Jackson
The more time they spend around him, the more they see all the similarities that Gibbs and his father share.
His eyes are all-knowing, his brilliant smile flashes with the same secret amusement, and his quiet compassion is so very familiar.
But where Gibbs doesn't pry and meddle in the personal areas of their lives, Jackson shows no restraint.
"And she can cook!" Jackson chortles from his spot at Gibbs' kitchen table, a bowl of green beans before him. He snaps the stem off another bean, flashing Ziva a smile and dipping his head to peer over his spectacles.
"You're a woman of many talents. Leroy, you better be watching out for her."
Ziva's shoulders quake in silent laughter from where stands over Gibbs' stove. She turns to smirk at Gibbs, eyes alight with amusement, and he shakes his head at both of them, resuming his careful carving of the dinner ham.
"She can take care of herself, dad. Believe me."
Ziva turns away from the stove, leveling Jackson with a wink, and comes to stand next to Gibbs with an empty serving plate. He leans over to drop a quick kiss to the top of her head, and she gives him a smile and a squeeze to his arm at the fatherly gesture.
"I'm sure she can," Jackson sets aside the bowl, and folds his hands upon the table. "But keep an eye out on all those men out there." He looks at them pointedly, "You're a pretty girl, Ziva. I'm sure you turn a lot of heads."
"That's why he keeps the rifle above the mantle." Ziva's head snaps up as her partner enters the room, a glass half filled with eggnog in one hand, and the other pulling at collar of the Christmas sweater Abby forced him into. He winks at Ziva and the two share a grin at their bosses eyeroll and heavy sigh.
"You do not have to worry, Jackson." Ziva grins as she pats Gibbs arm and comes around the counter to take Tony's glass. "Besides, there is already a man in my life."
The partners' lingering gaze is discrete enough to not attract attention, and so it goes unnoticed by either men.
"Is that right?" Jackson leans back, bringing his arms to his lap.
"That's the rumor," Tony supplies, murmuring a low thank you as Ziva comes back to hand him a freshly filled glass. As she hands him the drink, the ring on her finger catches the light in the kitchen's florescent glow, and she waves her hand strictly for Jackson's benefit.
"Mhm," She hums, her eyes brighten with childlike excitement, looking down at her right hand. "And he treated me well this Christmas."
Tony takes a sip of the chilled eggnog, his eyes lingering on the blue colored stone on her finger; the smile it brings to his face hidden behind his glass. Jackson lets out a low whistle, his eyes going toward his son.
"You better watch this boy, Leroy." He tells his son sternly, while Gibbs face remains impassive. "He a good boy?"
She glances toward her partner, a playful smile on her lips.
"Very," She assures, and Tony winks, taking his leave. She settles her gaze on Jackson.
"He's the best man I know."