding love was justified, he sure as hell wasn't going to give it up.
Tony's eyes met his as if he had known what he was thinking. They held his gaze and a wealth of emotion passed through him. Tony thought he was worth it. Every second of every day, the man thought he was worth giving his love to and suddenly Jethro realized it didn't matter if he himself thought he was worth it, because if Tony knew he was worth it, then he was.
They made their way towards each other across the room as if drawn together by some unseen force. As they met, Tony gently ran his finger down Jethro's cheek as he mouthed the words "I love you". Jethro knew no truer words had been spoken.
He smiled as he whispered, "I love you more." Tony gave him the brilliant DiNozzo smile that he loved. Unaware that the room was also smiling and watching their interaction, Jethro brought his lips to meet Tony's in a gentle kiss, conveying everything that he couldn't but wanted to say.
And though Tony could find the words, he answered through his kiss so that Jethro could feel it. The kiss was brief and simple in appearance, but said so much and by the look of wonder on their faces, they both understood the message.
Realizing they were being watched, they turned to look at the group. Jethro smiled and announced. "Tony asked me to marry him and I said yes." The simple announcement was so Jethro. The group laughed before Abby squealed in delight and congratulations could be heard all around.
Abby grabbed them both in a hug. "It's about time. When? Where can we have a bachelor party? Can I help plan the wedding? There are things we need to do. I am so excited-"Jethro placed his fingers over her lips.
"Abs, breathe. I'm sure you can help, don't really need a bachelor's party and where…well that depends." He looked at Ducky who was smiling at the scene.
"Duck… Tony and I were hoping that maybe you would let us get married at your house?"
Ducky smiled broadly. "Well gentlemen I can think of nothing that I would enjoy more. I would certainly be honored." He glanced at Tony. "Mother would have gotten a kick out of her Italian gigolo-furniture mover getting married in her home".
Tony chuckled. "I still remember her chasing me around the house. She was an amazing woman Ducky. And we don't want you to feel that you need to do anything, Jet and I will take care of everything. It's going to be a small affair, only people who matter most."
Ducky nodded. "The house is decorated for the holidays as Mother always did; I wanted to carry on that tradition. But please allow us to help in some small way. You two are important to us and we want to share in the moment with you, not just be bystanders. I am sure I speak for everyone in the room that we are family, so let us help."
Tony, so touched by Ducky's words could only nod. Jethro took his hand and spoke for the two of them. "Ok Duck, we can do that. You're right we are family. Still want it simple, but it would mean the world to us for all of you to be a part."
Tobias nodded. "Good. I want to help Tonio and I know Emily will have ideas." Tobias snickered. "I promise to keep her away from a princess theme."
Tony groaned. "And Hello-Kitty TC. I love her, but I am not wearing a Hello-Kitty boutonniere."
Jimmy tried to hide a grin. "Maybe movie themed."
Tony laughed and patted the man on his back. "Nope. This is our day, the two of us. I just want simple, great food, good music, and Jet beside me. The holiday decorations are enough and that leaves colors wide open."
Dornegat snickered. "So you have thought about this Tony?"
Tony blushed. "Yep, ever since I designed the ring."
Abby grabbed Gibbs hand. "The ring! I never noticed. Oh my God! Tony, you designed this? The colors are perfect."
Tony smiled. "Knew what I wanted Abs, what I wanted it to mean and say. The most trouble was finding the stones that were the right color."
Everyone looked at the ring on Jethro's hand as Abby held it and smiled to themselves at the look on the silver haired man's face.
Tobias looked at Jethro. "Perfect match."
Jethro nodded. "That he is Tobias."
