Happy Valentine's day!

So, this chapter ends this part of my Universe. Finally. I feel like I've been trying to get this point for over a year LOL

I hope you enjoy!

Thanks for all the reviews and the wonderful pm's.

Makayla got into the pickup truck quietly not wanting to look at Gibbs' face. She could tell by his stiff gait that he was angry. She'd followed behind him keeping her distance watching him intently. His shoulders were squared, he all but stomped his feet as he walked and he didn't once look back at her. Gibbs opened the driver's side door and got in, remaining silent as Makayla climbed in beside him. He started the vehicle, glanced at his mirrors and over his shoulder and pulled out of the Xavier parking lot. Makayla did up her seat belt and remained quiet as well, stealing sideways glances at him. His jaw was taut and she could see the muscles at his cheekbones pulsing. She'd only seen him like this a few times and it felt like she should let him calm down a little before she attempted to say anything. Instead, she turned and looked at the treeline as they drove. Light snow fell which was starting to make everything look much more festive. Exams were complete and it was finally the last day of school before Christmas. She'd never been so glad for school to be over. Now she had three blissful weeks off until the new semester started. She just wished she wouldn't be returning to Xavier. She was startled when she heard a cell phone ring. The ring was a loud old fashioned ringtone which she knew wasn't hers. Gibbs took a quick glance at his phone before pulling over to the side of the road and answering it gruffly.

"Gibbs."

Makayla watched the expression on Gibbs' face turn dark as he listened. Whoever was on the other end was not helping improve Gibbs' mood at all.

"That would probably be the best under the circumstances, I agree," he said brusquely into the silence of the car. He listened a few moments longer than replied, "That is an understatement, General."

Makayla couldn't help her mouth dropping open. General? As in Josh Marshall's father kind of General? She felt her heart skip a beat in her chest. Missy had pulled one giant-sized temper fit when Gibbs had shown up and insisted that she go home with him as planned. Makayla shook her head at the memory. She had tried to warn the stubborn man about Melissa. Of course, he didn't listen.

"I don't condone a damn thing that happened this afternoon. I have half a mind…" Gibbs' voice trailed off as he glanced in Makayla's direction and bit back the rest of his words. His jaw vibrated. Makayla held her breath wondering where all this would lead. Melissa had made herself quite clear. Under no circumstances would she allow Gibbs to have any authority over her. There was a time in the conversation where she thought Gibbs would toss Melissa over his shoulder and simply force her to comply with his wishes.

"Her outburst was intolerable. She's lucky I didn't bodily carry her out."

Makayla bit back a smirk at the words, finding Gibbs' timing and her thoughts to be right on target. The two of them always seemed to be on a similar wavelength which she found amusing. Melissa had been in rare form this day. Makayla had seen her sister angry before but nothing like today. She was sure her sister had surpassed her mother for stubbornness.

I'm not going anywhere with you, Agent Gibbs. Melissa's words still echoed in Makayla's ears. Her sister had been livid and Gibbs had not bent even a little to her words. He was equally determined to do his duty by her. It amazed Makayla how Melissa could brush off adults with very little care. If she didn't respect them, she did not acknowledge their authority at all. A small part of Makayla wished she had half the gall of her sister.

This isn't a debate, Melissa Wallace. I promised your aunt that I would watch out for you while she's out of the country. You have 15 minutes to gather your belongings.

Makayla and her sister both had been blessed with their mother's blazing temper and her gorgeous auburn hair. The red hair and fiery temper went hand in hand it seemed. Just like her mother and her Aunt Jenny. No one could push around a woman with Shepard blood pumping through their veins.

Go to hell, Agent Gibbs.

Makayla's brows shot to her hairline at the same speed as a frown settled across Gibbs' features. Melissa had crossed some kind of invisible line now and Gibbs' demeanour changed from sympathetic to hard ass.

"It will have to remain as it is, for the time being, General." Gibbs' voice said with resignation, bringing Makayla back to the present. Makayla shuddered just being pulled out of the unpleasant memory of her sister's outburst.

"Yes, that's fine. Jenkins knows so I guess that's that for the time being."

Makayla shifted in her seat so she could watch Gibbs more intently. It seemed like she spent a lot of time these days watching people's expressions. Riley wore his emotions out in the open more and more too. He used to be impossible to read but not so much anymore. Gibbs was the same way. Makayla wasn't sure if it was because they had dropped their guard around her or if she was just more astute from being around them day in and day out.

"I will leave that to your discretion," Gibbs said, his face looking less intense now. "Same to you, Josh."

Makayla mouthed the name Josh to herself. The general shared the same name as his son? An interesting bit of news to her and wished she had someone to share it with that cared as much as she. Makayla shrugged and couldn't help but wonder if the General was as pompous as his son.

"Thanks again. Merry Christmas to your family as well."

Gibbs ended the call and tossed his phone onto the seat between them. He cleared his throat a few times and turned with a scoff. "You boring a hole in my head?"

Makayla chewed her bottom lip and looked away. "M'sorry."

Gibbs heaved a sigh and reached out to pat her knee gently. "No, I'm sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn't take my frustration out on you."

"I tried to warn you," Makayla whispered.

Gibbs nodded. "Yeah, that you did." He balled up his fists and lightly banged them on the steering wheel then let out a half chuckle. "I thought you were a tough cookie."

Makayla couldn't help but giggle.

"I figure you've guessed that Melissa will be spending Christmas with the Marshall family."

"Yeah, I knew that all along, Agent Gibbs. Just took you a while longer to discover that fact. You get that they're more than just an item, right? I mean she's almost 17 now. Besides, she might as well be a Marshall for how much she acts like them."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"The Marshalls practically own Xavier and Melissa sleeps with Josh so…"

Gibbs coughed several times and held up his hand. "I think that's more information than I needed to know, Makayla."

Makayla shrugged, unfazed by Gibbs' apparent shock. "Whatever. The fact is Melissa isn't like us…"

Gibbs lifted a finger and wagged it in her face. "Let's not go there, Mak. There are no us vs. them. People are people."

"That's where you're wrong, Agent Gibbs. You may think people are all the same but they're not. People like the Marshalls, well, they're nothing like us. They think they're better than everyone else, and they treat others accordingly. You can deny it all you want but it is what it is."

Gibbs was quiet for a few moments and then he cleared his throat tentatively. "Mak, let me say this, okay? There is a lot you don't know about the Marshall family. You seem to think they are the ones with the problem but I beg to differ. You need to look a little deeper into that heart of yours. You might just discover that it's you that's the problem, not the Marshall's. If you're not careful, your pride is going to be your undoing."

Makayla scowled, not liking to hear Gibbs scold her and she looked away, crossing her arms across her chest. She could feel Gibbs staring at her for a few moments before he started the vehicle again and pulled back out into traffic.

XxXxNCIxXxX

The Gibbs household fell into a busy rhythm over the next days as they all occupied themselves with the finishing touches of Christmas planning. Despite the hectic days, Gibbs could feel a bit of a rift fall between Makayla and himself. He knew he hadn't handled the conversation with Mak very well but he hadn't known how to nip her pretentiousness in the bud. The teen girl was so busy being hostile towards her sister and the students at Xavier that she couldn't seem to see her own arrogance. He'd need to address it or her second semester at Xavier was going to be even worse than the last. Gibbs did not have the authority to remove Makayla from the prestigious private school, so like it or not, Makayla would need to accept and deal with her reality.

Christmas Eve morning began with a bang. Literally. Gibbs startled at the loud noise and was on his feet before he was fully awake when he heard the cry that followed. Glancing at the clock at that read 5 am, Gibbs pulled on his robe and hurried towards his girls' room. Rushing in the room, he found Aimee sitting up in her bed rubbing her eyes awake and Janessa sprawled out on the floor in tears. The closet door was open and two toppled chairs were lying on the floor beside her. Gibbs quickly scooped the wailing child into his arms and kissed her tears away, checking her over to see if she had injured herself. He took a breath of relief when he realized she was more frightened than injured.

Abby came rushing in and flicked on the light switch just inside the room. "Is she okay?"

"I think so," Gibbs said, carrying Janessa to her bed and sitting down. "What hurts, baby girl?" he asked, brushing her hair out of her face.

"My arm," she managed to choke out.

Abby sat on Aimee's bed, gathering that child into her arms and hugging her as Gibbs carefully inspected Janessa's arm, making sure she hadn't broken it. Finally, after a moment or two, Gibbs gently massaged it and hugged her close until the tears began to lessen.

"Are you okay, Nessie?" Aimee asked, stifling a yawn and snuggling closer to Abby.

Janessa hid her face in Gibbs' chest and continued to whimper.

"She's fine, Aims. She's just a little scared over the fall." Gibbs' eyes fell on the aftermath of the chairs and open closet door. Aimee's eyes followed and her face darkened suddenly.

"Janessa Gibbs! Were you peeking in the closet?" Aimee pushed away from Abby and rushed towards the closet and peered inside. Hands on her hips, she turned to glare at her sister and then found her father's eyes. "She was snooping at the gifts I hid in there!" Aimee's voice sounded more hurt than mad.

Gibbs frowned a little. He pulled Janessa away from his chest and looked at her sternly. "Is that true? Were you snooping?"

Janessa's lower lip wobbled but she nodded.

Tears rushed down Aimee's cheeks as she stared back inside the closet. "Janessa!" Aimee walked into her closet and shut the door. Gibbs could hear her start to sob. His eyes widened a little. This reaction wasn't what he expected. Aimee was genuinely upset. Abby's eyes met his with an equal look of concern. Aimee was a firecracker so it would have been up her alley to get mad and yell but not hide and cry.

Janessa, being the more sensitive of the two, burst into tears again. "I'm sorry, Aimee."

Gibbs hugged the little girl for another long moment before setting her to her feet in front of him. He poked her nose gently. "No more peeking at presents, miss. People work hard to plan surprises and when you peek, that ruins the surprise."

Janessa sniffled and then her eyes got big. "The monster mades me do it," she said in all seriousness.

"Monster?"

Janessa nodded earnestly. "The lock monster that lives inside me." She pointed at her stomach with eyes as round as saucers. "I wokes up and the monster told me to peek."

Gibbs had to use every muscle in his body to stop the laughter from erupting from him. He exchanged a look with Abby who was covering her mouth to hide her laugh. Aimee's sad sobbing from inside the closet helped to keep the laughter at bay.

"Well, you tell that monster that there will be no more peeking. He will have to wait until tomorrow just like you. Think you can do that?"

Janessa shrugged her shoulders. "I cans try, daddy but he's not a very good listener."

"Ness, did you stack two chairs on top of one another?" Abby asked standing up to right the small chairs.

"Yah huh."

Gibbs wiped some rogue tears from Janessa's cheeks and kissed her head. "Don't do that again, Ness. You could have broken your arm." Gibbs stood to his feet and tapped Janessa on the nose. "Go crawl into my bed and go back to sleep. It's early and I don't want a grouchy Janessa today. I want to be able to drive around and see all the lights tonight before bed."

Janessa yawned and nodded. As she headed out of the room, she stopped and banged on the closet door. "Aimee, I din't see anything. Honor bright."

"Go away!" Aimee called back and a loud thump could be heard like she'd kicked at the door.

There was that Aimee temper Gibbs expected. He felt a little better that Aimee was acting more like herself now.

Janessa huffed, still favouring her arm and walked from the room.

Abby yawned as well and walked over to kiss Gibbs on the cheek. "I'm going back to bed as well. What should we eat for breakfast?"

"How about we go out for brunch this morning? I'm all for keeping the house clean. We've got pizza ordered for tonight. Let's keep today simple and fun. I could use a little of that."

Abby wrapped her arms around Gibbs and hugged him before disappearing from the room once more.

Gibbs opened the closet door to see a teary-eyed, red-faced little girl peering up at him. Her face had morphed from sad to angry. He crouched to her level and smiled at her. "You're really that mad at Ness?"

"Yes!" The little girl snapped at him. Then she choked on a sob and shook her head. "No."

Gibbs scratched at his scruffy face. He hadn't shaved in a couple of days and it was beginning to bother him. "C'mon, tell me why you're crying, sweetie." He offered his hand to pull her to her feet but she shook her head and hid it in her knees again. " Awe, Aims, Nessie said she didn't see anything." Gibbs glanced up to see nothing disturbed above him. He figured the chairs toppled over as soon as Janessa climbed them.

Aimee pulled her knees up to her chest and hid her face, sobbing once more. Gibbs dropped onto his knees and crawled into the closet with her, leaning against the wall and pulling her into his side. His knees clicked and protested as he forced them to make movements they weren't used to. He hadn't been curled up in such a small space in ages.

"Everything's ruined," Aimee said, between hitches in her voice.

Gibbs hugged her. "Awe, Aimee, why do you say that?"

Aimee looked up suddenly. "I peeked," she blurted out.

Gibbs blinked but was quiet waiting for Aimee to explain herself.

"I looked in your closet…it was me," she cried. "I ruined your surprise."

Gibbs was a little taken aback at the admission but recovered quickly. He'd finished wrapping gifts a few weeks ago and had hidden most of them down in the closet in his workshop. Having spent enough Christmases with Abby over the years, he'd learned to wrap and hide early on. Abby was as snoopy as any little kid. She just couldn't help herself. He scratched his head trying to think if he'd left anything behind unwrapped that Aimee could have seen. It was possible. The recesses of the top of his closet were deep and vast. He hadn't bothered to stand on a chair to search around. He might have left a few stray items behind. He just couldn't fathom what.

"Well, I admit I'm not pleased that you peeked but honestly, it's not the end of the world."

Aimee sat up more and wiped her nose on her sleeve, her red eyes looking sheepishly at him. "You're not mad?" She seemed surprised by his reaction.

He pulled her closer and pressed a kiss atop her head. "You know, Aims, snooping and getting a peek at gifts really only ruins the surprise for yourself. I'm not mad if you peeked." He chuckled a little. "I peeked a time or two, myself when I was a kid." Then he stifled a yawn and rested his cheek against her soft hair. "I can't even think what you saw since I thought I wrapped everything and hid it."

"You missed one." She played with the fingers on his right hand, touching each finger gently as she spoke. "I love it, daddy. How did you know?"

Now Gibbs was curious. What gift had he left behind that she seemed to like so much? He was dying to look now. He kissed her brow again and carefully lifted her to her feet as he stood up, hunching over and walking out of the closet. He straightened his back with a groan. "Go back to sleep and promise me to act surprised tomorrow when you open it and we're square, okay?"

Aimee wrapped her arms around him and gave him a squishy hug before climbing back in bed. He pulled up the cover and brushed her hair off her face. "Do you know how much I love you?"

She smiled, tears still glistening on her cheeks and stretched her arms out. "This big much?"

"More." Gibbs stretched his arms out. "This big much."

She giggled and turned on her side with a few leftover sniffles. "Night, daddy."

He chuckled. "More like almost morning. Sleep well, sweetie."

Gibbs left the room, switching off the light and quietly closing the door. He returned to his room to see Janessa sprawled out fast asleep in the middle of his bed. He walked over to his closet and flipped on the light. Pulling the nearby chair over, he stood up and looked to see what he might have missed. His brows hit his hairline when he saw what Aimee must have seen. He'd long forgotten about it. It was something he had picked up years ago for another little girl he loved. It had obviously fallen back in his closet and he'd overlooked it for years. He reached for it, still in the box and unopened. He smiled as he fingered the familiar gift box. Inside the box was a book called Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, along with a journal exactly like in the novel. Gibbs had bought it for Kelly but he'd never been able to give it to her. Gibbs stepped down off the chair and sat down, pulling the closet door closed so the light wouldn't wake up Janessa.

He fingered the ribbon and packaging on the gift. He smiled when he remembered buying it. Kelley had been a vivacious reader and loved to tell stories. He'd forgotten how much alike Kelley and Aimee were that way. Aimee also loved to read anything she could get her hands on. He'd even found her reading a few of his westerns. He'd had to put some out of her reach for fear some of the violence and adult situations would be above her maturity level. It amazed him that the packaging hadn't even yellowed that much despite the fact it had sat for decades untouched atop his closet shelf. It struck him as such a simple gift yet Aimee had said that she loved it. It hadn't dawned on him to give her a journal. From what he knew, the child hated to write anything. He still remembered how writing lines as punishment had worked so well for Aimee. Writing seemed to be something she detested yet she loved the journal? He shook his head. He'd probably never be able to figure the kid out. He looked down at the gift set in his hand. It came complete with a lock and a key. He wasn't even sure if they made journals like that anymore. He patted it with a smile and stood to reach for some wrapping paper in his closet. It would be the piece de resistance and the icing on the cake to Aimee's Christmas…and his. Their first Christmas together of many.

XxXxNCISxXxX

Riley tucked a few more gifts under the tree and stood staring at the beautiful sight. He couldn't remember the last time he'd even received a gift for Christmas, or even his birthday for that matter. Last Christmas, he'd been alone. He'd eaten cold chef Boyardee from a can and hadn't known what the New Year was going to bring. His forlorn house had been cold, the heat and power long shut off. His father hadn't been sober enough to pay the utilities. His mother hadn't even bothered to check on him. Now he was in a warm house, filled with people who cared about him and the tree in front of him was brimming with gifts. Riley couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

Riley looked to see Makayla walk up, also staring at the tree and all the gifts piled underneath.

He shrugged. "Nothing, really. Just a lot has happened since last year, I guess." He slung an arm around her shoulder casually without giving it too much thought.

Makayla didn't pull away but leaned into him. "Yeah."

"If someone would have told me I'd be living with a grouchy Marine gunny in D.C. and I'd be grounded and doing community service with K9 dogs…well, I'd have said they were nuts."

Makayla turned to him. "K9 dogs? Are you serious?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement in the firelight.

He grinned. "Yeah." He pulled out the card Gibbs had given him earlier that day and showed it to her. It read Air Force Maj. Matthew Kowalski, Commander of the 41st Training Squadron. "Well, I guess it's more like military dogs. They train the dogs for overseas missions and the like."

"That's so cool! I wouldn't mind doing that. Think Gibbs can get me community service too?"

Riley messed up her hair. "I pretty sure they're only allowing me on account of my military background in the Marines."

"It's better than wearing an orange jumpsuit and picking garbage up on the side of the road."

Riley shook his head with a grimace. "You watch too much T.V., besides I think Gibbs has other ideas for you when you step outta line." Makayla sobered and became quiet making Riley wish he could take back his teasing words. He wasn't a fan of the way Gibbs handled things in that regard but he thought Makayla was resigned to it. Maybe he'd jumped the gun on that. "Hey, Mak, I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

She waved her hand away. "It's okay, Riley. I'm not upset at Gibbs for that."

Riley turned to face her and reached for her hand. "Then what's up?"

Tears shimmered in her eyes, ignited by the light of the Christmas lights and she shrugged. "Gibbs and I kind of had words…I guess I'm just trying to work out some things in my mind."

Riley frowned. "What happened?"

Makayla pulled away and sat down in front of the tree, pulling her legs up to her chest. The room was comfortably warm with the fireplace crackling close by. The room was lit by the Christmas tree and sounds of laughter could be heard from the kitchen. Gibbs, Abby and the girls were decorating the last of the Christmas cookies to kill time before they went out to look at the lights in the community. They were just waiting for Tony, and Ziva to arrive. Tim had gone home to spend Christmas with his family, as had Jimmy. The good doctor, Dr. Mallard had decided to return to his home country to spend time with some elderly relatives that might not be around for another holiday. Riley hadn't heard where that was exactly. Ducky spoke like a Brit but often sounded like a Scot.

Riley sat by her, leaning against the sofa to stretch out his long legs.

"Just a difference of opinion." She gritted her teeth. "You know, I can't stand Josh Marshall and I hate that my sister has become such a snob since she's been with him. Missy and I don't even talk anymore except to argue. She was so rude to Gibbs…"

Riley nodded but didn't say anything for several minutes as he listened to Makayla rant about all that she hated about Xavier and the students that attended the elite private school. She shared about what when down at Xavier on the Friday school ended and about her conversation with Gibbs later on the drive home.

"Josh showed up here last Saturday…"

Makayla's mouth dropped open. "He did? When?"

"You were at Tony's." Riley chuckled a little. "Aimee kinda took over, to be honest. Should've seen Marshall's face. You know how Aimee gets. She can be a bulldozer when she takes a mind to be."

"Why didn't Gibbs stop her?"

Riley shrugged with a smirk. "I think Gibbs was enjoying watching him squirm."

Makayla laughed.

"The thing is, Mackie, I don't think Josh knows what to do with you."

"What do you mean?"

"You don't fit in. You don't follow the rules. You do your own thing and it makes them crazy. You're messing with the status quo and I'm not sure they know what to do about that."

"Gibbs said I was the snob."

Riley felt himself get a little hot under the collar at that remark but he willed himself to stay calm. "I don't know about that but I've got a question for you, Mak. Do you want to be miserable next semester?"

Makayla shook her head with a scoff. "God, no."

"Take some advice from me. Play the game. It's all about survival. Keep your head down, do what you have to do and get out. It's what? Six months until you're finished for the summer, right? Just buckle down, stay out of trouble and beat them at their own game. You graduate then, right?"

Makayla nodded.

"Steal every single award and all the prestige you can. Beat them at their own game. I've seen your artwork. You're more than good, you're freakin' awesome! Make them grovel. Make them beg you to stay and join their snotty elite group next year and then, hopefully, Gibbs can get you outta there and to that fancy Art school you want next school year."

Makayla seemed to consider his words. "I dunno, Riley."

"What's the alternative? Gibbs is only going to be nice for so long. Eventually, he's going to come down on you like a ton of bricks."

"He already has. More than once."

Riley leaned back, his head resting on the seat of the sofa. "Something tells me you haven't seen the worse he can dole out."

"Riley! Whose side are you on?" She reached out and punched him in the arm.

"Yours!" he laughed, grabbing her hand so she couldn't punch him again. "I'm always on yours. God, Mak, I hate it when Gibbs…" his voice trailed off not even wanting to speak the words, "But he's not a bad guy."

Makayla flopped back on the floor and heaved an exaggerated sigh. "I know," she whined. Then she kicked her feet up and down several times and growled. "I hate Xavier and I don't want to play nice. I don't care if I see any of them ever again." She growled again but then laughed. "How did I get born in the wrong flipping family? I'm an alien."

"A cute, red-headed alien," Riley laughed and reached over to tickle her which only served to make her squeal louder. Their laughter and loud shouts soon brought Janessa into the room. Seeing the jumble of body parts tickling and wrestling, she joined in by jumping on top of Riley's back. Riley grimaced when she accidentally hit a tender spot but recovered by scooping her under one arm.

"I've got you now, you little monkey," he said as she attacked her side with tickles as well.

Janessa burst into a fit of giggles.

The loud commotion brought Gibbs into the room. Seeing Riley attacking Janessa and Makayla, he came forward and took a pillow from the sofa, playfully smacking the teenager in the back of the head.

"Hey," laughed Riley lifting a hand to protect himself from the onslaught.

Gibbs hit him again with a smirk. "That'll teach you to pick on my girls."

Makayla stood to her feet and grabbed a pillow as well. "Yeah, Riley. Don't pick on Gibbs' girls."

Riley groaned as both Gibbs and Makayla smacked him with the pillows and rolled over on his back, using Janessa as his shield. Her giggles were contagious and soon all of them were laughing.

XxXxNCISxXxX

Christmas morning arrived quietly. Gibbs lay awake in bed listening to his slumbering house. He was surprised that Aimee and Janessa weren't up early. His daughter, Kelley rarely made it to 5 am before she was jumping on top of his head. But now as he turned to look at the clock on his side table, it was just past 7 am and he could hear Janessa snoring softly beside him. He wasn't sure what time she'd snuck into his bed this time but he wasn't surprised. His little night wanderer always found her way to his bed by morning. He softly brushed his finger along her tiny pink cheek as she slept cuddled up against him. The arm she was laying on was partially asleep. He could feel the pins and needles beginning. Janessa's sweet tiny features looked even sweeter while she slept. She was a beautiful little girl with her towhead of hair and bright eyes. Aimee was nine years old and her hair showed no sign of darkening so he figured both his daughters were going to blond head beauties as adults. He did not relish the future with figuring out boys and dating. He might not survive.

Janessa moved closer to him and her thumb found her mouth. Gibbs smiled and pushed away his future worries. For now, Janessa was still his baby girl and boys were nowhere near an issue yet. Her little eyes fluttered as she began to gain wakeful consciousness. Her mouth sucked on her thumb and she snuggled in closer to Gibbs, seeking his protection and love.

"Good morning, Nessie-Bear," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her small nose.

The little girl giggled but kept her eyes closed. "Sh," she said through her thumb. "I's still sleeping."

"Oh, okay. Then I guess I will go by myself to see what Santa brought."

Janessa's eyes popped open and she sat up. "It's Christmas?"

Gibbs sat up with a chuckle. "Yup!"

"We can open presents?"

Gibbs laughed and scooped her up into his arms as he stood to his feet. "Yep! Go wake everyone up!"

The sleepiness fell off Janessa like a blanket and she wiggled to get down. As soon as Gibbs set her feet to the floor, she was off in a flash shouting at the top of her lungs. "It's Christmas!"

Gibbs chuckled as he headed to his bathroom. He was going to give himself 5 minutes before the chaos began. Janessa would have everyone up in record time. But he still had a few minutes to himself.

Ten minutes later, Gibbs descended the stairs to see his family gathered around the tree.

"What took you so long, Gibbs?" asked Tony, looking as eager as the smaller ones. Tony was wearing a Christmas onesie with the Grinch all over it.

"Have patience, DiNozzo."

"Gibbs! Gibbs!" Abby shouted, running towards him in her red Christmas skull pyjamas. She held some mistletoe over his head and kissed his cheek. Gibbs drew her into his arms and pressed a kiss on her brow. His Abs. His heart warmed as he pulled her in close. "Merry Christmas," she said. Gibbs playfully snatched the mistletoe from her hand and tossed it in Ziva's direction. His dark-haired Ninja caught it nimbly and then looked up to scowl at him. He merely winked at her.

"Sit here, daddy," Janessa said, patting the space beside her on the floor in front of the tree. Gibbs' knees protested at the thought and instead scooped the child up into his arms, sitting in his easy chair. Janessa melted into his embrace, content to sit in his lap. Aimee walked over and sat on the edge of the chair, the lights glistening in her eyes. She looked sleepy but excited.

"Well, who's gonna hand out the gifts?" Gibbs asked, looking at the brood of "kids" hovering around his very full tree of gifts.

Riley stood up, pulling on a Santa hat. "Santa left me this stupid hat so I guess I can do it," he offered, pretending to look chagrined.

Makayla tossed a pillow at him making him laugh.

Soon everyone had a gift and Riley squished back into his place on the sofa between Makayla and Abby.

"On the count of 3," Gibbs instructed. He pulled Aimee onto his lap too so he could watch what both girls would unwrap. Truthfully, other than a handful of gifts he had purchased for them, he had no idea what was under the brimming tree. He counted to three and the room came alive with the sound of wrapping paper being ripped apart and the pleased 'ohs and ahs' from the recipients.

For the better part of an hour, Gibbs watched and treasured this Christmas as the people he held so close to his heart enjoyed sharing gifts, each one carefully appreciated and passed around for everyone to see.

Aimee hugged the last gift she'd opened to her chest with tears shimmering on her cheeks. Gibbs pressed a kiss to her head as he saw the book and journal she held. He didn't understand why she seemed to like that gift best of all but he was happy that it had found a home. Maybe one day she would tell him. Janessa had long left her spot on his knee as she played with the dollhouse he had made for her. Abby had decorated it to perfection and designed all the intricacies that made it pop and Gibbs could see the little girl was impressed. She danced on her toes each time she stood up only to crouch down and put the small dolls in chairs and beds. The gift had been a hit! He winked at Abby from across the room when their eyes met.

Gibbs looked to see Riley with his arm around Makayla. The two teens looked blissfully happy fingering gifts given to each other…a hoodie and some other paraphernalia. Teen stuff he figured. Gibbs looked at the hidden gift he had tucked into the needles of the tree that no one had yet noticed. He lifted Aimee from his knee and set her back in the chair. She'd already lost herself in the world of Harriet the Spy. He smirked and patted her head. Christmas day was a day where everyone could do whatever they wanted with no chores or responsibilities. He planned to order KFC or pizza so no one had to cook. He didn't need the work and stress of the turkey tradition. Today he just wanted to relax.

"Rye," he called, getting the teenager's attention from Makayla. He quickly tossed the hidden gift in Riley's direction.

"What's this?" The teen asked, shaking the gift and looking bewildered.

Gibbs smiled. "Open it."

Makayla giggled. "Hurry, Riley."

Riley chewed his bottom lip and looked skeptically in Gibbs' direction. Gibbs knew what the teen boy was thinking. He was overwhelmed. Gibbs had watched him open more gifts than the kid had probably ever received in his life. Clothes, new wallet, video games and gift cards and those were only what Gibbs had seen him open. He had quite the pile sitting on the floor in front of him. But Gibbs wondered if Riley had even noticed that none of those gifts had been from him.

Gibbs nodded at him. "Go on."

Riley looked at the small box again and shrugged and began to unwrap it. His face became a mask of confusion when he held up a set of keys.

Makayla sat up and squealed. "No way! You got him a car?" She was on her feet in a minute, rushing to the window to look. "Where is it? What did you get him?"

A cautious frown crouched behind Riley's dark eyes as he warily looked at Gibbs.

Gibbs smiled at him warmly. "Go ahead. Look in the garage."

Makayla ran towards the door that led to the garage with others getting up to follow her. Riley held back and walked beside Gibbs.

"Is this for real?"

Gibbs wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "You're a good man, Rye. I'm proud of you. Let me give this to you."

Riley said nothing but licked his dry lips slowly. When they reached the doorway to the garage, his jaw dropped open. His hands went to his head as he raked them through his hair in disbelief. He looked back to Gibbs and then back at the car. He was at a loss for words. In the garage sat a blue 2002 Mustang V8. Gibbs couldn't help but enjoy the flood of emotions and facial expressions that Riley displayed as he stared in complete silence. From the look on Riley, Gibbs surmised that he had made a good choice. Of course, how could he not? The moment Gibbs set eyes on the car, his inner teenager came out. It wasn't exactly a muscle car…more of a pony car but definitely a sporty, impressive-looking car with its sleek design and white paint stripe down the middle of the hood. Gibbs was certain just about any 16-year-old boy would be proud to own it.

Gibbs clapped his hand on Riley's back. "You're going to need a reliable car to get to your community service. Think this one will work?"

Riley just shook his head in disbelief. His eyes sparkled with excitement that Gibbs had never seen before. "I…uh…don't know what to say."

Gibbs chuckled. "I know you're still grounded from driving…"

"Gibbs!" Tony scoffed in indignation on Riley's behalf. "That's child abuse. You can't give a car to a teen boy and say he can't drive it!"

Gibbs chuckled and held up his hands as the crowd around him voiced their agreement in unison. "Let me finish, Dinozzo. As I was saying, I know that you're grounded but since today is Christmas, there are no rules today. Go ahead, son, take her for a spin."

Gibbs shook his head with a chuckle as he watched all his 'kids' try to pile into the car. Janessa crossed her arms and pouted on the sidelines being smart enough to know there was no room for her or her car seat. Riley scooped her up and kissed her pout away. "I'll take just you for a ride when we get back. Just you and me."

"Aimee and Abby will stay back as well," offered Gibbs, making his voice a little louder over the din in the garage.

Both Aimee and Abby crawled out with matching scowls. Gibbs lifted a brow in Abby's direction and she soon wiped the pout from her face. Riley handed off Janessa to Gibbs and stood staring at the man.

"I, uh, don't know what to say, Sir," he stammered, repeating himself.

Gibbs shifted Janessa to one hip and put a loving hand on Riley's shoulder.

"Thank you is sufficient."

Riley smiled. "Thanks."

Gibbs nodded. He turned and looked at Janessa, "How about we go eat some chocolate sprinkles on bread for breakfast? You hungry."

"Hagelslag!" Janessa's eyes widened and she wiggled to get down. She grabbed Aimee and Abby by the hand and the three girls disappeared back into the kitchen.

Gibbs leaned on the door frame as he watched Riley maneuver the Mustang out of the garage with what looked like Tony's help. The contented smile on Riley's face spoke volumes to Gibbs. The boy had found a home with him. Gibbs felt a warmth blossom inside of him. He had two beautiful little girls, three with Makayla, his team, who were like family to him and now Riley. Life was good to him. He felt blessed beyond measure and looked forward to what the New Year would bring.

This universe will continue soon. Riley, Makayla, Aimee and Janessa will return in my next installment. We will likely pick up around end of January or February of my story. Adventures of the girls starting school, Makayla back at Xavier with the students there...Josh Marshall Jr and her sister Melissa, Jenny will arrive back from Israel. Gibbs will start back to work, hire a housekeeper. Abby will get into some trouble because Abby can't help herself. Makayla and Melissa's parents are in Witness protection in Europe somewhere. YES! I left a lot of plot holes open for continuation.

For now, thanks for reading along and I'll see you in the next adventure in this universe.

Many blessings!