Chapter 9 – Getting Comfortable

They relaxed in the hot tub for a little while longer, stepping out when they heard voices downstairs. Gibbs smiled at Abby as she dressed after he'd toweled her dry, loving how the blush in her cheeks was from the heat their bodies had generated rather than the coldness outside.

Both of them put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, Abby pulling Gibbs' red hoodie on over her head.

"You not gonna wear the one I got ya?" Gibbs asked. Even though he knew what her answer would be, he just wanted to hear her say it.

"I will," she answered, biting her lip, "after you've worn it a bit so it smells like you."

He'd brought his own hoodie in with their clothes knowing she'd want to wear it, not needing an extra layer himself due to the fire giving off more than enough heat to keep him warm.

"Think I can I manage that." He pulled her into his arms, kissing her lips then moving his mouth across to her ear to nibble on it.

"Can I give you your Christmas present now?" Abby moaned, sliding her hands into the back pockets of his jeans.

"You mean what we just did in the hot tub wasn't it?"

Abby smirked, her head falling back, giving Gibbs access to her neck as his lips wandered. "Well it was, but that's not what I meant...I bought you something."

They quickly cleaned up the water on the floor with some extra towels and gathered up their damp clothes, putting them into a bag for washing once they got home, then went into their bedroom.

Gibbs took a seat on the bed, watching Abby as she bent over and picked out two small parcels from inside her bag.

"There's another one but you're not getting that until tonight," she teased.

Walking over to Gibbs, she stood between his parted legs and handed him the gifts. He looked up at her, a hand weaving around her waist to pull her closer until Abby sat down on one of his legs facing him.

"Thank you," he said taking the presents from her hand and kissing her cheek.

Abby watched on intently as he kept one arm around her and undid the wrapping on the first gift. When he got the paper off, Gibbs lifted the lid on the narrow box, smiling when he saw the silver pen inside it.

"I thought you might be able to use it when you're out on a case, you can change the ink cartridge over when it runs out...and look at this."

She slipped the pen out from the blue piece of ribbon holding it in place and lifted it for him to look at. Engraved on the side were the initials L.J.G. along with 12/25/12.

"Got the date on it cos I wanted you to remember it for more than just Christmas," she said leaning her forehead against his. "That was what I'd hoped anyway...but if I chickened out and couldn't tell you how I felt at least I had the cover story of Christmas."

"Abbs..."

"That doesn't matter though, cos it means more than that now. Open the other one," she urged him excitedly, taking the pen from him so he could unwrap the second gift.

The box was a similar size but when Gibbs lifted the lid on it, enclosed was a knife, the wooden handle engraved the same as the pen, with a small metal boat anchor on either side of his initials and the date.

Gibbs' fingers trailed over the handle, feeling slightly overwhelmed by such simple gifts and the thought Abby had put into them. He wasn't a material man, he didn't hold onto objects, mainly because he just had no need for them, but the fact that she'd gotten him something he'd use on a regular basis and they'd remind him of her told him just how well she knew him.

"So they're both okay?" Abby asked, breaking into his thoughts.

"They're great Abbs, I'll have them with me always."

Abby smiled radiantly. "Well I know never go anywhere without a knife is a rule, you gonna make always carry a pen one too?"

Gibbs placed the knife beside him on the bed, his hand curving around the back of Abby's neck to pull her in for a kiss. "I'm sure there's a number free where I can slot it in."

"Maybe rule twelve," she said nervously against his lips, "since, ummm...it seems like there may be a loop hole in there somewhere."

"Only for you, you're the exception to every rule."

It wasn't long after they'd joined everyone in the living room that the sun was going down and they were making sandwiches for dinner.

Jimmy, Breena, Ziva and Abby helped with the food while Gibbs got everyone a drink. McGee and Tony meanwhile argued over how to work the large screen television and DVD player, Ducky watching them all carefully, a smile never leaving his lips at how happy he was they were all here together.

Tony had badgered Jimmy when he'd booked the cabins to make sure there was a tv and DVD player so they could have a movie night one of the evenings they stayed, all of them voting tonight was the best night since no-one had much energy for anything else.

Once they got the DVD working, McGee and DiNozzo rearranged the couches in the living room and brought in some of the chairs from the table.

"It wouldn't be movie night without some marshmallows," Tony grinned, waving the bag round in his hand when Abby rushed out from the kitchen to try and grab the packet from him.

"Come on Tony, hand 'em over!" she laughed as he managed to keep them just out of her grasp.

"Boss...she's gonna strangle me..." Tony choked out, one of Abby's arms wrapping around his neck while the other fought with his for the marshmallows.

"You're an agent DiNozzo, if you can't overpower Abby you and I are gonna need to have a serious talk about your future at NCIS."

"Hey! I'm stronger than I look."Abby turned to face Gibbs, narrowing her eyes when she saw the slight grin on his face.

He knew it would get a reaction from both of them and DiNozzo's had been as he expected when he determinedly tried but failed to hold Abby back. Gibbs also knew from Abby's response she would more than likely try and prove her point to him later, and he was willing to let her try.

"You sure have a lot of energy, didn't Gibbs wear you out enough?" Tony teased Abby quietly so only she could hear.

"Oh he wore me out alright," Abby grinned. "I really need a sugar fix to make up for all those calories I burnt...which was a lot."

Tony's eyes widened and Abby laughed, his focus completely vanishing and the hand wielding the marshmallows dropping unintentionally. Abby instantly snatched them from him, leaving a bewildered looking Tony behind as she headed towards the fireplace.

Gibbs walked over to her, patting Tony on the back as he passed. "Not to worry Tony, being demoted to probie might not be so bad...and she is stronger than she looks," he smirked.

He missed Tony's look of horror, instead focusing on Abby as he handed over some skewers for her to put the marshmallows on.

"Might not be as good as your steaks on the fire, but it's gonna come pretty close...and I bet I'm stronger than you with some things..." She whispered, trailing off and leaving it up to his imagination to work out what she was talking about.

"Don't doubt it, Abbs."

Gibbs knew he was weak when it came to Abby, he always had been, and now that they were together he suspected that would be magnified even further. And although he had a limit as to what he'd do for someone...those boundaries seemed to somewhat melt away purely because he wanted to make her happy.

Toasting the marshmallows Abby passed them around to everyone, taunting Gibbs with his until he let her feed it to him. He took the next one from her fingertips, managing somehow to restrain himself and not start sucking on her fingers while they were in his mouth. Abby however, showed no such willpower, licking off the sweet remnants of the soft candy mixed with Gibbs' essence.

Everyone sat down a short while later to eat their sandwiches and watch the movie Tony had brought. Ducky, Gibbs and Abby were on one couch, Ziva, Jimmy and Breena on the other, while Tony and McGee sat on the chairs brought over from the table.

Unable to control himself Tony piped in with several bits of useless trivia throughout the film, Abby smiling at how excited he was to be sharing the moment with them all.

About halfway through the movie she felt Gibbs' hand squeeze hers where they both rested on her leg, turning to find him watching her rather than the tv, his blue eyes shining back at her in the dimly lit room. Abby let go of his fingers so she could shift closer, sliding her arm between the couch and his back, subtly lifting his t-shirt so she could touch his skin.

From her place nestled into his side no-one could see her fingers slowly caressing up and down his lower spine, her body angled so she looked like she was watching the tv. Losing interest in the movie Abby focused on Gibbs, his eyes flickering shut briefly as he gave himself up to her soothing touches.

Letting her own eyes drift shut Abby blocked everything out but the nearness of Gibbs and how he felt in her arms, and how safe she felt with him...both physical and emotionally.

The rest of the movie went unseen as she drifted off, her thoughts sending her into a restful slumber.

When the end credits began to roll Ducky looked at the couple seated next to him, a feeling of warmth flooding through him at the sight of them, obviously content and happy enough together that they could fall asleep in one another's arms despite the other people in the room.

Abby's head was snuggled into Gibbs' shoulder, her hand resting over his heart, while Gibbs had one arm around her waist, the other settled on the outside of her thigh where it was draped over his leg. Ducky had watched on wordlessly as they'd shifted in their state of sleep, instinctively drawing each other close and unaware that several sets of eyes had drifted from the tv screen to observe their movements. Those same gazes now focused on the couple in question.

"Time for bed I think, it's been a big day for everyone." Ducky's soft voice broke through the silence, hoping everyone would pick up on the hint.

"Good idea Ducky," Ziva said getting to her feet, watching Tony turn off the tv and DVD player.

"You all go on ahead," Ducky suggested. "I shall wake sleeping beauty and her prince."

After saying goodnight, Jimmy, Breena, Tony and McGee left the main cabin, Jethro scurrying up from the floor and tagging along behind them when Tim called. Ziva headed upstairs and Ducky watched her disappear into the bathroom she shared with Gibbs and Abby before getting to his feet to lay a gentle hand on Gibbs' shoulder.

"Jethro, I think you and Abigail would be much more comfortable in your bed."

Gibbs startled awake, instinct kicking in immediately as he protectively held Abby to him. She mumbled his name in her sleep, burying her face in the curve of his neck. Ducky smiled at how natural and comfortable they looked with each other, as if they'd been sleeping in each other's arms for years.

Ducky was aware Abby had been spending some nights over the last several months with Gibbs, and he'd been reluctant to guess at the nature of their relationship at the time, but the M.E. had noticed subtle changes; ones that in hindsight seemed to be turning points for the couple.

"Abbs," Gibbs said gently.

Ducky watched on fondly, chuckling as she sleepily muttered, "My Marine..." before kissing Gibbs' neck and nuzzling her face against his skin, then seemingly drifted back to sleep.

"Leave her a minute, Jethro, I wanted to talk to you first."

Gibbs removed his hand from Abby's leg to try and wipe the remnants of sleep away from his face. "Somethin' on your mind Duck?"

"We've been through a lot you and I, haven't we?" Ducky said reminiscently. "Both good and bad."

"We have..." Gibbs answered hesitantly. "Is everything alright? Nothing wrong with your heart is there?"

Ducky smiled and lightly patted Gibbs on the arm, easing himself down to sit on the coffee table so he could keep his voice down and Gibbs would still hear.

"On the contrary, just the opposite...it does my heart endless good seeing you two together."

Gibbs' lips curled up into a half grin as he looked down on the woman currently doing her best to wrap herself completely around him."Mine too," he sighed.

Ducky's smile widened before he turned serious. "After everything we've all been through...what we suffered and could've lost, it means the world to me that you and Abby are happy. I think those of us that are closest to you always knew you were destined to be together."

It felt that way to Gibbs too, as if fate had finally intervened and pushed them together, past all the fears and insecurities. Apart from Shannon, this was the only time in his life that he could say he envisioned a long and happy future with someone. In just the space of a day Abby had become the center of his world and the road ahead seemed much clearer because of her. Up until now he'd put everything into his work, never really expecting much in his personal life, but now Gibbs knew he could have both. He could have it all with Abby.

"Look after her Jethro, and let her look after you. She's much different from the others, in every way imaginable and in every way that's important...she'll heal your soul if you let her."

"I know she will Duck. I'll take care of her."

Ducky nodded and slowly stood up. "Good. Well, I do believe it's my bedtime, I'll see you both in the morning."

Gibbs watched him go, hearing the bedroom door quietly click closed behind him a few moments later.

"Come on Abbs," Gibbs said, rubbing her back gently. "Time for bed."

He leaned down to kiss her forehead, then angled his head so he could reach her lips and tease her awake. Abby moaned at the soft brushes of his lips, forcing her eyes open as she returned his kisses.

"Has everyone else gone to bed?" She asked wearily, against his lips.

"Yep, and that's where we're headed."

Gibbs slipped out from underneath her and Abby flopped back, slouching against the couch and holding her hands up to him after he'd gotten to his feet.

"You're not gonna carry me?"

He took one of her hands and pulled on it gently, trying to get her to stand up, grinning at her. "I saw how much you ate at lunch."

"Gibbs!" Abby stood up and flung her arms around him from behind as he started to walk towards the stairs. "Alright I admit it was a lot, but it wasn't as much as Tony," she snorted.

"No-one can eat as much as DiNozzo," Gibbs laughed, hitting the light switch on the wall.

The light coming from their room projected enough through the open door to navigate safely, Gibbs looking towards Ziva's closed door when he realized she must've turned the bedside lamp on for them.

He staggered unsteadily up the steps, Abby's body intimately pressed into his, her head resting on his shoulder and her arms wrapped around his stomach. Gibbs felt her sigh against him, a smile forming on his lips as he let contentment flow through him. It was the first time he and Abby were heading to bed together with the changed circumstances in their relationship and already it felt comfortable and right.

At the top of the stairs Abby went into the bathroom and Gibbs continued on to the bedroom. He tidied the bed up while he waited, going to use the bathroom when Abby had finished, returning to find her curled up on her side of the bed.

He stopped and looked at her, realizing that she'd been sleeping on the same side of his bed for months. Without even noticing they'd already fallen into a bedtime routine when she was with him.

Gibbs closed the door behind him, stripping off his jeans and t-shirt, and slipped into bed next to her in just his boxers. He noticed the familiar t-shirt that she'd taken from his bag, sliding his hands up and underneath it to span out over her back as their bare legs tangled together.

"You gonna start wearing all my clothes now?" Gibbs teased, kissing her gently on the lips before pulling her against his chest.

"Maybe..." She wrapped her arms around him, sighing into his neck.

"They do look better on you that's for sure."

"You look good in anything Gibbs...or no clothes at all, that works for me too."

Gibbs grinned and pulled her with him when he reached over to turn out the light, sending them into darkness. There was no mistaking her scent though, or the softness of her body as they adjusted themselves into a comfortable position to sleep in.

"Did you have a good day?" Gibbs asked once they'd settled.

"The best day Gibbs...I got to spend it with the people I love, especially the one person I love more than anything."

"You made it a good day for me too Abby...never thought I'd be able to enjoy Christmas again, or get through it without all the hurt."

He swallowed, wondering if this was the right time to share with her what was going through his mind. But he trusted her to see the gesture for what it was, a moment that could bring them closer together because he was willing to be honest with her.

"I don't think I'll ever forget my two other girls, Abbs, but what you and I have...I didn't think I'd feel this much for someone again, I want us to make new memories like this together."

Abby rubbed her cheek against his chest, it meant a lot to her that he was looking towards a future together. "Never want you to forget them Gibbs, and we will make new memories...every day. That hurt you're used to, it's not yours to face alone anymore, Shannon and Kelly are part of you and we'll celebrate and mourn them, together."

Gibbs closed his eyes, resting his chin on the top of her head. "I'd like that...you're part of me too now."

Abby lifted her head and kissed along the side of his neck before turning in his arms, feeling completely at peace when Gibbs tightened his hold around her waist, his lips brushing lightly over her ear as he whispered goodnight.

Resting his head on the pillow beside her, Gibbs' eyes soon succumb to the heavy weight of sleep, but for the first time in years Christmas Day had come to an end with him looking to the future and not dwelling on the past.

TBC...