IT'S A DATE
By
Ashleigh Anpilova
Gibbs never uses a calendar. But there is one important date he doesn't want to be forgotten.
An established relationship story.
Written: December 2010. Word count: 500.
Gibbs had a calendar, but he didn't use it; there was no point.
Murder happened when it happened, he couldn't schedule it. He didn't get sick or go on holiday, so he didn't have those dates to jot down. There were a few dates that were important to him, but he didn't need to write those on a calendar to remember them. There really wasn't anything he needed to put on a calendar.
Except for one thing.
RESTON HOUSE 6:OO P.M. CHRISTMAS DAY
The kids and Fornell had left clutching boxes of presents and left-overs; Jackson was upstairs resting; the dishwasher was again loaded and washing; the fire had been refueled; the curtains were drawn; the Christmas tree lights twinkled and classical Christmas music played quietly.
Jethro came back into the sitting room with two pewter goblets of mulled wine and handed one to Ducky. The recipe had come from Jethro's dad; not that Jethro knew exactly what had gone into the wine. Instead, his dad had insisted on making it with Ducky and only sharing the recipe with him.
Jethro wondered if it should bother him that his dad wouldn't give him the recipe. It might have bothered some people, but not him, he was just glad his dad was so accepting of his relationship with Ducky.
"Cheers, Duck," he said, sitting down on the sofa next to Ducky.
"Your good health, my dear." Ducky smiled, leaned a little nearer and kissed Jethro's cheek. "I really have enjoyed today."
"Me too, Duck." Ducky cocked an eyebrow and looked a little surprised. "Really," Jethro said, kissing Ducky. "Even if we will be eating left-overs for the next six weeks."
Ducky obligingly gave an exaggerated sigh. It was something that happened every time they entertained. "What would you like to do now?"
"Don't mind."
"We could try one of the films Anthony gave us." Ducky sounded somewhat hesitant. "Or just enjoy the peace."
"Whatever, I don't mind. Up to you, Duck. You decide. And while you're doing so, here." Jethro pulled a square parcel from his pocket and gave it to Ducky.
"But, Jethro, you have already given me -"
"Just open it, Duck."
"Very well. Oh, it's -"
"A miniature desk calendar. Know that, Duck. I bought it, remember."
"It's a very nice one too. Thank you. Jethro?" Ducky asked as Jethro took the calendar from him and opened it. "What are you -"
"April 3rd," Jethro said, handing the calendar back to Ducky.
Ducky took it and looked down. "Oh, but . . ." He looked at Jethro. "Jethro?"
Jethro pulled out another box from his pocket. "Marry me, Duck," he said, opening the box.
Ducky was silent for several seconds before he took Jethro's hand, tugged it to his mouth and kissed it. "I would be honored to, Jethro." His tone was very formal.
"Good," Jethro said. "Merry Christmas, Duck." He gathered Ducky nearer to him and kissed his lips.
Jackson smiled and quietly closed the sitting room door. On second thoughts he mused, he still didn't feel quite rested.
Feedback is always appreciated
Go to NCIS Gibbs/Ducky Fiction Page