Title: NCIS Christmas
Summary: Secret Santa is Jethro's nightmare this year, even more so than 'Santa Shopping' for 5-year-old daughter, Charlotte!
Second Summary: Jethro is at a loss. Thick snow has blanketed the state, so he can't get out to Stillwater like he did last year and now he is stuck participating in Secret Santa with his team! He now not only has to buy his own gifts but Santa Shopping for Charlotte (that he hasn't done since Kelly) and also find something that Tony doesn't already have. Talking to his father days before Christmas and Jackson suggests something so simply, so heart-warming that it's perfect for Tony. For the boy who never had a very happy Christmas as child, so can he have the same child-like glee for the festive holiday as a 30-something adult?
Disclaimer: I only own Charlotte. The lyrics are not mine they belong to Suede, the song is called Giving You a Cuddle For Christmas it's beautiful if you haven't heard it, look it up.
A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Set in Season 10.
Thursday, December 19th 2013
"Dad, I'm sorry. The snow came early this year to DC. I can't make it up this year." Jethro Gibbs as he spoke to his father on the phone.
"I understand, son. I'm just going to miss seeing that tiny smiling face on Christmas morning." Jackson replied.
"I'll take lots of photos. I've invited the team over for lunch this year. From Jimmy Palmer all the way up to Tony. And partners and kids included." Jethro promised.
"What about that FBI agent you're friends with?" Jackson asked.
"Tobias is spending Christmas with his daughter Emily and her fiancée. They just got engaged so he's making an effort to get to know the boy." Jethro chuckled.
"What does Charli think of staying home?" Jackson always inquired after his granddaughter.
"She actually told me in invite everyone over. She was quite insistent for 5 years old. Stubborn." Jethro said, his father started to laugh.
"Like her old man." He said.
"I guess so." Jethro sighed.
"Look Leroy, whether you like it or not, for better or worse you are that child's whole world. She adores you and she adores your friends. You know how she feels about Tony. He's just as devoted to her and you are." Jackson said.
"I know and she's very excited. Christmas at NCIS is an exciting time, Abby goes all out. WE usually do an office Secret Santa. Abby told the Director – and Leon agreed – that team doings it between themselves is better. And since Abby, Ducky and Palmer worked so closely with my team they are included in ours. So, Tony, Ellie, Tim, Ducky, Palmer, Abby and myself have all drawn names out and had to buy something for them. It's hard to do that and Santa Shopping." Jethro said.
"Surely Abby would take care of Charli while you did the Santa Shopping?" Jackson asked.
"Well, sure, but I meant trying to find something for Tony for Secret Santa!" Jethro stated.
"You know that boy better than anyone, Leroy. He's worked with you for more than a decade!" Jackson said.
"He has all the movies ever made. He buys most things he wants so I have no idea what to get him." Jethro pointed out.
"Go simple. Don't give him anything physical. Invite him over to spend Christmas morning with you. Normally the others are there for lunch right? So invite Tony over to spend Christmas with you. He can stay Christmas Eve night and be there to open presents in the morning with Charli. Both of them will love that." Jackson said.
"I guess that would make sense. Tony never had much of a Christmas growing up. I'll still have to get him something though. I mean you're sending yours down right? So there'll be at least some gifts here. I'll have to get Aby over to watch Charli. I know she's finished her shopping." Jethro said.
"I posted mine two days ago. Should arrive tomorrow." Jackson told him.
"Thanks for understanding Dad. I'll have Charlotte call you on Friday." Jethro promised.
"I look forward to it. And Leroy…I'm a father, I always understand." Jackson said.
Friday, December 20th 2013
"Gibbs! Gibbs! Gibbs! Is Jack coming for Christmas?" Abby pestered as soon as she answered her door the next day.
"Too much snow on the roads. He can't make it. But I might have to get McGee once the snow melts to help set Dad up with that video talk thing." Jethro said.
"Skype? Do you know how to use that?" She asked.
"No. But I'm sure Charlotte will take to it quicker." Jethro said bouncing the giggling child on his hip.
"Daddy!" She giggled, "Hi, Aunty Abby! Daddy needs me to stay with you for today."
"Oh, that's fine, Bossman. I love to look after her, you now that." Charlotte placed a kiss on her father's cheek and then ran in past Abby and climbed up onto Abby's couch.
"I need to finish off some shopping. Specifically Santa shopping. And I need to find something for Tony." Jethro said.
"You haven't bought your Secret Santa gift yet?" Abby gasped.
"How do you know Tony's my Secret Santa?" Jethro asked.
"I didn't. But don't sweat it Bossman, Tony will love anything you give him." Abby said.
"Jackson didn't give me an idea…but we'll have to see if I can pull it off." Jethro said.
"I guess, I'll see you later." Abby said.
"You will Abs. I'll be back later, Charli." Jethro called into the house.
"Bye Daddy!" The reply came.
"What do you mean you can't make it?" Tony rolled his eyes. But beckoned his boss inside his apartment, and he indicated to his couch telling his Boss to sit down.
"In case you haven't noticed, Dad, but I can't drive because of the snow!" He explained.
"So ask if you can borrow a helicopter or something!" Senior snapped.
"I am not using agency funds just because you want me to meet you're new wife and step-mother – what is it? 14 or 15?" Tony said.
"Don't take that tone with me, Anthony!" His father snarled.
"Dad! I. Cannot. Make. It. This. Year. Deal with it!" Tony snapped, slamming the phone down.
"Trouble in paradise?" Jethro asked with a smirk.
"Ha! Paradise! Thanks for the laugh Boss. Who knew you could do humour?" Tony laughed mirthlessly.
"DiNozzo, you did the right thing. Your father shouldn't rule your life, not the way he wants to anyway." Jethro said.
"He only wants me there because he's remarried, again." Tony told him.
"I wanted to ask you something." Jethro said.
"Sure, Boss. Shoot." Tony relaxed down next to him on the couch.
"Well, I couldn't think of anything to get for Secret Santa-" Tony cut him off.
"You want my help?" He asked.
"No. I'm asking you – as your Secret Santa – if you'd like to spend Christmas morning with me and Charli. You can spent the night with us – which she will love. I want you there, Tony." Jethro said.
"Why Boss?" Tony asked.
"Did you ever put out cookies and milk for Santa? Carrots for the reindeer?" He asked.
"No, Dad wouldn't let me." Tony said.
"You will this year. I think, even at your age, you can still experience the child-like wide-eyed excitement that comes with Christmas." Jethro said.
"You know what? I'm there." Tony agreed.
Tuesday, December 24th
When the doorbell chimed on Christmas Eve, Charlotte was racing for the door. She could see who it was and she was as excited as she was about Santa visiting that night.
"TONY!" She cried jumping into his arms as he put the bags down he held.
"Hey there, Munchkin! You excited?" He hugged her tightly and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
"I'm so happy to see you!" She said.
"I'm happy to see you too, Munchkin. Where's Dad at?" He asked.
"Basement. DADDY!" She called.
"I'm coming Charli. Hey Tony." Jethro appeared.
"Hey Boss. Where should I put these?" Tony asked.
"Under the tree of course, Tone." Jethro said.
"Tone? Only my frat brothers have ever called me Tone." Tony said.
"And I can't?" Jethro asked.
"Never said that, Boss. Just not used to being called that outside of Spring Break." He explained.
"Well, if you don't mind. I think I'll use it when it's just us." Jethro said.
"Not complaints here, Boss." Tony smiled.
"Good to know. Set up the presents, I'll make some coffee – and maybe a hot chocolate for my little girl." Jethro said stepping into the kitchen, and sent a wink Charlotte's way.
"You're going to show me how it's dome, Munchkin. My Dad never let me do this when I was your age. So I don't know what I'm doing." Tony said.
"Here, put these on that plate and then pour a glass of milk. We leave those for Santa. He gets hungry going around the whole world in one night!" Charlotte said, seriously.
"Of course. And the carrots?" Tony asked.
"They're for the Reindeer! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donna and Blitzen!" She recited their names.
"Isn't there a ninth one?" He asked.
"Oh! And Rudolph!" She said.
"So, that's all done…now what?" He asked.
"Now you join me with hot chocolate and we do Tony's tradition and watch, It's A Wonderful Life." Gibbs called from the lounge room.
"On it Boss." Tony said ushering Charlotte out of the kitchen.
Wednesday, December 25th 2013
0415
"Tony…Tony, wake up." Charlotte said softly.
"Urgh, what time is it Charli?" Tony looked at the clock, "4 am? Charli…do we have to do this now?" He yawned.
"But Santa came! For you too! Come see!" Charlotte said tugging on his arm.
"Charli, please. I haven't slept well all week. I need a little more sleep." He said, she cocked her head the side.
"Can I climb in?" She whispered.
"Sure come on." He said moving back and letting her climb in and snuggle up to his chest.
"What did you get me for Christmas, Tony?" She whispered.
"You'll see soon enough." He told her, and they drifted off to sleep, and that was how at 6:45 Jethro found them.
It turned out that, when they finally all got up (at 8am) to open presents, Tony had gifted Charlotte with lots of things. A paint set, some books and he even said that she had the opportunity to hear him sing if she wished to. When she said she did, he pulled her up onto his knee and began to sing,
I just about finished my shopping, I worked my way right down the list,
It's a last minute dash, and I'm right outta cash,
But I think that there's someone I've missed,
I got the kids just what they asked for, I got your Dad a carton of beer,
Got your mother some soap, so I honestly hope, that she's used what I gave her last year,
I heard you dropping hints about diamonds, but the price tag looked a bit high,
And you deserve a present that's priceless, so I got you something money can't buy.
Yes, I'm giving you a cuddle for Christmas, it was the best present I could afford,
It takes no batteries, got a full warrantee, and it folds so it's easily stored,
I'm giving you a cuddle for Christmas, it's got a full cuddle-back guarantee,
So if it's no good or doesn't do what it should, you just give it right back to me,
A DVD you watch and forget it, a book is only good for one read,
Clothing is fine, though it's fades over time, but a hug is something everyone needs,
I know that you're a bit of a greenie, well in that regard you'll find it quite apt,
It's totally environment friendly, baby – cause you're the only thing that gets wrapped!
Yes, I'm giving you a cuddle for Christmas, this voucher tells you all you should know,
Like where to redeem, or at the bottom it seems, to tell you just how far this cuddle can go,
Yes, I'm giving you a cuddle for Christmas, and nine out of ten would agree,
Cause I beat all the rest in an independent test, and yes the best cuddles come from me,
Yeah I creamed all the rest in that independent test, and the best cuddles come from, best cuddles come from, best cuddles come from me.
"YAY! Daddy I got a cuddle from Tony!" Charlotte cheered hugging Tony.
"I see that. And he told you in song too." Jethro said.
"You're a really good singer, Tony." Charlotte told him.
"Thanks, Munchkin." He said.
"Like really good! You could be a celebrity!" She declared.
"I'm not that good Kiddo. You know, I'm not Frank Sinatra." He said.
"You're still really good." She promised him.
"I'm glad you liked it. We'd better get through these though, before the others arrive and you get even more presents!" Tony said.
"None as good as that." Charlotte said.
"Love you Munchkin." Tony told her.
"Love you too, Tony." She said.
"Love you as well, Dad." Tony said with a grin.
"Yeah, love you too, Tony." Jethro replied.
"You made her day you know." Jethro told Tony as he handed him a coffee that evening.
"I guess I wore her out too." Tony said, they had put Charlotte to bed just ten minutes ago.
"Well, I think it was more Tim bringing over Jethro, but yes you tired her out." Jethro said.
"I wanted to give her something unique and to make her smile. So I remembered this song I heard once in the car on the way into work. This one stuck with me. I have the record at home – probably the only Christmas music I have and I can play it on piano and guitar. I'm glad she enjoyed it." Tony said.
"And my bottle of Jack?" Jethro asked.
"Not really the easiest person to buy for, Boss." Tony said.
"Just Gibbs is fine, Tony. We're not at work til New Years. And we're here anyway." Jethro said.
"Ok, Gibbs it is. Or Jethro if you'd let me." Tony said.
"What about 'Dad'?" Jethro said.
"Dad?" Tony asked.
"Yeah I mean you're like a son to me anyway, why not make it just for us when we're here?" Jethro said.
"You're sure about this?" Tony asked.
"Of course I am, I wouldn't suggest it if I wasn't and anyway – I always wanted a son. Shannon and I talked about another kid, but as Kelly kept growing and I was never really home long enough. And then I lost them and got injured…it was never right with Diane, or Rebecca – Stephanie…well obviously wasn't good enough. She found someone better." Jethro said.
"Her loss. I think I like the idea of being your son, Gibbs. At least I know you're always there for me if I need to talk." Tony said.
"Merry Christmas, Son." Jethro said.
"Merry Christmas, Dad." Tony smiled.