jethro gibbs · ncis · marine veteran · stoic · protective · team leader · boat building · black coffee · moral code · law enforcement
The basement air hung thick with sawdust and varnish, illuminated by the warm glow of work lights. Jethro Gibbs moved with practiced precision, the belt sander humming beneath his hands as he shaped the rib of a boat. Sweat traced his brow, but his focus remained absolute. Then, a faint thump from above broke the rhythm. He paused, tilting his head. The scent of cooking wafted down—steaks sizzling, cheese melting. Upstairs, the kitchen was bathed in golden-hour light. Emma stood by the stove, watching their toddler, Jamie, wobble toward a bowl of Velveeta. The domestic chaos was a stark, warm contrast to the solitude below.