Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS, A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life. I don't make any money on this either.

Just a heads up – this is the last chapter and involves Gibbs/Tony yumminess. If that's not your thing, why are you reading this? If it is, then read on and Happy Holidays (whatever holiday you celebrate).

Holiday Spirits (A Tibbs Christmas Carol)

Chapter 6 – Tony's Presence

Jethro woke suddenly and realized he was in his own house on the same lumpy sofa he'd fallen asleep on. The TV was still flickering and the movie had long ended. Just the menu was flashing.

Had everything just been a dream? He lay there taking stock. Even if it had been a dream, he realized he still had to take a chance. It didn't matter if his epiphany was the result of the supernatural or his own subconscious.

He knew what he needed to do. He loved Tony. He needed to tell him. He needed to stop hiding from him and take a chance. If Tony said no, then that would be the end. He trusted Tony well enough to not freak out over the admission. At worst, Tony would laugh in disbelief and then say, "Thanks but I'm not interested in that. Want me to make dinner?"

Jethro had trusted Tony with his life for so many years, surely he could trust him with his heart.

He looked around frantically for the phone before he decided he should tell Tony in person. All he really knew was he had to tell Tony tonight or he would talk himself out of it by morning. He was searching for his shoes when he heard the sound of a car pull in the driveway. Headlights flashed through the windows.

He looked out the window in disbelief. It couldn't be real, but it was. Tony was coming to him. Jethro didn't believe in coincidences. In his gut, he knew this meant he had to follow through with his resolve.

He wanted this to be special. He quickly scurried to straighten up. He threw the photos into the old shoebox and shoved them under the couch. He put the bourbon away and lit the Christmas tree. It felt right to do that. He felt his nerves starting to get the better of him. He admitted to himself how he felt about Tony, but would Tony be receptive? Did he love him the same way? He believed that Tony did or at least he believed that Tony could love him the same way. He just had to could convince the man to take a chance.

His epiphany could have been a delusion or just a crazy dream but it didn't make the revelations any less important.

The door opened. Jethro tried his best to look relaxed and knew he was doing a piss poor job of it. He decided to forget it and crossed the room towards Tony. The other man was removing his coat and had hung a dark green scarf on the rack by the door. Jethro thought he'd never seen a sight as comforting as Tony coming home. Jethro sighed. That is what he wanted – that this became a home for both of them.

"Boss? Boss, I saw your light on," Tony called out. He turned around only to jump as he saw Jethro standing right behind him. He grinned sheepishly. "Hope it's not too late," Tony said.

Jethro smiled. "I hope not either." Tony looked perplexed as Jethro slowly approached him. "I sincerely hope not." Jethro lifted his right hand to Tony's face to stroke the side of his cheek and then patted it in the same way as he done in the past.

"Boss?" Tony looked into Jethro's eyes and Jethro could see the question and the wariness in Tony's expressive eyes.

Jethro slid his hand around the nape of Tony's neck and pulled him into a soft, lingering kiss. To his delight, Tony didn't resist. Just as their lips met, the clock began to chime: one, two, three…Jethro pulled him closer and darted his tongue into Tony's mouth…four, five, six…Tony relaxed and let him in…seven, eight, nine…Jethro felt Tony tentatively wrap his arms around Jethro and he pressed Tony up against the closed door and savored the feel of their bodies connecting…ten, eleven, twelve…

It was the best thing Jethro thought he had ever experienced. He backed off a bit to look at Tony. If Tony didn't go running away screaming, Jethro imagined he'd have some questions.

"Boss?" Tony tentatively touched his own lips as if to confirm he had just been kissed.

"Jethro. Call me Jethro at home," he said as he reached down to take Tony's hand. They were cold from the outside but were much softer than Jethro's.

"What was that about?" Tony asked. "Not that I'm complaining, mind you." Tony looked both puzzled and a little pleased.

Feeling more confident, Jethro led Tony to the couch and pushed him gently onto it. Doing something he never did before, he straddled himself across Tony's lap.

"I had an epiphany tonight," Jethro said by way of explanation.

"Epiphany? That's a big word this late at night."

Jethro felt relief at seeing a little humor from Tony after what had happened. It meant he wasn't completely unnerved at being kissed by Jethro. It was a promising start.

"Let's just say I needed to lay some old ghosts to rest before I realized what was right in front of me." Gibbs bent down to kiss Tony again. This time he could experience the full enjoyment of Tony's full, soft lips without hesitation. He tasted of butterscotch candies and hazelnut coffee. Jethro wanted more.

"And what was that?" Tony whispered as they broke apart.

The flush on Tony's cheek made him extraordinarily handsome and Jethro loved the way his lips looked after being thoroughly kissed. "You. You love me. You've loved me better than anyone has." Jethro wondered where the certainty of those words had come from but he knew they were true.

"You sound like one of those sappy holiday movies," Tony smiled and nodded at the TV set that was still flickering the movie menu. "You fall asleep during one?" He was looking shyly hesitant.

Jethro smacked him lightly on the back of the head. "You gonna deny it?" He reached back to the coffee table to grab the remote and turn the TV off.

"Nope. Just following Rule 3 – double checking what I've been told." Tony then gave his broadest smile and Jethro's heart swelled. It was that smile and those wickedly charming eyes that had drawn Jethro to Tony in the first place all those years ago in Baltimore. Seeing those eyes filled with this kind of trust and affection broke his final walls. If Tony was brave enough to not deny Jethro, Jethro could no longer deny him.

"Good boy." Jethro smiled. "I'm not one with words, Tony, but I love you. I may never say it often but know that it's true. I've waited far too long to tell you." Jethro bent down and kissed Tony again. He hoped Tony could read his full meaning in the kiss.

Tony responded eagerly. Jethro realized as bad as he was with words, Tony was probably worse, but truth was right there in Tony's kiss replying to Jethro. It was tender, arousing and full of love. The feel of Tony's hands warming themselves on Jethro's back felt magnificent. Jethro wanted to have all of Tony but Tony needed to know it wasn't just physical.

Jethro pulled back. "What happened with your dad?" he asked softly.

Tony raised his eyebrows. "You want to talk about my dad now?"

"Not in depth…just didn't think you'd come tonight."

Tony grinned. "Oh, I plan to come tonight. If you're serious about this, that is." Jethro recognized the teasing bravado that Tony wore in case this turned out to be some practical joke, but he recognized the real vulnerability that lay underneath that question.

Jethro smirked. "Oh yeah, I'm serious," he said. He undid Tony's tie and slid it off his neck. He unbuttoned the first couple of buttons and began to mouth at Tony's neck. He nipped at Tony's collarbone and felt Tony's shiver.

"You like that?" Jethro asked.

"Oh yeah…"

"You want more?" Jethro nipped again.

"Yeah…"

"Then answer my question," Jethro said as began to run a hand through Tony's hair. It was as soft as he remembered.

Tony chuckled. "Short version okay?"

"More than."

"Dad did it again. He made other plans."

Jethro froze. Had Senior stood his son up once again? He flushed with anger.

"You sure are hot when you're angry," Tony said, breaking the tension. He smiled. "Thank you for being affronted on my account but don't misunderstand me. Dad did show up for dinner. He was an hour late but at least he called. Then he cut it short because he was grabbing a flight to Tahiti to meet his latest fling. It worked out. I really wanted to be here but I also wanted to see him. I got the best of both worlds, I guess."

Feeling a little mollified that Senior hadn't completely disappointed his son, Jethro gave Tony a gentle kiss on the lips. "So where have you been?" It was midnight. Even if dinner had ended at 9:00, Tony should have been here before now.

Tony ran his hands up and down Jethro's back until Jethro realized it was more of a reassuring gesture than an erogenous one. "Traffic, weather…and I got a late start because I didn't think you wanted me over – you know after today. I also didn't really want to hear…"

"I told you so?" Jethro whispered. "I'm so sorry about that. I was out of line."

Tony smiled. "Breaking Rule 6? Wow. This is a night of change. But you were right after all. Dad's never going to win 'Father of the Year'. I don't know why I keep trying."

"Because you love him," Jethro answered. "Don't give up on him." Jethro knew it wasn't for Senior's sake that he decided to encourage Tony. Tony needed him and Senior had improved in recent years. Like Jethro, he was an old dog but he was learning new tricks. Jethro wanted to give him every opportunity so long as Tony needed him to try.

"No. Don't think I could. I can't help it. He may be a rotten parent but he's the only dad I got. I still love him."

"Don't give up on me either," Jethro said. "Even though I'm a bastard."

Tony looked him and reached up to pull Jethro's forehead to his. "Never. You've always been there for me. Sometimes, I even like it when you're a bastard. Within reason, of course," Tony said before kissing Jethro again.

This time, Jethro let Tony take control of the kiss. Tony's kiss was aggressive and strong and Jethro liked it. Tony's lips slid off of Jethro's mouth to begin exploring Jethro's neck. His tongue mapped Jethro's Adam's Apple as his hands slid up his shirt to caress Jethro's back.

It was Jethro's turn to shiver. Tony's hands, mouth and lips were amazing. He was becoming very aroused. Jethro began to slowly grind up against Tony's waist. Jethro heard himself moan in a way he'd never heard before. He wanted more. "Rule 5," Jethro whispered, "I don't want to waste any more time with you. You're too good to waste."

Tony looked up at him. "Oh, Boss…er...Jethro you have no idea how good," Tony said as he waggled his eyebrows.

"Are you all talk or do you want to show me," Jethro teased.

Tony laughed. "You asked for it, Boss." He suddenly stood with Jethro's legs around his waist. He walked towards the steps. "Is the master bedroom made up or are we going to the guest room?"

"You're taking a lot for granted, aren't you?" Jethro asked, even as he began mouthing Tony's neck as they walked.

"Oh yes, I am breaking Rule 8 but that's because it's overruled by Rule 18." Tony was breathing heavily by the time he reached the top of the steps.

Jethro wasn't sure if it was the exertion of carrying him or the responses to Jethro's explorations but Jethro loved feeling Tony's warm breath on his skin. He had to admit, he'd never been in a situation where he was the one being carried. It was sort of nice. Having Tony's strong arms around him felt natural. Jethro laughed. He couldn't believe he'd waited so long to do this when it felt so good. "No need in this case. Permission is granted before forgiveness is needed. Guest room. We'll fix up the master tomorrow." As soon as the words left Jethro's mouth, he swore he heard Kate saying, "Finally." Jethro didn't care. He knew it was right. Jethro and Tony together in the master bedroom would finally make this house a home.

For now, Jethro just wanted Tony to stay with him.

Tony turned into the guest room and gently let Jethro down. He began to kiss Jethro again before pulling away a little. "Tomorrow, huh? So this is more than just a holiday treat? Something to reward me for being a good boy all year?" Tony asked with just a hint of uneasiness.

Jethro stepped back and looked at Tony seriously. "Yes. This is more. I don't want a one night stand. I need more from you. Can you handle that?"

Tony flinched and took a step backwards. "You can't handle the love," he said jokingly in an imitation of Jack Nicholson, obviously trying to cover for his involuntary reaction.

Jethro recognized the nervous response for what it was. Tony was unsure of Jethro's long term affection because he'd never experienced any before. Tony didn't believe he was worth anyone's love. He probably wasn't sure he could handle it. If Jethro had learned nothing else that night, it was the Tony was far more fragile than anyone thought. He would do whatever he could to convince Tony he really was worthy of being loved. For now, that meant convincing Tony that this wasn't just about the sex.

Jethro sat down on the bed. "Tony, I'm a hard man to love but I think you're the right man to do it. But I mean it. This is it. I'm not looking for one night, sometimes or when it's convenient. I want more from you. I need more from you. I need you home with me. If you can do that, join me on the bed. If not, you can sleep downstairs and we'll forget this."

Tony ran his hand through his hair in another nervous gesture. Jethro realized he knew more about Tony's nervous quirks than he knew of his previous three wives combined. The silence seemed to stretched and Jethro thought Tony was going to bolt at any second.

As long as Tony remained in the room, there was hope. Jethro spoke gently. "We don't have to have sex tonight, Tony. I know I threw this at you. But I want to try. I'm pretty new at this caring and sharing thing with another man so I'm bound to screw up. Don't give up on me," he added to remind the young man of his earlier promise, "and I will never give up on you. You are too important."

"I'm not good at long term," Tony finally said.

"You've already been my partner for over ten years," Jethro stated. "I haven't run from you yet."

"Except for Mexico," Tony whispered.

"Except for Mexico," Jethro agreed, acknowledging his error. "That will never happen again."

Tony nodded. Jethro took that as an acceptance of his insufficient apology. "More importantly, you haven't run from me. I think we can do this."

"Oh, yeah. I guess in a way we have been together for a long time." Tony seemed to consider things.

Jethro wasn't going to rush him. He saw the moment that Tony made the decision to stay. He seemed visibly relieved and the tension dropped away from his shoulders.

Jethro patted the bed.

Tony removed his shirt before joining him on the bed and then he kicked his shoes off and removed his socks. "Sorry, I'm not the kind of guy that leaves his socks on," he said nervously as he turned to Jethro.

"I'd rather you didn't leave anything on tonight," Jethro said as he pulled Tony down on top of him. Jethro fumbled with Tony's belt to slide his jeans off as they kissed.

Tony began taking control of the kiss and Jethro let him drive. He could feel Tony's confidence building as he let Tony take them as far as he felt comfortable. Tony sat up and Jethro admired his body. Tony pulled Jethro's shirt over his head and then slowly slid Jethro's pants.

"What's black and white and red all over?" Tony asked jokingly as he looked between his own black boxer briefs and Jethro's more traditional white ones.

Tony palmed his cock through his briefs and Jethro licked his lips. Tony was promising to be well built there as well.

"Our cocks grinding together in our underwear," Tony whispered with a small chuckle as he lay atop of Jethro and began slowly thrusting against Jethro's groin.

Jethro could feel himself hardening at the feel of Tony against him. It dawned on him they weren't really prepared to take things all the way. He just knew he wanted to be closer to Tony. He needed to establish something with Tony tonight now that Tony had decided to stay.

"Tony, I don't have…" he whispered.

"We don't have to do everything. I've waited for this a long time, too. Our hands and mouths will be enough for now." Tony began mouthing Jethro's neck and it felt so good.

Jethro felt something in him melt when he heard Tony confirm his own feelings. He had assumed it since Tony hadn't objected but now he knew it was better to actually have words to match actions.

Tony was very dominant and vocal as he licked and sucked his way up and down Jethro's body. He nipped at Jethro's nipples and ran his tongue around Jethro's belly button before lowering himself. Tony mouthed Jethro's cock through the white briefs causing sensations which almost sent Jethro over the edge. Tony then slid the briefs off of Jethro. "Nice," Tony observed aloud as he then removed his own briefs.

Jethro's eyes widened. Tony was indeed a well-built man. Tony stroked himself slowly.

"You like what you see, Jethro?" he asked. "Is this what you've been wanting?"

Jethro nodded unable to form words. Tony's naked body was everything he had remembered. He crooked a finger to Tony to get him back on top of him.

Tony smiled and began stroking Jethro's sides as he kissed his way back up Jethro's body. He paused by Jethro's nipples to suck on them more thoroughly. Jethro enjoyed the soft warmth of Tony's tongue on his skin and couldn't wait to do the same. It was clear that Tony was more experienced in this than Jethro was. He briefly wondered if there had been a few men sprinkled among those women earlier in Tony's life. Someday he would ask but for now Tony was his and he offered himself up to the man. He lost himself in the touches of Tony's fingers and lips and the tongue that explored him thoroughly. Every time Tony came back to Jethro's mouth, Jethro would pull Tony tight against him and kiss Tony deeply.

He never wanted to let go. He wanted to reciprocate. It was so hard to not flip Tony over and take over but he restrained himself. There were plenty of nights ahead of them for Jethro to explore Tony's amazing body.

Tony pulled away from another lingering kiss and whispered, "I want you to touch me, Boss. Sorry, I mean Jethro. Habit." He grinned down at Jethro before rolling to his side.

Jethro laughed. It was sort of sexy to have Tony call him Boss in bed. He might let him do it again.

"Roll on your side towards me," Tony ordered softly.

Jethro did as he was asked and found himself face to face with Tony, their faces just inches apart. Then he felt Tony take his hand and place it on his cock. Tony was impossibly hard and the hot, velvety texture of his cock felt perfect in Jethro's hand.

"Just our hands tonight, Jethro. Together."

He felt Tony take hold of his cock. The large hands slowly, but firmly, stroked and twisted gently. Jethro thought he'd never felt anything so good. They soon found a rhythm that worked. The two of them lay there looking into each other's eyes as they stroked each other with increasing pressure and speed. Jethro was surprised at how quiet Tony actually was except for his moans of pleasure. Tony seemed to be searching for something in Jethro's eyes so Jethro allowed him to explore even though it made him feel incredibly vulnerable. It was intensely intimate as they gazed at each other quietly while they climaxed. Jethro came first since Tony clearly knew what he was doing. Jethro had found himself mimicking Tony's hand movements. He had enjoyed seeing Tony's climax almost as much as the affection in Tony's eyes afterwards. Evidently whatever Tony had been seeking, he had found.

"Tony, you're amazing."

Tony's smile could have lit up the room at the compliment. Why had Jethro not given him more reasons to smile like that over the years?

"You're not so bad yourself, Jethro," Tony replied with a wink. He got up.

Jethro tugged on his arm. Jethro didn't want to let him go.

"Need to get a wash cloth," Tony grinned.

Jethro enjoyed the view as Tony ducked into the bathroom. The return trip afforded another nice view. He couldn't wait until it was his turn to explore. Jethro licked his lips as he watched Tony wash himself. Tony then rubbed the soft cloth over Jethro.

"Not to jinx this moment, but what really brought this on?" Tony asked softly as he washed Jethro off.

"It's like you said – an old sappy movie – more although more like A Christmas Carol than A Wonderful Life. Grab the throw and come back here," Jethro requested.

Tony pulled the throw off of the chest at the foot of the bed and draped it over the two of them as he lay back down half atop on Jethro.

Jethro pulled Tony tight so he was snuggled into Jethro's arms. Jethro ran his fingers up and down Tony's back as they talked.

"You were watching A Christmas Carol?" Tony asked, looking up at him.

"No, I was watching It's A Wonderful Life." Seeing the confused look on Tony's face he explained, "I found it the trash." Jethro rolled onto his side and Tony adjusted so they were face to face again. "I was wrong, Tony. I really am sorry about earlier."

"Wow. You're breaking Rule 6 again. At this rate, there may not be any rules left by tomorrow morning. We even broke Rule 12." Tony laughed.

"My rules. I'm allowed to break them."

"Well then, God bless us, every one!" Tony said before kissing Jethro again. "You know, I've always wanted to say that."

Jethro smiled. "Merry Christmas to you too, Tony."

A strong wind blew outside and rang a set of wind chimes that someone had forgotten to bring in for the winter. A neighbor walking their dog by Jethro's living room window swore they heard a deep, gravelly voice ask, "Does that mean I can have my damn wings now, Shannon?"

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THE END

Hope you enjoyed the story!

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