Title: A New Addition
Pairing: McGee/Ziva
Rating: G
Genre: Het
Cat: Fluff
Spoilers: None.
Warnings: None.
Summary: McGee and Ziva reflect on how lucky they are.
Author's Note: Written as a prize for Laura for correctly guessing my Hangman puzzle. She requested established McGiva. And this is what I wrote. Yes, it's short, but the story would have melted into a gooey sweet mess if it were any longer.
"Tim?" Her voice is small; her hands rest on her stomach, rising up and down with every calm breath she takes.
"Yeah, Ziva?" His voice is curious; his hands move to rest over hers, hesitant, then sure.
There is a moment of silence, during which the alarm clock on the bedside table flips to a new time – 11:02 P.M. And then, "We are lucky."
He hears the emotion in her words and nods to himself. "We are." He moves his fingers over hers. It is amazing how soft her hands are, considering her past, how she worked and works with what should make her hard and calloused, not remain the gentle beauty she is tonight.
She shifts, nudging his toes with her own, still encased loosely in the 'v' between his legs. He holds her, just like this, most nights, when they are allowed the chance. She loves the scent of his fabric softener on his shirts and sheets, how it is comforting and home to her. "I could not imagine this for myself when I was in Israel. It would have hurt too much. But now, I am glad I allowed myself the chance."
"I am, too, Ziva. I always thought I would have a family someday, someone to love who loved me back, but I never pictured this, not in a million years." He inhales, her sweet, exotic scent intoxicating his senses; he's always felt, ever since they knew, since they allowed themselves to love each other, be loved in return, that nothing could get him drunker than Ziva, the way she smelled and the rich taste of her lips.
"She is beautiful."
"She is."
"I just wish . . ." She stops short, unsure of herself. It is not everyday that people are given this opportunity, the miracle of loving another the way they do with her; she should be happy, not be voicing wishes she knows will not come true.
"I know." He has the same sigh in his voice, wants for her the same thing Ziva does. "But it doesn't stop me from loving her just the same."
Ziva smiles, gathering the bundle of joy into her arms. "Nor me." She turns her attention to the baby. "I love you, Faith." She caresses the soft hair on her head, then runs her hand down her back. She allows her head to fall back to rest against Tim's shoulder, and they study the new life in Ziva's arms.
Tim's face is glowing and he scratches Faith behind the ear. "You're the most beautiful kitten in the entire world, girl. And your mommy and I are very lucky and happy to have you in our lives. Aren't we, Mommy?"
Ziva continues to smile. "Yes. We are, Daddy."
And so they sat, their furry child sleeping in Ziva's arms, glad to have their family, even if their offspring was only a tabby cat, her happy purrs filling their home and hearts with the soft sounds to show that she loved them, too.
THE END!
