Extant - Holiday Angst Version

Day 18: Eggnog

With the presents all exchanged, the party started to wrap up. Ducky headed home to enjoy his new stories. Jimmy had to return to Breena and Victoria.

McGee, Abby, Tony, and Bishop weren't quite ready to call it a night though. Abby challenged the others to karaoke and soon Gibbs’ house was filled with the mostly off key singing of the four of them as they went through various Christmas and other holiday songs. Gibbs settled in a chair out of the way to enjoy the show.

There seemed to be a lot more wiggling than was truly necessary, but Gibbs wasn't complaining. McGee finally gave up. The karaoke tired him out and he returned home.

Abby and Bishop giggled and left together. Tony wasn't quite sure what that was about, but he was happy to be alone with Jethro again.

“Are we really going for a sleigh ride tomorrow?”

“Assuming the weather doesn't change. Though when I reserved it they said we could switch to the carriage if there wasn't any snow.”

Tony nodded, thinking about things some more. He glanced at the time and startled. When had it gotten so late?

“I'd better go.”

“You can stay, you know?”

“I know, but I need some things from my apartment.”

Gibbs pouted slightly, but otherwise just wished Tony a good night and sweet dreams. Tony waved as he walked out the door.

The next morning, Tony headed over to Gibbs’ house to meet for their sleigh ride. He was a bit early, 7am, but he knew Gibbs would already be up. Gibbs was up and ready to go.

“It’s a bit of a drive to get to the sleigh ride given most of DC doesn’t have snow, right now.”

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

Gibbs hustled Tony out to his car and drove them to the sleigh ride which was at a higher elevation where they actually had snow. Tony happily sang Christmas songs the whole way. They headed into the main shop to let them know that they were there.

Tony wandered around looking at various items in the shop while Gibbs dealt with the reservations.

“Hey, Gibbs, they have eggnog here.”

Gibbs grunted. He hated eggnog and wished it was no longer extant.

“Do you want any?”

“No thanks. Just coffee for me, please.”

“Sure. Coming right up.” Tony placed his order for eggnog and ordered Gibbs a marine coffee and a coffee with eggnog. The idea that anyone would not like eggnog was something that Tony just couldn’t believe, but he didn’t want to chance Gibbs’ wrath too badly so he had a backup just in case.

With their drinks in hand, Tony had claimed Gibbs coffee with eggnog when Gibbs had taken one sip and immediately spit it out, they climbed into the one horse open sleigh to be taken on the picturesque route. They both settled under the blanket, though not touching each other as Gibbs grabbed the reins to start the horse. He knew the basic route they were to take, so Tony let him take the lead.

Though, Tony quickly snatched the reins from Gibbs when he decided that Gibbs was being too abusive to the animal. Gibbs took advantage of Tony holding the reins to scoot in closer and share body heat.

Tony just shot him a look, not impressed. However, it didn’t last long as Gibbs started to point out some of the sights that they could see. Even though Tony had been living in DC for the past 12 or so years, he’d never had a chance to just relax and enjoy the amazing attractions DC had.

Looking at DC from up here gave a completely different viewpoint. Not to mention the holiday lights and beautiful winter wonderland that surrounded them. Gibbs grabbed hold of Tony’s hand as the silence enveloped them.

It felt like they were the only ones in the world. Just the two of them and the horse. With Tony leading the horse they moved at a slow pace.

Slow enough that they were able to see all the wildlife without spooking them too much. Gibbs pointed out birds and other critters as he spotted them and Tony smiled slightly at him. It was a nice way to enjoy the day even if Gibbs didn’t understand how good eggnog was.

As the ride drew to a close and they returned to the starting point, Tony thanked Gibbs for an enjoyable ride. He then quickly rushed from the one horse open sleigh to the shop to get more eggnog before they left.

Gibbs shook his head. He didn’t know how Tony could drink that stuff. As they climbed back into the car, Gibbs out of the blue asked, “Would you join me and Jack for Christmas dinner?”

“When will this be?”

“Christmas, of course. It’s only a few days away.”

“What about work?”

“Well, of course, we’ll make allowances for work. Come on, please say, yes. I know Jack wants to see you too.”

“Fine. I’ll come.” Tony was too pleased at Gibbs please to say no.