Kayla Shay - Fanart, Fanfiction & More

Title: Finding the Spirit: Epilogue
Author: kaylashay81
Author's Notes: Written for tibbs_yuletide Day 24
Warnings: Slash; Sex
Spoilers: Set in Season 8; However, no overt spoilers for the season.
Characters / Pairings: Gibbs/DiNozzo; past Gibbs/Shannon
Rating: FR18
Genre / Category: Slash; Angst; Romance
Word Count: 1,203 (part 3) / TBA (total)
Disclaimer: I'm not Bellesario or CBS, so I don't claim to own them.
Beta: azraelz_angel (will be when she gets a chance)
Summary: Gibbs spends a night with three visitors to find the Christmas spirit buried deep within him.

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Part 01 | Part 02 | Part 03 | Epilogue

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Gibbs looked at his watch. There wasn't much time left. It was already six in the morning on Christmas Day and the likelihood of finding a store open was slim. But he was persistent on so many things that he could apply that aspect to this as well.

An hour later, he found himself picking the lock to Tony's apartment, wondering when Tony had removed his key from the key ring at the office. That was another sign that he had blatantly overlooked and he planned to start corrected the problem now.

Once inside, he started unpacking the various boxes and sacks as he looked around Tony's undecorated apartment. For all his show at the office with things like light-up antlers and that singing tree, his apartment lacked the holiday spirit. If Gibbs had learned anything throughout the night, it was that holiday spirit needed to be around everyone, especially those who were alone.

With Marine proficiency, Gibbs quickly had a pre-lit tree in the corner with wrapped presents underneath it. He then turned the coffee pot on and sank into the couch, pulling the Ohio State fleece throw that Tony kept there around his shoulders. He would be ready when Tony awoke.

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"Gibbs. Gibbs," he woke to the sound of his name and a light tapping on his shoulder. Without thought, he reached up and grabbed the offending hand in a tight hold around the wrist.

"Ow! Boss, it's me. You can let go."

Fully awake, Gibbs released Tony's hand and mentally slapped himself. This was not how he wanted to start his new chance to make things better.

"Hey," he said shortly. Then, on a whim, added something he never would have before, "Sorry."

Tony just blinked back at him. The other man opened and closed his mouth several times before he finally spoke.

"You okay, Gibbs? I mean, you're on my couch and it looks like Santa came and I didn't leave him milk and cookies. Something didn't happen did it?"

The worry in Tony's voice had Gibbs responding quickly, "Nothing happened. And Santa prefers coffee to milk and cookies."

"Okay," Tony said as if he were speaking to a wild animal. "How about I go pour us a cup since I smell it in the kitchen and then you can tell me why you're here."

Gibbs sank back into the couch, grateful for the chance to gather his thoughts. Everything was happening so fast that he was a little unsure of himself with the conversation he knew they had to have.

"Here you go," Tony said as he handed a steaming mug to Gibbs. "Now tell me what the hell is up, Boss."

Gibbs gave an inward smile. Over the years, Tony was the one of the few willing to stand up to him when it counted and now definitely counted.

"Did some thinking last night," he said after a sip of coffee. "Realized I've been doing a lot of things wrong over the years and you are one of them."

Gibbs missed the way Tony's face hardened because of the fist that connected with his jaw. His coffee sloshed over the mug, spilling into his lap. He wasn't sure whether to grab his face, crotch or Tony.

"Dammit, DiNozzo! What the hell-"

"Don't ask me 'what the hell,' Boss," Tony said acidly. "I think it's time for Santa to leave."

"I'm not leaving," Gibbs ground out. "I came here to apologize and make things right."

"Right? You mean by telling me it was wrong for you to fuck me all these years because I'm not good enough for Leroy Jethro Gibbs? Well newsflash, Gibbs, I already know I'm not fucking good enough. So save yourself the trouble and get out."

This time, Gibbs' fist connected with Tony's face. "Never tell yourself that, Tony. Never. I'm the one that's not good enough for you," he shouted before he gave up and collapsed back on to the couch.

"What?" Tony slurred out around the hand he held to his split lip.

"I'm not good enough for you," Gibbs said again in a much softer and defeated tone. "Never was. I wanted- I kept you away because you deserved more than me. I’m the man who couldn’t protect his wife and daughter and then married three women trying to recreate what I had with Shannon.”

“But you’re Gibbs,” Tony said with a puzzled tone. “You’re more than enough. I just figured you were ashamed of me.”

“Why the hell would I be ashamed of you, Tony?” Gibbs huffed out, rubbing his jaw.

“You never did anything with me except sex on your terms and kicked me out right after. What else am I supposed to expect.”

“I’m a bastard and I’m shit at relationships, but I want to fix that.”

“How?” Tony questioned and Gibbs could hear the hope building in his voice.

“Figured we’d start with Christmas,” Gibbs said waving his hand at the decorations and presents. “And then we’d go from there. Maybe go out a few times a week around work. Know of this theater that shows the classics. Maybe bowling with Abby and her nuns.”

“You’d go out with me in public?” Tony said incredulously. “Are you sure you’re not a pod person.”

“Not a pod person. Just realized what an ass I’ve been.”

Tony sat his coffee down and slowly took Gibbs’ hand into his own. “So you’re wanting a new start, Jethro?” Tony questioned cautiously.

“Yeah, Tony,” Gibbs said, his heart fluttering at Tony’s use of his name. “Want to do this right. Fists aside,” he added taking in the bruise forming on Tony’s face.

“Yeah,” Tony said with a small smile forming around a wince. “But I think I needed to do that.”

Then Tony leaned forward and drew Gibbs into a lingering kiss. It was slow and languid and nothing like what they’d done in all the years they’d been having sex.

“Tony,” Gibbs said breathlessly when they paused, foreheads resting against each other.

“Let me take care of you, Jethro,” Tony said softly. “Show you what you’ve been missing out on. And then we’ll do presents,” Tony tacked on, giving a lingering look at the wrapped gifts under the tree.

Gibbs laughed out loud, not holding back anymore. “Anything you want, Tony. Anything.”

“I just wanted you, Jethro,” and Tony led him to the bedroom.

It was later that afternoon, that Gibbs drew himself up to look at Tony’s naked form laying beneath him on the bed. The other man looked younger, more like he had when he had joined NCIS and Gibbs found himself enjoying the sight.

“Hey Jethro,” came Tony’s sleepy voice as his eyes opened. “Almost thought it was a dream, but I guess it wasn’t.”

“No dreams today, Tony. How about we get up?”

Tony just tugged Gibbs back down on top of himself. “How about we stay here a bit longer?”

“Tonight,” Gibbs said shortly. “Now, we’ve got a party to go to and I don’t want to be late, so get your ass in gear.”

“Abby’s?” Tony said with excitement. “Together?” and there was a bit of trepidation in his voice.

“Abby’s,” Gibbs confirmed. “Together.”

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Part 01 | Part 02 | Part 03 | Epilogue

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Thanks to everyone who's read and commented! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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