Author's Note: And now for something warm and fluffy after that intense meeting with Boone. Fair warning though, this is definitely the calm before the storm! There's just four more chapters to go after this one.

Chapter 23 – Family

Gibbs

December 24, 1932

"We're here," he said, waking his passengers.

He looked over at them. It was hard to see them in the dim light but Fornell was leaning against the door with Diane sleeping against him. Emily was straddled between her parent's laps. With only his truck for transportation, fitting the four of them had been a tight fit, so the fact that they were sleeping was a testament to how exhausted they were after their ordeal.

Fornell and his family had remained at Quicksilver for a few hours while he reached out to Leon Vance.

After Tony had alerted him that Leon was back in Washington, he reached out the Morrow and discovered that Tom had brought Leon back to Washington before he had traveled to Europe to meet them about this case. Morrow's foresight to have another deep cover ONI agent that they had worked with in Baltimore and trusted in Washington had paid off when Leon warned Tim and Tony about the raid on the Tin Angel.

They hadn't had much reason to use Leon as a go between since then, which would work in their favor. Vance had no overt connections to himself, Tim or Tony, or Fornell. Leon worked as a civilian at the Navy Yard, which meant he had no connections to Napolitano either. Any way you looked at it, unless they had been compromised, there was no way to draw a straight line between them and Leon.

Which was why Leon was the perfect person to hide Fornell and his family while he made arrangements for a more permanent safe house far from Washington. Leon had taken Fornell and his family into his home under the cover of darkness and with the Vances living in a predominantly black neighborhood, they didn't think anyone would look for Fornell and his family there.

"Where? And how can you tell?" Fornell asked. "It's pitch black out there. Between the darkness and the rain, I haven't seen the road for the last half hour."

"We're not in the city, Tobias," he said with amusement even as he noted that Fornell hadn't actually been sleeping. He had been feigning sleep while keeping an eye out. That told him that Fornell still didn't trust him. Not that he blamed the man. "No street lights."

"I noticed," Tobias replied as Diane sat up. "Where are we?"

"West Virginia," he replied as he turned onto a gravel road. "At the home of an old friend. You can stay here as long as you'd like."

"He won't need his house?" Tobias asked.

He shook his head.

The house had belonged to Colonel William Ryan. He had been his commanding officer in the Great War. The Colonel used it as a vacation home, a retreat in the mountains for hunting and fishing. Unfortunately, Colonel Ryan had gone slightly mad and was now living in an asylum for the insane, seemingly suffering from extreme nightmares and paranoia brought on by his experiences in the war. But fortunately for them, that meant that the house was available for use and it couldn't be connected to Diane or Tobias.

Fornell opened his mouth to ask why but they had come to the end of the driveway.

The small, single-story house was tucked in between several large trees. There was a small covered porch and a few dark windows looking back at them. The paint was peeling slightly and in the dark, it seemed foreboding. A ramshackle garage stood to the right and through the partially open door, they could see something reflecting the headlights back at them.

"I came up yesterday and checked the place out," he said. "It isn't much but there's power and an old truck to get around in. The nearest town is a few miles down the road."

He got out of the truck and hurried through the rain to the front door with Fornell, Diane and Emily on his heels. After weeks of cold weather, it seemed to be warming up, but that meant the snow had been replaced with rain. And even though it was warmer, the wet weather made the air feel colder than when it had been snowing.

He opened the door and turned on a light.

"This house is isolated and away from Washington and Napolitano's influence," he said. "And it isn't connected to anyone in Washington. You'll be safe here."

He stepped aside as Tobias, Diane and their daughter entered the house.

"You weren't joking when you said it wasn't much," Fornell said. He was looking around the shabby home incredulously.

The Colonel hadn't been much of a decorator, especially since he only used the house when he came to the mountains to go hunting or fishing. As such, it only had the bare necessities. And considering it had been years since Colonel Ryan had been institutionalized, everything was coated with dust except where he had disturbed things yesterday.

The kitchen, dining and living room were all in one room. One bedroom was to the right of the main door at the front of the house and the second bedroom was off the kitchen at the back of the house. The single bathroom stood in between the two rooms.

There was a single sofa under a window along the left wall, a small dining table and four chairs between the living room and kitchen. Several deer heads were mounted on the walls and an elk head had apparently fallen from its mounting and now sat on the sofa. Between the sofa and the kitchen was a large fireplace with a shotgun over the mantle.

"But it is appreciated," Diane replied sternly as she picked up Emily.

Fornell looked at her and nodded. "Of course. It is greatly appreciated," Fornell said hastily.

He nodded at her and was happy to see that she didn't have her usual scathing gaze for him. Their divorce had been ugly at best and he hadn't spoken to Diane since they had signed the papers. But a bitter divorce wasn't a reason to allow Diane or her family to be harmed.

Emily yawned and leaned against her shoulder. "I'd like to put Emily to bed. It's been a long two days."

"I'll get the bags," Fornell said. "How do we heat this place? I don't suppose there's a furnace?"

"There are wood burning stoves in the bedrooms and plenty of firewood out back," he replied. "I split enough firewood to last you until morning. I'll get the fire started."

He entered the front bedroom and quickly lit the fire he had prepared the day before. He had already made the bed up with clean sheets from his own home so Diane was able to put Emily down. When he had a tidy fire going, he went out into the living room and lit the fire in the fireplace as Fornell returned with their bags. Tobias was soaked from the rain but the bags seemed to have remained dry enough thanks to the tarp he had tied over top the bed of his truck.

At first, he hadn't anticipated being able to get any of Tobias' or Diane's belongings. But when Tony told him that Tim was in charge while Napolitano had gone out of town, that had given him an idea. Under Tim's orders, they had used some of Abby's most trusted associates to 'search' Diane's and Tobias' homes for clues as to where they might have gone. That had allowed them to acquire a few things.

They couldn't get much more than some clothes and some personal items but it was better than nothing and he doubted that anyone else searching their homes would notice a few missing items in the mess their boys had left behind.

Diane took her bag and looked at him. She hesitated for a moment almost as if she was reconsidering her actions. Suddenly she dug into the bag and collected something.

Diane approached him and pressed the item into his hand.

"Thank you, Jethro," she said. Suddenly she turned and disappeared into the bedroom shutting the door behind her.

He looked down at the pocket watch. It was his grandfather's railroad watch. She had claimed that she hadn't known what had happened to it during their divorce but he always knew that she had kept it. He had never expected to see it again.

Fornell was standing in front of the fireplace trying to dry off, occasionally looking at him and the watch. He could tell that Fornell wanted to ask about it but thankfully he didn't.

Instead he said, "Thank you. Jethro?" Fornell smiled wryly. "I know we were introduced but you'll have to forgive me. These last two days have been a bit of a blur."

"Jethro Gibbs," he replied as he joined Fornell by the fire. The light and the warmth were welcome in the cold home but it also threw the dark bruises on Fornell's face into stark relief. After almost two days, the bruises looked worse than they had that first night Fornell had forced his way into Quicksilver. And Tobias was still favoring one leg.

Smiling slightly, he pulled a chair out and motioned for Fornell to sit. Tobias sat down gratefully.

"I always wondered about the man that Diane was married to before me," Tobias said.

"Wondered why he divorced her?" he asked as he took a seat on another chair.

"No," Fornell said. He watched as Fornell checked to see that the bedroom door was closed. Then he lowered his voice. "How he got away clean."

He chuckled. "I didn't," he replied. "She cleared out my bank account."

"Mine too," Fornell said dryly. He smiled at their mutual misfortune with the same woman. "At least she returned your watch." He nodded. "I always wondered about that," Fornell said motioning to the watch.

"Me too," he said causing Fornell to chuckle.

"You got your watch back. For my trouble, I only got a headache and fifteen months employment," Tobias said sardonically. "With a gangster."

"Nah," he said drawing Fornell's attention. "You have a beautiful daughter, Tobias." He watched as Tobias looked towards the bedroom door. The man's expression softened. "And that is something special."

Fornell nodded. "Emily is the best part that came out of our marriage." Fornell looked at the door. "And thanks to you, I still have them and my life. I don't know what your game is but I appreciate it."

"There's no game," he said.

"Then why is Gemcity, Napolitano's right-hand man, interested in saving me and my family?" Fornell demanded.

He repressed a smile. "Been waiting to ask that since I picked you up tonight, haven't you?" he asked.

"You're damn right! I've wanted to ask that since I laid eyes on him in that club!" Fornell looked at him. "I can't figure it out. The only reason why Napolitano would have gone after me and my family is because he thought I was the one selling him out the Bureau."

"But you aren't," Gibbs replied.

"No!" Fornell replied. "I don't know anything about Napolitano's set up. I only knew what the Bureau knew from its investigation. My only involvement with his organization was providing Naps information the Bureau had on him." He watched as Fornell worked it out. "Gemcity saved me because he knew it wasn't me."

He smiled.

He thought back to Tim's behavior in the club. He had been impressed by Tim's assertiveness in taking the lead but not shocked. It made sense. If they were to maintain their covers, Tim would be in the lead over a handyman and a bodyguard.

And yet he had been surprised. He hadn't worked closely with the young man in months and while he had grown to know Tim socially, it wasn't the same as working with him. He knew Tim had changed since this mission had started; he could tell that much just from their social interactions. But he hadn't seen the young man in action so to speak.

From the moment that Fornell had appeared, Tim's demeanor had changed. He had been different. It definitely wasn't the demeanor of the meek and timid agent who had started out on this undercover mission, terrified that Napolitano was going to make him. He couldn't say it but Tim had made him very proud.

"So out of the goodness of his heart, he decided to risk his life and career with Napolitano?" Fornell asked. "I'm not so sure about that, Gibbs. I know what happened to his predecessor and so does he. Spooner only stole from Napolitano. Imagine what he would do to Gemcity for helping a snitch to escape."

He didn't have to imagine it. He knew exactly what Kyle Boone would do to Tim if Napolitano ever figured out what he had done. When they had started to put together this contingency plan, he had warned Tim of the consequences but Tim wouldn't change course. Not that he had expected any different.

"He knows the risks," he replied simply.

Fornell examined him. "Then tell him I said thank you. I owe him everything."

"I will," he said with a nod. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper with an address on it. "There's a lumber mill just outside of town. It's hard work but the pay is good. It'll be more than enough to take care of Emily and Diane. I've already talked to the owner. He's expecting you on Tuesday."

Tobias nodded. He seemed to want to ask a question so he waited until Tobias worked up the nerve to ask what they both knew he wanted to know.

"Someone is working to dismantle Napolitano's network," Tobias said. "About three months ago, I was supposed to take part in a raid on that club, Quicksilver. Instead I ended up in a dark room talking to two men who I thought were going to put a bullet in my head."

"Clearly they didn't," he said wryly.

"No," Tobias said. "Not long afterwards, the Bureau started getting tips about Napolitano's network." Fornell stood and started to pace, limping slightly. "That isn't unusual. We get dozens of tips about illegal clubs, gambling parlors and other illegal businesses every day. But these ones were designed as a test."

"Of Napolitano's network," he said.

"No," Tobias said as he stopped and looked at him. "Of the Bureau itself. At first I thought the two men who questioned me were from Napolitano's network and that he was using the information to find someone within the Bureau that had it out for him."

"Who were they?" he asked even though he knew the answer.

Fornell rolled his eyes. "They called themselves Gus Bricker and Leland Robert Spears, although if those are their real names, I'll eat my hat." He chuckled. "You know what I think now? I think they were getting information from me to try to find a mole that's already inside the Bureau. One that's been helping Napolitano evade prosecution for years."

"Cracked this case already?" he asked dryly. "Only took you fifteen months."

"It wasn't my case," Fornell said with a wry smile. But Fornell's smile faded as he sat down and looked at the fire again. "These raids, they're systematic. Even the raids I've warned Naps about have been planned." He looked at Fornell and watched as he put the pieces together. "A few small victories in the war so to speak. But it's only a matter of time until the Bureau takes him down."

He repressed a small smile.

Fornell examined him with intense blue eyes. Now he understood why Tim suspected Fornell was a cop from the moment they first met nearly a year ago. Fornell's eyes had betrayed him.

"Diane tells me that you worked for the Navy," Fornell said as he examined him. "But now you work for Napolitano. I can't figure how a guy like you went from an upstanding job to being a handyman for a mobster. Unless you are undercover." Fornell seemed to come to a realization. "You're the one directing these raids."

"No," he replied in all honesty. He wasn't directing a thing. This brilliant dissection of Napolitano's network was McGee's plan. He chuckled. "I'm not that smart, Tobias."

"But you know who is behind it," Fornell said. "Gemcity?"

"Not him either," he replied. Technically that was true. Thom E. Gemcity only existed as an employee of James Napolitano. Timothy McGee was responsible for those raids. "But it is dangerous to say that aloud, even outside of Napolitano's circle of influence. And I'd rather you didn't say that again."

"Because it could get Gemcity killed even if it isn't true," Tobias said. He nodded. "You have a lot of affection for that kid." He looked at Tobias who elaborated, "Gemcity that is. I could see how protective you were of him when I was in Quicksilver. How does a handyman get that close with Napolitano's money man? You two really aren't in the same class."

He shrugged. "Quicksilver," he replied. "I work for Miss Sciuto fixing up her club and Gemcity is seeing her."

"So, you're friends by acquaintance," Fornell concluded. He didn't disabuse Tobias of that assumption. He examined Fornell. The man didn't seem entirely convinced by his story.

"Gemcity saved my life and my family," Tobias said. "I promise I won't do anything to put his life at risk. I'm more than content to live quietly here just so long as my family stays safe. Even if that means living with my ex-wife again."

He examined Fornell. He could tell that Fornell was eager to know who was behind Napolitano's downfall. He smiled slightly. As an investigator, he understood the burning desire to know and understand all the pieces of the puzzle. And while he would like to share all that he knew with his kindred spirit, he knew he couldn't take the risk.

"But you want to know who's taking Napolitano down," he said.

Tobias smiled. "Do you blame me?" He shook his head. "One day, when this is over, promise me you'll tell me who it is so I can properly thank him."

He shrugged noncommittally and fortunately Tobias accepted that.

Standing up, he pointed to the kitchen. "The fridge and the pantry are stocked with enough food to last until the markets open again on Monday. There's plenty of cordwood out back. You should be set but if you need anything, reach out to Leon. His number is on the paper. He'll know how to reach me."

"I appreciate that but I'll make do," Fornell said as he stood. "I don't want to put you at risk. "I can't thank you enough," Fornell said again.

"Just staying out of trouble will be thanks enough," he replied. "I'd hate to see you waste your second chance at the risk of Gemcity's life."

"Trust me," Fornell said. "That won't be a problem. I've had my fill of mobsters for a lifetime. I will do all that I can to stay away from them." He examined Fornell. He got the impression that Fornell would rather arrest Napolitano than hide from him. "I won't risk my family just to take down a mobster even if that's my preference."

He smiled. Fornell was a man after his own heart. He nodded indicating that he understood then he turned to leave.

"Jethro," Fornell said stopping him. He turned around. "Merry Christmas."

He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was well past midnight. It was Christmas. He nodded. "Merry Christmas," he said as he left.

It was late and he had a long drive back to Washington and he was already tired from staying up the previous night. But it had been necessary. They couldn't trust any of their other associates with Fornell's safety and since Tony had informed him that Boone had broken into their apartment; he couldn't count on Tony's help. So, it had been left to him to see that Fornell and his family were taken to a safe house, that they had food and clothes. All in all, he had maybe grabbed a couple of hours sleep in the last two days and he was feeling it.

He sighed as he got into his truck. Seeing Fornell with his ex-wife and daughter brought back many memories, most of them painful. And he wasn't looking forward to a drive with only those memories for company.

Even with his speedy driving, it took him just over three hours to get back to Washington. He collapsed into bed just after four in the morning and was asleep in minutes. He woke hours later and just in time to get ready.

After a wash and a shave, he dressed in his best suit which he had freshly pressed for the occasion. He fingered the fine material uncomfortably. It wasn't his customary workman's clothing and while the suit did feel strange, he knew he was uncomfortable for an entirely different reason.

"You have a lot of affection for that kid."

Fornell's words echoed in his ears.

McGee wasn't a kid even though he was younger than someone in his position ought to be thanks to his accelerated schooling. But Fornell was half right. He had a lot of affection for both Tony and Tim. And it was more than what he should feel about members of his team.

While he had worked with Tony and Tim for five years in Europe and now almost another two years undercover, this was the first Christmas they'd be spending together. Christmas wasn't just any other holiday. It was the day meant to spend with family. And this was the day that he was consciously aware that he did not have a family any longer.

He sat down on the bed and reached into the bedside table. He pulled out a small wooden box and ran his fingers over it. He opened it and looked down at the photographs inside. The top one was a photograph of himself in uniform and woman in a wedding dress.

He smiled slightly at the black and white photograph. It simultaneously felt like yesterday and a lifetime ago that he had held Shannon in his arms.

He set the photo aside and picked up the next picture. It was a formal photo of Shannon and his daughter, Kelly. He had found the photo in a letter that Shannon hadn't mailed to him before she and Kelly had been killed.

"I miss you two," he said softly. He gently brushed his finger across the photo. "Merry Christmas."

He took the photo and replaced it in the box for safe keeping.

He sighed and stood. He had never found anything like he had with Shannon and Kelly despite his three additional marriages. He certainly hadn't considered having children with any of them. He still had his father but they hadn't spoken in years so he was essentially without a family.

But after these last few years, he was finding that he cared for Tony and Tim more than he should for a pair of coworkers. And if Christmas was a time for family, then they were the ones he should want to spend it with because they were as close to family as he had in this world.

It was comforting and frightening all at once. A little part of him feared getting close to anyone because getting close meant pain if those people were lost. He had felt that pain acutely too many times before and he wasn't eager to feel it again.

He chuckled mirthlessly.

He didn't seem to have a choice in the matter. He was already close to Tony and Tim. He knew he cared for them. He cared for Abby. And he cared for Holly. He knew it would hurt just as much if something happened to any of them just as it had hurt when he had found out that Shannon and Kelly had been murdered.

But things were different now. He was here and he could protect them. He hadn't had that opportunity when he had been fighting in the Great War.

Without another thought, he grabbed his overcoat and left his house. He didn't want to keep his adopted family waiting on Christmas.

He stepped outside and frowned. The sun was shining and it was warm. If not for the Christmas decorations on his neighbor's homes and a few piles of snow than hadn't melted yet, he might have thought it was a spring morning.

Pushing the thoughts about the odd weather aside, he got into his truck and drove to Holly's apartment. He jogged up the two flights of stairs to her apartment and knocked.

A moment later, Holly opened the door. But instead of smiling, she looked slightly panicked. "Jethro!" She opened the door and allowed him inside. "I'm running late. I'm not even dressed yet."

He examined her and realized that she was only wearing a robe.

"I don't see a problem with that," he replied evenly as he caught sight of her long leg peeking out from the folds of the silk robe as she walked.

She looked at him as he took off his overcoat. "You wouldn't," she said dryly as she looked him up and down. "Wow. I don't think I've ever seen you dressed so finely." He looked down at himself self-consciously. She smiled. "Don't worthy Jethro. You look great. Now just give me a moment to get dressed. And yes, I have to if we ever intend to get to Tim and Tony's apartment."

He smiled at her as she disappeared into the bedroom.

When she finally emerged, she was wearing a deep green dress that made her eyes shine. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was but he couldn't seem to get the words out.

"Cat got your tongue?" she asked, clearly pleased that she was having an effect on him.

He swallowed. "Uh yeah," he said. "You look beautiful Holly."

She spun around. "Thanks. I saved up for it for three months. I'm just happy I have somewhere to wear it." She walked over to her desk and picked up a small box. "Here. I know we said we weren't going to exchange presents but well, what's Christmas without presents?"

She handed him the box.

"Holly, you didn't have to."

"Maybe not but I did," she said. "Now open it."

Nodding, he opened the box and pulled out a beautiful silver pocket watch. He looked at it in amazement. "You weren't saving for the dress for three months," he said softly as he realized how expensive the watch must have been.

"No," she replied. "We've been seeing each other for over six months. I wanted to get you something special for Christmas."

He opened the watch and appreciated the simple beauty of the small object. He wasn't much of a mechanic but knowing that all the little cogs and gears inside the watch fit perfectly was something that he could really appreciate. He closed it and rubbed his fingers over the scalloped back. This was a far nicer watch than his grandfather's pocket watch, which was utilitarian and mostly sentimental.

"Thank you," he said as he leaned down and kissed her.

When they broke apart, she said, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," he replied.

She coughed slightly after neither of them moved to leave. "We should get going. We'll be late." She hurried to her closet to retrieve her coat.

Jolting, he remembered the box that he had tucked into his coat pocket yesterday. He had intended to give it to her after the party at Quicksilver but Fornell's arrival had ruined that plan. "Wait," he said. "Merry Christmas."

"I thought you said no presents," she said wryly. He shrugged. She smiled as she took the long narrow box and opened it. Her eyes widened and she looked at him. "Jethro," she said. "They're beautiful. I almost don't want to ask…"

"They're real," he replied. "Been saving up for a few months."

She looked at him and smiled. Suddenly she shook her head. "You hide it behind those stares and your gruff exterior but Leroy Jethro Gibbs; you are a romantic at heart." He shrugged but couldn't deny it. She laid a hand on his chest, leaned in and kissed him. "Thank you."

He took the box from her and took the necklace out. He carefully moved behind her, unclasped the necklace and draped it around her neck. When he was finished, he admired Holly in a nearby mirror.

"Appreciating your present?" she asked.

"Actually, I was looking at the neck under the present," he said as he pulled her close and kissed her neck.

She leaned into him for a moment but then said, "Mm, Jethro, I like where you're going with this but we do have a party to go to and I think that people would miss us if we didn't turn up. As it is, we're going to be late." But he didn't stop. He wouldn't be terribly upset if they didn't leave her apartment for the remainder of the night. "Jethro," she said her tone finally stopping him. "I thought you were excited for this party. Now you seem like you want to avoid going."

He let go of her as she turned around to examine him.

"I get it Jethro. You aren't comfortable showing people you care and spending Christmas with people is practically saying you care in big, flashing neon lights." He nodded slightly. "I don't know what happened to you that's made you afraid to show your feelings but that doesn't mean that they aren't there."

"It's not that simple, Holly," he said softy.

"I didn't expect that it was. You are a complicated man Jethro," she said. "But you are still a man with thoughts and feelings and hopes and fears. And I see how much you care for Tim and Tony." She looked into his eyes and it felt like she was staring right through him. "I don't understand it but I see it. Are you afraid that they'll think less of you if they know how much you care?"

He shook his head. He was pretty sure they knew how he felt about them even if he didn't vocalize it. He doubted that they'd think less of him if he ever managed to say it out loud. They'd probably ask him if he felt ill.

"Look," she said gently. "I know that there are a lot of things you probably will never tell me. And if you don't want to tell me, I understand. Just do two things for me."

He looked at her, waiting for her to talk.

She walked over to him. "Tell me if I'm wasting my time." He looked at her in surprise. "Look Jethro, I'm not getting any younger. And I just want to know that whatever we are has meaning to you. I'm not asking for marriage but I am asking how serious you are about us? Are we together just to be together or do you really want me in your life?"

He sighed and pulled her over to the sofa. "You're right, Holly. I have lost people I care about. Too many to name and some losses were harder than others," he said as memories of his family popped to mind. She took his hand in hers, bringing him back from his thoughts. "Maybe that makes it harder for me to say things. I care for you Holly and I don't want to lose you. Maybe I should say it more but I've always thought that actions speak louder than words."

Hollis laughed. "If that's the case then you're usually shouting," she said. "Because you hardly say anything. But unless I'm mistaking things, the flowers you bring me, they speak volumes."

He nodded, indicating she was right.

Hollis laughed. "Good," she said. "You know, I think that's the most words I've heard you speak in a row."

He couldn't repress his laugh. "Maybe," he said with a smile.

"And probably the most sincere thing I've heard you say," she said as she rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand. He met her gaze. "Thank you for being honest with me."

He took a breath. If he had any hopes of maintaining this relationship after their undercover work was over, which could be very soon given how things were going within Napolitano's network, he had to warn her that he wasn't exactly who he said he was.

"What is it?" she asked picking up on his concerns. "What's wrong?"

"I can't explain everything Holly right now," he said. "I have a secret that I've been keeping from you."

"A secret?" she asked. "Can you tell me this secret, Jethro?"

He shook his head. "Things are complicated and I can't explain why. At least right now. I need you to trust me that I can't tell you and I need you to believe me when I tell you that this secret has nothing to do with the relationship between you and me."

"Jethro," she said but he stopped her with a look. He watched as she stared into his eyes. Slowly she nodded. "All right. I trust you Jethro. Just promise me that one day you'll explain those complications," Holly said.

He didn't reply. He wasn't sure if he could promise that. But he looked at her and he knew she realized he might never explain. And she understood. He squeezed her hand and she smiled.

She leaned up and he met her halfway, joining their kiss.

"What's the other thing?" he asked when they separated.

"Huh?" she asked.

"You said you wanted me to do two things," he said. "What was the second?"

"Oh," she said remembering herself. "Promise me that you'll pick up where you left off when we get back home tonight," she said as she tilted her head towards the spot where they had been standing a moment ago.

He followed her gaze and smiled broadly when he picked up her meaning. "I can do that," he said chuckling as he stood and offered her a hand.

She stood and he helped her to don her overcoat. He pulled on his coat and led the way out to his truck.

Fortunately, traffic was sparse and it didn't take them long to reach Tim and Tony's apartment. He parked the car halfway down the block and frowned as he stepped through a puddle to help Holly. He opened the door and lifted her over the small lake to the sidewalk. He shut the door and they started to walk towards the apartment building.

"I don't mind the warmth," Holly said. "But I was hoping for a white Christmas. I can't remember the last time we had one," she said.

"At least it isn't raining," he said as they walked into the building. They took the elevator to the proper floor and after tipping the reedy bellman, they walked down the hall. As they approached the door, he heard Christmas music and voices raised in laughter.

Holly squeezed his hand as they stopped in front of the doorway. She smiled at him and he allowed himself a small smile in return.

Without a second thought, he raised his hand and knocked on the door but no one answered. So, he knocked a second time, this time with a little more force.

Suddenly the music volume dropped. A moment later, the door opened to reveal Tony's startled expression. "Bo…Gibbs," he said as his surprise turned into a smile. As he stared at Tony, his expression fell. "Something wrong, Gibbs?"

"Yeah, DiNozzo, you can let us inside," he said sharply.

"Oh," Tony said chastised. Tony moved out of the way and allowed them inside. He had just handed their coats to Tony when Abby crashed into him.

"Merry Christmas Abs," he said as he hugged her.

"Merry Christmas Gibbs!" she said before she turned and hugged a very startled Holly. "What? I haven't had a drink yet. I just love Christmas!"

"I can see that," he said. This was the first time he had been to their apartment. He looked around and was impressed. Napolitano kept a nice place. Big, well furnished, and nicely decorated.

"You have a lovely apartment," Holly said appreciatively.

"Thanks," Tony replied as he helped her out of her overcoat. "I'd like to take credit for it but I only live here because of McGee."

Holly looked at him then Tony in confusion. "I thought that this was your shared apartment."

"It is," Tony replied as he took his overcoat and hung them in the coat closet.

But if possible, Holly looked even more confused. "But you only live here because of Tim?"

"Yeah," Tony replied.

"I thought that you were friends."

"We are," Tony said defensively.

"And that's not the reason you share an apartment?" she asked.

"Tim works in a sensitive position for Mr. Napolitano," Abby explained. "Tony is his live-in body guard."

Holly's eyes widened in understanding. "I see. So where is…"

"Kitchen," Tony said jerking his thumb over his shoulder just as there was an exclamation from the kitchen. He looked on in concern.

"It is all right!" Ziva announced.

He looked at Tony. He hadn't been aware that Miss David would be joining them. Although now that he thought about it, with her here, Tony wouldn't be the only one without a date.

"I asked Ziva if she wanted to join us for Christmas and she offered to help with dinner," Tony explained. "She is a fantastic cook. I can't pronounce half of what she cooked for us last night but it was all amazing."

"You can't pronounce what she cooked?" Holly asked.

"Ziva is from Palestine," Abby explained.

"She's Jewish," Tony added. "Hanukkah started yesterday."

"I see," Holly said.

He looked around the apartment that was obviously festooned for Christmas. A tree stood in the corner. Four stockings were hung by the fireplace, which was lit in spite of the warm weather. And they were listening to a radio program that was playing Christmas carols. But he did see a small unlit menorah sitting on a windowsill near a window that was cracked to counter the heat from the fireplace.

"Did I hear voices?" Ziva asked as she entered the living room. She was wearing a deep blue dress with an apron on top. "Gibbs," she said when she saw him. "Holly."

"Miss David," he said in greeting.

Tim entered the living room. He was wearing a fine suit but had shed his coat and tie and had donned an apron as well.

"Gibbs," Tim said surprised. "You made it."

"You sound surprised," he said.

Tim looked at Tony and he could tell that the two men were surprised. Tim glanced at a clock on the wall. "Well it was getting late. We thought you weren't coming," Tim replied. From Tim's expression, he could see the younger man was wondering about Fornell.

"I was late getting to Holly's place," he said. "Had to wrap up a few errands and deliver a few packages." Tim relaxed and nodded.

"Don't let him take the blame. It was my fault," Hollis said. "I wasn't ready when Jethro picked me up."

"You made it," Tony said. "That's all that matters."

"Everything all right in there?" he asked.

Tim glanced back at the kitchen. "Yeah," he said smiling ruefully. "Small mishap with my thumb and the oven door. I'm ok. Dinner will be ready shortly."

"You cooked, McGee?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes," Tim replied indignantly.

"But Ziva helped," Tony said as he walked over to their liquor cabinet. He plucked a bottle out of a bucket of ice. "So, it'll taste all right," he said as he popped the cork on the Champagne. It was real French Champagne and must have cost them a fortune.

Tim shot a dirty look at his partner and Tony smiled roguishly in return as he poured the Champagne.

"It will taste fine. And I only helped a little," Ziva said with a broad smile aimed at McGee. "It was mostly Tim."

Tim smiled in return. "Thank you Ziva," Tim replied, vindicated.

Tony finished pouring the Champagne and then handed the glasses around. "How about a toast?" he asked.

They gathered around and raised their glasses. He looked around their small circle. The ladies were standing on one side and the men on the other. Tony paused as he considered his toast. He seemed to be genuinely considering his words.

"To spending this day with good food and good friends," Tony said finally. "That we can always be so fortunate."

Everyone murmured their assents and sipped their champagne. As the ladies started to chat amongst themselves, he gently steered his boys off to the side. They looked at him, expectantly.

"Something wrong Gibbs?" Tony asked, worried. "Fornell?"

"No. He and his family are settled," he said. He raised his glass again. Tim looked at Tony but raised his glass anyway. Tony hastily raised his glass. "To family." He looked at Tony and Tim. "No matter how unusual."

The two men looked at each other in confusion for a moment before they both smiled.

"To family," Tim echoed.

"I've never seen you so effusive Gibbs," Tony said after he sipped his Champagne. Tim looked at Tony out of the corner of his eye as if Tony had just led them into crocodile infested waters. On any other day, he might have chided Tony for calling him out but not today. "This thing with Fornell have you rattled?"

He smiled lightly. His words, if they had come from a normal person, could not have been described as effusive. But for him, he was practically gushing.

"Sometimes something happens to make you appreciate what you have and how that could all go away in an instant." He watched as they nodded. "Those are the times that you have to speak up."

He watched as Tim looked at Abby. After a moment, Tony looked at Ziva. And he followed their gaze towards the women and looked at Holly.

"Amen," Tim said softly.

"We're glad you made it Gibbs," Tony said. "It wouldn't have been the same without you."

Tim nodded in agreement. "Merry Christmas, Gibbs." Tony echoed his partner.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," he said. They grinned. "Unless you burn our dinner McGee. Then I'd rather be at a restaurant."

"Oh geez," Tim said suddenly realizing that he had left the kitchen unattended for too long. Tim hastily thrust his champagne glass into Tony's hand and hurried back into the kitchen. Tim cursed fluently at whatever was going on in the kitchen. Tony laughed as Ziva hurried to help Tim in the kitchen.

"I've never heard Tim curse like that," he said amused. Tim was usually so mild mannered, that any kind of curse from his youngest agent was a big deal. So, to hear him swear like a sailor, especially within earshot of several women, was a surprise.

Tony laughed, startling him. "Oh, Gibbs you have no idea. McGee is not as innocent and mild mannered as he looks. He just hides it really well. Hell, he's dating Abby." He shrugged in concession. "And he's been working for a notorious mobster. I'm sure he's got a broader vocabulary that he doesn't use except for special occasions." As if on cue, Tim's curses grew more colorful. "See."

He laughed as Holly joined him. He slid an arm around her waist feeling happier and at peace than he had in a very long time.

They might not be related by blood, but Tim and Tony were like family to him. And Abby, as strange as she was, was like a daughter to him. He had even come to like the guarded Palestinian singer even if he didn't fully trust her. They were a motely group but they were his family now.

And Christmas was for family.

Author's Note: I'm not sure when the cold and snow gave way to the warm weather, so I took some liberties with the rain. So just weeks after one of the largest snowfalls in Washington's history, they had a warm spell. The high that day was 68 degrees and to this day is the 4th warmest Christmas day that Washington has experienced. I figured that they had the fire lit for the ambiance, not because they needed the heat.