FIC: I'm Dreaming (NCIS)
Title: I’m Dreaming…
Author: hawk_soaring
Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Gibbs/ DiNozzo
Rating: FRAO
Summary: Tony wants to do something special for Jethro’s Christmas present.
Beta: sinfulslasher
Author’s Notes: Written for tibbs_yuletide.
Word Count: 2740
~*~
“I don’t like surprises,” Jethro grumbled as he pulled his jacket on. Tony had told him what to wear (comfortable blue jeans, boots, a flannel shirt with a white T-shirt under it, and his heavy winter coat). He wasn’t dressed for anything fancy so he didn’t have to worry about a five star restaurant or anything - but he didn’t know where they were going and he really hated not knowing.
“But you like me, right?” Tony asked with a smile and a saucy wink.
Jethro had half a mind to tell him no - but Tony was nearly jumping out of his skin with excitement and Jethro didn’t have the heart to crush his lover’s enjoyment of the moment. He stepped close and stared at his lover. “I love you, Tony.”
Tony grinned. “I love you too, Jethro. And I guarantee you’ll love this surprise.”
Jethro nodded, biting back a sigh. He really wished he knew where they were going but Tony wasn’t talking. He really hated surprises. Tony was lucky Jethro was in love with him or he would have just walked away from this.
~*~
The airport. Jethro bit back a sigh when he looked at the lines to go through security. He really hated waiting in lines. But Tony was being his usual funny self and before Jethro knew it, their suitcase was checked and the security line was shrinking fast. Jethro hadn’t even helped pack the suitcase so he had no idea what was in it. And, since he hadn’t known they were actually going anywhere, he hadn’t had time to grab the gift he’d gotten for Tony. Jethro sighed. Apparently, the gift would have to wait until they got back.
Jethro was tying his shoes when Tony made it through the security check point. He looked up when Tony sat next to him on the pleather bench. Tony rolled his eyes. “That guy had absolutely no sense of humor,” he hissed.
Jethro chuckled and Tony bumped into him with his shoulder. “Put your shoes on. I need coffee.”
Tony gasped in mock surprise. “Coffee? You?” He clutched his chest and slumped in a pretended faint.
Jethro swatted Tony on the head as he got to his feet. “Coffee. Now. Up.”
Tony bounced to his feet and stared at his lover before waggling his eyebrows. “I love it when you go all caveman on me, Jethro,” he growled. Tony grinned. “Come on, caveman. Coffee.”
Jethro didn’t pull away as Tony grabbed his hand briefly. They were on vacation and it felt good to be able to touch his lover in public, even if it was just for a moment.
~*~
“First Class?” Jethro looked around the lounge like he was positive they shouldn’t be there but Tony seemed to be making himself right at home. Jethro took a breath and sat on the lounger next to the one Tony had chosen for himself. “What are we doing in here?” he asked quietly.
Tony smiled and took Jethro’s hand in his own. “Relax. Drink your coffee. This is much nicer than sitting in the cattle pen they call a waiting lounge here.”
“But first class, Tony?”
Tony’s smile could always melt Jethro’s doubts -as did his words. “First class, Jethro. A little privacy. A warm blanket. A pillow. Loads of leg room. It’s the only way to fly.” He looked around before leaning over and placing a light kiss on Jethro’s lips. “Now relax. We’ll only be here about an hour.”
“Where are we going?” Jethro asked, not for the first time.
Tony closed his eyes. “Someplace where we can relax and have a good time.”
“Tony…”
Tony smirked. “It’s a surprise. Quit pestering me.”
Jethro stewed for a few minutes. “Don’t fall asleep, Tony. I don’t know what flight we’re on.”
Tony chuckled. “Not to worry. I’m only ignoring you - not sleeping.”
The minutes ticked by and Jethro fidgeted. Finally, he got to his feet and wandered around the lounge, winding up by the large windows overlooking the runways. An arm snaked around his waist and he stiffened before melting into Tony’s embrace.
“Didn’t mean to startle you,” Tony murmured.
Jethro turned his head and kissed Tony’s cheek. “It’s okay. I was just thinking.”
They stood together for a few minutes and then Tony took an audible breath. “We should be going.”
Jethro nodded. As much as he wanted to pester Tony for their destination again, he held his tongue and allowed his lover to lead him from the lounge. He found himself reading each monitor as they approached and eventually passed a gate, curious as to where they would be going. By the time they reached their gate, they were announcing for first class passengers to board and they immediately walked through the checkpoint - and he missed the monitor since they hadn’t even gotten close to it. Seemed like fate was going to keep him in the dark just a little longer.
As they settled into their seats in first class, Jethro thought about how crowded they would have been in coach - and leaned over and gave Tony a kiss on his cheek.
Tony turned to him with a smile. “What was that for?”
“These seats. They are going to be great to sleep in.”
The next Jethro knew, Tony was shaking him awake gently. The plane had landed and was mostly empty. They walked hand in hand through a bustling airport - and Jethro realized he still didn’t know where they had landed.
~*~
“Still haven’t told me where we’re headed,” Jethro remarked easily as he grabbed their suitcase from the baggage claim area. He’d figured out they were in Denver but that was as far as he’d gotten and Tony wasn’t saying anything else.
Their rental was a Jeep and Jethro grudgingly allowed Tony to drive - with the stipulation that he have coffee for the road. They stopped at a diner near the airport for breakfast and Jethro held a large cup of coffee when they headed back out into the winter chill.
He stopped paying attention when they merged onto I-70 W. The miles rolled by and the scenery was gorgeous, but Jethro watched Tony instead. Every once in a while Tony would seem to catch his stare out of the corner of his eye and turn his head with a smile. That smile could melt Jethro’s heart each and every time. When Tony said he’d gotten his job at NCIS with a smile, he was damned near telling the truth. Trouble was, it took Jethro a few years to figure out just what he wanted from Tony. Good thing Tony already knew and was waiting for him when he finally caught on.
Breckenridge, when they got to it, took Jethro’s breath away. The majestic mountains surrounded the small town. The historic district was quaint, and Jethro was actually loath to see it disappear behind them as they drove to the ski resort.
Their hotel was nestled right at the base of the mountain. Jethro hadn’t been skiing in years but, when he looked at the excitement in Tony’s eyes, he knew that he’d be strapping on a pair of skis again soon. The resort was huge but Jethro felt isolated when they stepped into their suite.
Almost as soon as the door closed behind them, Tony wrapped his arms around Jethro and pulled him back against his body. “Merry Christmas, Jethro,” he said, his breath tickling Jethro’s ear.
Jethro held onto the arm that was wrapped across his chest. “Merry Christmas, Tony. But you’re a couple of days early.”
Tony chuckled, resting his head against Jethro’s shoulder. “That just means I get to say it again … and again.”
Jethro turned in Tony’s arms. “How long you been planning this?”
Tony grinned. “You really didn’t know!”
Jethro shook his head. “I really didn’t know.” He kissed Tony’s smiling mouth. “So how long? And who else knew?”
Tony grinned. “No one else knew.” Jethro snorted and Tony slapped his arm. “No one! I can keep a secret.” At Jethro’s noncommittal grunt, Tony stuck his tongue out. Jethro captured it gently in his teeth, letting Tony pull away easily.
“How long,” Jethro breathed against Tony’s lips.
“A month - maybe more,” Tony admitted with a smile.
Jethro huffed out a breath. “A month,” he muttered. “I can’t believe you kept this from me for a month.”
Tony bit his lip. “You’re not mad, are you?”
Jethro blinked in surprise. Sometimes he forgot how insecure Tony could be under all that bravado. “I’m thrilled, Tony. I love my gift.”
Tony grinned. “There’s more,” he said softly.
Jethro merely raised an eyebrow.
~*~
The more was a hot tub on their private balcony. Jethro complained about not having a bathing suit and Tony haughtily informed him they didn’t need suits because they weren’t leaving their suite. Then Jethro complained about the cold and Tony told him the hot tub was one hundred ten degrees (F). It took some doing but Tony finally convinced him to strip down and put on the large plush robe the resort provided. Jethro followed Tony outside and watched as Tony dropped his robe onto a chair and climbed into the hot tub, settling back with a heartfelt sigh. Jethro looked around furtively, blushing slightly at Tony’s gentle rebuke of “we’re secluded”. The growled, “join me, Jethro,” was the last impetus he needed and Jethro dropped his robe.
The cold bit at his skin but only for the few seconds it took him to climb into the hot tub. The steam mixed with the cold air, enveloping the men in a warm cloud. Jethro wrapped his arms around Tony and pulled him back against his body. They reclined like that for a long while, watching the skiers on the mountain. The ski lifts were busy and the trails were full of skiers and snowboarders.
“Are you going to ski with me tomorrow, old man?” Tony teased.
Jethro chuckled and tightened his hold. “Yeah - I’m going to show you up on that mountain, Tony.”
Tony laughed. “I’m a spoiled rich kid, Jethro. What do you think I did on my breaks from school?”
Jethro shook his head. “Speaking of rich kids - just how did you pay for this?”
Tony sighed. “You can’t ask that question,” he said softly, and Jethro could tell he’d hurt his lover’s feelings.
“Sorry, Tony,” Jethro said quickly. “Habit. I love the gift, Tony.”
Tony snuggled back against Jethro and then stilled. Jethro was hard and, when Tony pulled away, he was a bit taken aback. Tony didn’t usually pull away and Jethro wondered if he really had hurt Tony’s feelings with his stupid comment. But then Tony turned to Jethro and pulled him to his feet.
“Let’s take this inside, Jethro.”
Lying in Tony’s arms was almost as good as what had preceded it. Jethro basked in the afterglow and listened to Tony’s breath even out in sleep. Their bedroom had a fireplace with a plush rug in front of it. The rug was surprisingly comfortable and Jethro bit back a chuckle as he remembered Tony’s insistence at pulling him over to it. He had then pushed Jethro’s robe off over his shoulders, not bothering to watch it puddle at their feet. Tony’s robe was next and then they sank down to the floor. The heat from the fire warmed their skin as did the heat from their passion.
And now lying in bed, Jethro replayed the past day in his head. The excitement of the surprise should have worn him out but he felt energized instead. Tony stirred in his arms and Jethro placed a light kiss on the top of his head.
“I love you, Tony DiNozzo,” he whispered.
~*~
Jethro had cause to regret his decision to ski - as he helped a limping Tony into the overstuffed chair he’d pulled up to the fireplace in their living room. Things had been going well until an out-of-control snowboarder had crossed Tony’s path, catching the tips of his skis. Both man and teen had tumbled and, just for a moment, Jethro was sure he would never be able to breathe again. But he’d taken a gulp of air as he’d stopped his forward progress near where Tony had fallen.
Tony had been still for what Jethro had thought was nearly forever - and, just as Jethro kicked out of his skis, Tony had groaned. It was the most beautiful sound Jethro had ever heard, and he grinned from ear to ear as Tony opened his eyes.
“You’re gonna be okay, Tony,” he had said earnestly, gripping Tony’s hands tightly. “Lie still. I’m gonna check on the kid.”
Tony grabbed at Jethro’s coat. “M-my leg,” he stammered.
It was only then that Jethro noticed Tony’s left leg was twisted up under him and he was lying on his ski. As Jethro reached for Tony’s ski, another man skied up to them. He helped roll Tony just enough for Jethro to release the catch on his ski and then back again. The man left Jethro with Tony and went over to the kid. Jethro had been glad not to have to leave Tony’s side.
And then the Ski Patrol was there with two sleds and Jethro moved out of the way.
Tony had sprained his ankle and knee and was on crutches. The kid had been taken to a nearby hospital with a broken leg and a concussion. At least it hadn’t been worse.
As Jethro got Tony settled into the chair in front of the fireplace, lifting his leg onto an ottoman, and covering him with a blanket, he gave thanks again that Tony’s injuries weren’t more severe. It would mean they were relegated to the hotel lounge instead of the mountain, but Jethro didn’t care. Tony was okay and that was all that mattered. Besides, the doc who had checked him out had told Tony to soak in a hot bath to help ease aching muscles - and they had a hot tub. Tony was on pain meds so he couldn’t have any alcohol, but they had never needed it to have a good time anyway.
As Jethro straightened the blanket covering Tony, he stirred from his almost slumber and blinked sleepily up at Jethro. Jethro smiled. “Need anything?” he asked as he brushed his fingers through Tony’s hair.
Tony shook his head slowly. “Nah, ‘m good.” He rubbed his face against Jethro’s hand. “Sorry,” he said softly.
Jethro cupped Tony’s face in his palm. “Sorry for what?” he asked, genuinely confused. Maybe Tony was high on his pain meds because the apology made no sense.
“For ruining our vacation,” Tony sighed, closing his eyes and then blinking slowly.
Jethro smiled. Tony really was wasted. “Nothing to be sorry for, Tony. And you haven’t ruined anything.” Jethro leaned forward and kissed Tony gently. “I love you and I’m just happy you’re going to be okay.”
Tony lifted a hand and touched Jethro’s lips. “How did I get so lucky?”
Jethro chuckled and kissed Tony’s fingers. “The same way I did,” he said softly. “I got lucky the day you tackled me in that alley in Baltimore.”
Tony smiled. “Hey,” he said after a long pause. “It’s almost Christmas.”
Jethro nodded. “Yup - just hours away now.” Jethro smiled down at Tony. “This is the best Christmas present ever - being here with you - but I wish I could give you your gift tomorrow.”
Tony yawned. “Suitcase,” he mumbled as he closed his eyes again.
Jethro got to his feet and wandered into the bedroom. He pulled their suitcase out of the closet and opened it. There, in the bottom of the bag, was the small wrapped package he had carefully gotten for Tony. He pulled it out and put the suitcase away again. Setting the gift on the dresser, he wandered out into the living room again.
Jethro watched Tony as he napped in front of the fire and thought about how lucky he was to have this man in his life. He hoped his gift conveyed just how happy he was with Tony in his life. The engraved ring said it all.
“Tony and Jethro forever.”
Author: hawk_soaring
Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Gibbs/ DiNozzo
Rating: FRAO
Summary: Tony wants to do something special for Jethro’s Christmas present.
Beta: sinfulslasher
Author’s Notes: Written for tibbs_yuletide.
Word Count: 2740
~*~
“I don’t like surprises,” Jethro grumbled as he pulled his jacket on. Tony had told him what to wear (comfortable blue jeans, boots, a flannel shirt with a white T-shirt under it, and his heavy winter coat). He wasn’t dressed for anything fancy so he didn’t have to worry about a five star restaurant or anything - but he didn’t know where they were going and he really hated not knowing.
“But you like me, right?” Tony asked with a smile and a saucy wink.
Jethro had half a mind to tell him no - but Tony was nearly jumping out of his skin with excitement and Jethro didn’t have the heart to crush his lover’s enjoyment of the moment. He stepped close and stared at his lover. “I love you, Tony.”
Tony grinned. “I love you too, Jethro. And I guarantee you’ll love this surprise.”
Jethro nodded, biting back a sigh. He really wished he knew where they were going but Tony wasn’t talking. He really hated surprises. Tony was lucky Jethro was in love with him or he would have just walked away from this.
~*~
The airport. Jethro bit back a sigh when he looked at the lines to go through security. He really hated waiting in lines. But Tony was being his usual funny self and before Jethro knew it, their suitcase was checked and the security line was shrinking fast. Jethro hadn’t even helped pack the suitcase so he had no idea what was in it. And, since he hadn’t known they were actually going anywhere, he hadn’t had time to grab the gift he’d gotten for Tony. Jethro sighed. Apparently, the gift would have to wait until they got back.
Jethro was tying his shoes when Tony made it through the security check point. He looked up when Tony sat next to him on the pleather bench. Tony rolled his eyes. “That guy had absolutely no sense of humor,” he hissed.
Jethro chuckled and Tony bumped into him with his shoulder. “Put your shoes on. I need coffee.”
Tony gasped in mock surprise. “Coffee? You?” He clutched his chest and slumped in a pretended faint.
Jethro swatted Tony on the head as he got to his feet. “Coffee. Now. Up.”
Tony bounced to his feet and stared at his lover before waggling his eyebrows. “I love it when you go all caveman on me, Jethro,” he growled. Tony grinned. “Come on, caveman. Coffee.”
Jethro didn’t pull away as Tony grabbed his hand briefly. They were on vacation and it felt good to be able to touch his lover in public, even if it was just for a moment.
~*~
“First Class?” Jethro looked around the lounge like he was positive they shouldn’t be there but Tony seemed to be making himself right at home. Jethro took a breath and sat on the lounger next to the one Tony had chosen for himself. “What are we doing in here?” he asked quietly.
Tony smiled and took Jethro’s hand in his own. “Relax. Drink your coffee. This is much nicer than sitting in the cattle pen they call a waiting lounge here.”
“But first class, Tony?”
Tony’s smile could always melt Jethro’s doubts -as did his words. “First class, Jethro. A little privacy. A warm blanket. A pillow. Loads of leg room. It’s the only way to fly.” He looked around before leaning over and placing a light kiss on Jethro’s lips. “Now relax. We’ll only be here about an hour.”
“Where are we going?” Jethro asked, not for the first time.
Tony closed his eyes. “Someplace where we can relax and have a good time.”
“Tony…”
Tony smirked. “It’s a surprise. Quit pestering me.”
Jethro stewed for a few minutes. “Don’t fall asleep, Tony. I don’t know what flight we’re on.”
Tony chuckled. “Not to worry. I’m only ignoring you - not sleeping.”
The minutes ticked by and Jethro fidgeted. Finally, he got to his feet and wandered around the lounge, winding up by the large windows overlooking the runways. An arm snaked around his waist and he stiffened before melting into Tony’s embrace.
“Didn’t mean to startle you,” Tony murmured.
Jethro turned his head and kissed Tony’s cheek. “It’s okay. I was just thinking.”
They stood together for a few minutes and then Tony took an audible breath. “We should be going.”
Jethro nodded. As much as he wanted to pester Tony for their destination again, he held his tongue and allowed his lover to lead him from the lounge. He found himself reading each monitor as they approached and eventually passed a gate, curious as to where they would be going. By the time they reached their gate, they were announcing for first class passengers to board and they immediately walked through the checkpoint - and he missed the monitor since they hadn’t even gotten close to it. Seemed like fate was going to keep him in the dark just a little longer.
As they settled into their seats in first class, Jethro thought about how crowded they would have been in coach - and leaned over and gave Tony a kiss on his cheek.
Tony turned to him with a smile. “What was that for?”
“These seats. They are going to be great to sleep in.”
The next Jethro knew, Tony was shaking him awake gently. The plane had landed and was mostly empty. They walked hand in hand through a bustling airport - and Jethro realized he still didn’t know where they had landed.
~*~
“Still haven’t told me where we’re headed,” Jethro remarked easily as he grabbed their suitcase from the baggage claim area. He’d figured out they were in Denver but that was as far as he’d gotten and Tony wasn’t saying anything else.
Their rental was a Jeep and Jethro grudgingly allowed Tony to drive - with the stipulation that he have coffee for the road. They stopped at a diner near the airport for breakfast and Jethro held a large cup of coffee when they headed back out into the winter chill.
He stopped paying attention when they merged onto I-70 W. The miles rolled by and the scenery was gorgeous, but Jethro watched Tony instead. Every once in a while Tony would seem to catch his stare out of the corner of his eye and turn his head with a smile. That smile could melt Jethro’s heart each and every time. When Tony said he’d gotten his job at NCIS with a smile, he was damned near telling the truth. Trouble was, it took Jethro a few years to figure out just what he wanted from Tony. Good thing Tony already knew and was waiting for him when he finally caught on.
Breckenridge, when they got to it, took Jethro’s breath away. The majestic mountains surrounded the small town. The historic district was quaint, and Jethro was actually loath to see it disappear behind them as they drove to the ski resort.
Their hotel was nestled right at the base of the mountain. Jethro hadn’t been skiing in years but, when he looked at the excitement in Tony’s eyes, he knew that he’d be strapping on a pair of skis again soon. The resort was huge but Jethro felt isolated when they stepped into their suite.
Almost as soon as the door closed behind them, Tony wrapped his arms around Jethro and pulled him back against his body. “Merry Christmas, Jethro,” he said, his breath tickling Jethro’s ear.
Jethro held onto the arm that was wrapped across his chest. “Merry Christmas, Tony. But you’re a couple of days early.”
Tony chuckled, resting his head against Jethro’s shoulder. “That just means I get to say it again … and again.”
Jethro turned in Tony’s arms. “How long you been planning this?”
Tony grinned. “You really didn’t know!”
Jethro shook his head. “I really didn’t know.” He kissed Tony’s smiling mouth. “So how long? And who else knew?”
Tony grinned. “No one else knew.” Jethro snorted and Tony slapped his arm. “No one! I can keep a secret.” At Jethro’s noncommittal grunt, Tony stuck his tongue out. Jethro captured it gently in his teeth, letting Tony pull away easily.
“How long,” Jethro breathed against Tony’s lips.
“A month - maybe more,” Tony admitted with a smile.
Jethro huffed out a breath. “A month,” he muttered. “I can’t believe you kept this from me for a month.”
Tony bit his lip. “You’re not mad, are you?”
Jethro blinked in surprise. Sometimes he forgot how insecure Tony could be under all that bravado. “I’m thrilled, Tony. I love my gift.”
Tony grinned. “There’s more,” he said softly.
Jethro merely raised an eyebrow.
~*~
The more was a hot tub on their private balcony. Jethro complained about not having a bathing suit and Tony haughtily informed him they didn’t need suits because they weren’t leaving their suite. Then Jethro complained about the cold and Tony told him the hot tub was one hundred ten degrees (F). It took some doing but Tony finally convinced him to strip down and put on the large plush robe the resort provided. Jethro followed Tony outside and watched as Tony dropped his robe onto a chair and climbed into the hot tub, settling back with a heartfelt sigh. Jethro looked around furtively, blushing slightly at Tony’s gentle rebuke of “we’re secluded”. The growled, “join me, Jethro,” was the last impetus he needed and Jethro dropped his robe.
The cold bit at his skin but only for the few seconds it took him to climb into the hot tub. The steam mixed with the cold air, enveloping the men in a warm cloud. Jethro wrapped his arms around Tony and pulled him back against his body. They reclined like that for a long while, watching the skiers on the mountain. The ski lifts were busy and the trails were full of skiers and snowboarders.
“Are you going to ski with me tomorrow, old man?” Tony teased.
Jethro chuckled and tightened his hold. “Yeah - I’m going to show you up on that mountain, Tony.”
Tony laughed. “I’m a spoiled rich kid, Jethro. What do you think I did on my breaks from school?”
Jethro shook his head. “Speaking of rich kids - just how did you pay for this?”
Tony sighed. “You can’t ask that question,” he said softly, and Jethro could tell he’d hurt his lover’s feelings.
“Sorry, Tony,” Jethro said quickly. “Habit. I love the gift, Tony.”
Tony snuggled back against Jethro and then stilled. Jethro was hard and, when Tony pulled away, he was a bit taken aback. Tony didn’t usually pull away and Jethro wondered if he really had hurt Tony’s feelings with his stupid comment. But then Tony turned to Jethro and pulled him to his feet.
“Let’s take this inside, Jethro.”
Lying in Tony’s arms was almost as good as what had preceded it. Jethro basked in the afterglow and listened to Tony’s breath even out in sleep. Their bedroom had a fireplace with a plush rug in front of it. The rug was surprisingly comfortable and Jethro bit back a chuckle as he remembered Tony’s insistence at pulling him over to it. He had then pushed Jethro’s robe off over his shoulders, not bothering to watch it puddle at their feet. Tony’s robe was next and then they sank down to the floor. The heat from the fire warmed their skin as did the heat from their passion.
And now lying in bed, Jethro replayed the past day in his head. The excitement of the surprise should have worn him out but he felt energized instead. Tony stirred in his arms and Jethro placed a light kiss on the top of his head.
“I love you, Tony DiNozzo,” he whispered.
~*~
Jethro had cause to regret his decision to ski - as he helped a limping Tony into the overstuffed chair he’d pulled up to the fireplace in their living room. Things had been going well until an out-of-control snowboarder had crossed Tony’s path, catching the tips of his skis. Both man and teen had tumbled and, just for a moment, Jethro was sure he would never be able to breathe again. But he’d taken a gulp of air as he’d stopped his forward progress near where Tony had fallen.
Tony had been still for what Jethro had thought was nearly forever - and, just as Jethro kicked out of his skis, Tony had groaned. It was the most beautiful sound Jethro had ever heard, and he grinned from ear to ear as Tony opened his eyes.
“You’re gonna be okay, Tony,” he had said earnestly, gripping Tony’s hands tightly. “Lie still. I’m gonna check on the kid.”
Tony grabbed at Jethro’s coat. “M-my leg,” he stammered.
It was only then that Jethro noticed Tony’s left leg was twisted up under him and he was lying on his ski. As Jethro reached for Tony’s ski, another man skied up to them. He helped roll Tony just enough for Jethro to release the catch on his ski and then back again. The man left Jethro with Tony and went over to the kid. Jethro had been glad not to have to leave Tony’s side.
And then the Ski Patrol was there with two sleds and Jethro moved out of the way.
Tony had sprained his ankle and knee and was on crutches. The kid had been taken to a nearby hospital with a broken leg and a concussion. At least it hadn’t been worse.
As Jethro got Tony settled into the chair in front of the fireplace, lifting his leg onto an ottoman, and covering him with a blanket, he gave thanks again that Tony’s injuries weren’t more severe. It would mean they were relegated to the hotel lounge instead of the mountain, but Jethro didn’t care. Tony was okay and that was all that mattered. Besides, the doc who had checked him out had told Tony to soak in a hot bath to help ease aching muscles - and they had a hot tub. Tony was on pain meds so he couldn’t have any alcohol, but they had never needed it to have a good time anyway.
As Jethro straightened the blanket covering Tony, he stirred from his almost slumber and blinked sleepily up at Jethro. Jethro smiled. “Need anything?” he asked as he brushed his fingers through Tony’s hair.
Tony shook his head slowly. “Nah, ‘m good.” He rubbed his face against Jethro’s hand. “Sorry,” he said softly.
Jethro cupped Tony’s face in his palm. “Sorry for what?” he asked, genuinely confused. Maybe Tony was high on his pain meds because the apology made no sense.
“For ruining our vacation,” Tony sighed, closing his eyes and then blinking slowly.
Jethro smiled. Tony really was wasted. “Nothing to be sorry for, Tony. And you haven’t ruined anything.” Jethro leaned forward and kissed Tony gently. “I love you and I’m just happy you’re going to be okay.”
Tony lifted a hand and touched Jethro’s lips. “How did I get so lucky?”
Jethro chuckled and kissed Tony’s fingers. “The same way I did,” he said softly. “I got lucky the day you tackled me in that alley in Baltimore.”
Tony smiled. “Hey,” he said after a long pause. “It’s almost Christmas.”
Jethro nodded. “Yup - just hours away now.” Jethro smiled down at Tony. “This is the best Christmas present ever - being here with you - but I wish I could give you your gift tomorrow.”
Tony yawned. “Suitcase,” he mumbled as he closed his eyes again.
Jethro got to his feet and wandered into the bedroom. He pulled their suitcase out of the closet and opened it. There, in the bottom of the bag, was the small wrapped package he had carefully gotten for Tony. He pulled it out and put the suitcase away again. Setting the gift on the dresser, he wandered out into the living room again.
Jethro watched Tony as he napped in front of the fire and thought about how lucky he was to have this man in his life. He hoped his gift conveyed just how happy he was with Tony in his life. The engraved ring said it all.
“Tony and Jethro forever.”