A/N Thanks for all the reviews! I love getting feedback (hint hint)
Chapter 2
There were three days before they had to go undercover, but neither Ziva nor Tony wanted to take time off. They were forced to, however, on the third day, because Jenny wanted them to spend it with their new child.
They went into Jenny's office and sat down, waiting for her to arrive.
After about ten minutes, Jenny walked in, followed by a girl who looked to be about 9 years old. "Tony, Ziva, this is Sophie," Jenny said, putting her hands on Sophie's shoulders.
"Hi," said Ziva, standing up and going over to them. Tony, seeing Ziva being enthusiastic, followed her lead and stood up as well.
"Hi," Sophie replied brightly. She was very confident being around complete strangers. She brushed a lock of her red-brown hair behind her ear.
"You two will be Sophie's guardians for the assignment's duration," Jenny said, gesturing to the agents. "You three can spend today together so you establish family bonds."
"Alright. Come on Sophie," Ziva said, reaching for her hand.
"Bye Sophie," Jenny said, and she watched the little girl leave with Ziva, followed closely by Tony.
An hour later, Ziva, Tony and Sophie were eating pizza at the local pizza place. Sophie was a very social kid.
"Last year at school, the hockey team won the grand final. It was fantastic!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air for a dramatic effect. Ziva noticed a pinkish purple rash on Sophie's elbows. After a while, she realised the discoloration was also present on Sophie's hands and left eyelid.
"So you like sports?" Tony asked through a mouthful of cheese.
"I like them, but I don't play them," Sophie said, suddenly subdued. Tony quickly changed the subject.
"Well, it's nearly five. We should get you back to the Director," he said, wiping his hands and motioning to Ziva.
"Yes, she will want to get you back to your parents," Ziva agreed. They packed up and returned to NCIS.
Gibbs was waiting impatiently at his desk. His two best agents had been gone for the afternoon, and the office was strangely quiet. McGee had been in Abby's lab for a while trying to decipher a coded message sent to Savage from an anonymous email address. Every few minutes Gibbs noticed the Director come out of her office. She would walk to the railing, look at the elevator, then her watch, then walk back to her office, shutting the door behind her. This happened every five minutes for an hour.
The elevator door dinged. Gibbs looked up from his desk.
Tony and Ziva were holding one of Sophie's hands each as she skipped between them. Tony was obviously saying something funny, as the two girls were laughing. Out of the corner of his eye, Gibbs saw Jenny walking down the stairs.
Tony and Ziva came to a halt at their desks, and Jenny arrived shortly after. "How was your day?" she asked.
"Great," said Sophie, her brown eyes sparkling.
"Tony, Ziva, you need to be here at 0830 tomorrow to pick up Sophie and take her to school together. From that point onwards you are Chris and Josie Thompson. You can go home now if you want to prepare if you haven't already," Jenny said. She took Sophie by the hand and together they went to Jenny's office.
Gibbs watched them go. Tony and Ziva remained motionless until Gibbs redirected his gaze to focus on them. "You guys gonna go now?" he asked.
"Well…."
"I guess…."
"If we aren't needed…."
"Both of you. Sit," Gibbs instructed, and the two agents moved their chairs in front of Gibbs's desk and sat. "You two...you two be careful on this assignment," he said, making eye contact with each of them.
"Ok…"
"Sure Boss."
"Alright. Go, both of you," Gibbs said, waving them off. They grabbed their bags and walked to the elevator together.
Once in the elevator, Ziva began to speak.
"Hey Tony?"
"Yeah?"
"Did you notice Sophie's skin when we were out today?"
"She's a pale color? I dunno, I didn't really pay attention." Tony didn't mention he was too busy watching Ziva.
"She has a rash on her elbows and face and hands. Pinkish purple color. Do you know what it could be?" Ziva asked.
"I'm not a doctor, Ziva, I have no idea," Tony replied, and the elevator doors opened to reveal the parking lot.
"Well, maybe it is no big deal," Ziva said, and they both walked their separate ways to their cars. "See you in the morning," she called, and Tony waved back in response.
