Author's Note: Hello all! Seems like my brain is actually wanting to write stories again… fan-freaking-tastic. This is going to be my first multi-chapter ever, I think… It'll only be three chapters long since I'm sort of new at this but hopefully you'll enjoy them (even though it could've probably been a one shot). This story is by far the fluffiest thing I think I've ever written (which honestly scares me a bit) and takes place at the end of episode 6.11 Silent Night. Yes, I just watched it and I know that it takes place on Christmas and I know it's the middle of summer. Just go with it. Definitely Jibbs, so if you don't like it, don't read it.

Once again, thanks goes out to pockethuman who has watched the show with me, given me tips, and beta read this bit of fluff. Thanks also to all who reviewed my previous NCIS stories, your comments mean a lot to me.

Spoilers: Everything is fair game!

Disclaimer: Judgement Day happened so I definitely don't own it.

Chapter 1

"Merry Christmas, Dad."

"Merry Christmas, son."

After a few minutes of pleasant conversation with his father, Gibbs shut the screen of his phone and began his drive back to NCIS headquarters. He wasn't lying when he said that if could have one Christmas wish it would be to hold Kelly in his arms again. Ever since the death of his first wife and daughter, the holidays were a rather painful experience. Usually, he would sit in the basement alone and work on his boat, bottle of bourbon in hand. Flashbacks were the worst. Kelly's excitement. Shannon's laughter. All of it was a sad reminder that they were gone.

His thoughts turned to his team all gathered together at MTAC. In an odd sort of way, they were a family. He often felt like the team's father rather than their boss, and he knew for certain that Abby, and possibly even Ziva, looked up to him as if he really was their dad. The feeling was mutual, though, and Gibbs treated the team like they were his children: disciplining them while giving them the teaching and support that they needed. Ducky was more of the loving grandfather that the 'kids' ran to when they knew 'dad' was upset and often offered a word of wisdom and a lengthy, elaborate story from his youth. They were almost a complete family.

All they were missing was a mother.

His thoughts wandered to a certain redhead. She was the second woman he had ever truly loved. Jen couldn't replace Shannon, just like his team couldn't replace Kelly, but that didn't mean he loved her any less. She was a spitfire and a beautiful one at that. She kept him in check and always knew what he was thinking. Sure, they hadn't exactly left things in the best of ways when she decided to go off to San Diego, but that didn't mean he didn't still care about her. She was his best friend, even though he wished it had been more.

He loved her but just like Shannon, she was gone too. She was dead, murdered in firefight against Svetlana's men. If only there had been more time. If only he had been there with her, told her he loved her. Maybe she would've felt the same. Maybe they would've had a chance. He missed her so much it hurt. There had been several nights when he'd drown himself in bourbon to try and forget her or wake up screaming because all he could see was her lifeless body covered in her own blood.

It had been seven months since her death but it still felt like he had a massive hole in his chest. At least when she left him in Paris he knew she was alive and breathing. The first time she disappeared from his life, it cracked his heart. The second time, it was shattered.

Gibbs was pulled from his musing at the sight of the Navy Yard in front of him. He looked at his hands and realized that his knuckles had turned completely white at the grip he had on the steering wheel and his speed had increased at an alarming rate even for him. Slowing down and pulling into the parking garage, the man debated whether or not he should join his team or just go home to spend Christmas like he had the last time. That's when his phone rang. As per usual, he ignored the caller id and answered it after a few rings.

"Gibbs."

"Merry Christmas. I just received a call from Metro PD. Congratulations on solving the case. Where is Ned Quinn now?"

"With his daughter, Leon. They're spending Christmas together as a family."

"Good good… Speaking of Christmas, have you received your Christmas present from me yet?"

"If you mean the bonus in my paycheck, then yes, I have."

"Not what I'm talking about. Where are you?"

"Parking garage at headquarters... Why?"

"I left it at your desk. I hope you like it, it took a hell of a lot of favors and phone calls to get it there."

"What are ya-"

"Just say thank you and be happy. Listen, I've got to go, kids want to be read a story before bed. Again, Merry Christmas, Gibbs."

"You too, Leon."

Ending the call, the agent walked into the elevator and pushed the floor that would bring him to the bull pen. Why would the director give him a present? It wasn't like they were friends or even close. In fact, Gibbs partially resented the man after splitting up his team after Jenny's death. The doors to the elevator opened and the silver haired agent walked around to his workspace. Standing somewhat uncertainly next to his desk with her back facing him was a woman with flaming red hair in a forest green sweater and dark-wash jeans. His jaw dropped when she turned around and his ice blue gaze collided with that of emerald green.

"Jen?"

Author's Note: Reviews are welcome!