A/N: Hi hi. So it's officially turning into a series. Yay! I'm happy my guilty pleasure is getting such positive feed back. Here's the next chapter, and chapter 3 is in the works. Much love and appreciation to my darling beta, Oxymoronic Alliteration. Ziva's nickname for Tim was inspired by her "Timmy Bear" one shot. If you haven't read ANY of her work you really, really (and I mean REALLY) should. Translations will be at the end of the chapter. That is all.
Timothy McGee was in trouble. Not the "apologize and all is well" kind of trouble either; he was in major "I'm-dead-meat" kind of trouble. Clicking through pages upon pages of possible gifts, he had found nothing. The Special Agent had looked through clothing, jewelry, electronics, and even weapons, searching for the perfect gift for his girlfriend's upcoming birthday. He hadn't forgotten the date, far from it, rather work and deadlines had forced him to postpone his shopping. Now he had all of five days to find the perfect birthday present for Ziva.
Five days.
Rubbing his eyes tiredly, McGee stood from his computer, heading for his kitchen, lost in thought. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't have been so hard. Tim would have brought flowers to Ziva the morning before work, snuck a few kisses at lunch, and taken her to dinner at the little French restaurant where they had first acknowledged their feelings for each other. After dinner, Tim would have presented Ziva with some present or other, maybe the earrings she had been staring at the other day at the mall.
Finally, McGee would've handed Ziva the keys to his Porsche, and let her drive them home. It was her birthday after all, and Ziva had been hounding him to let her drive his precious car.
That, however, wasn't going to cut it now. Yesterday Ziva had happily announced that her Aunt Nettie was finally traveling to the U.S. to visit, just in time for Ziva's birthday. Add to the fact that Ziva's birthday and the couple's six month anniversary landed on the same day, and the pressure was on. Thumping his head a few time against the door of his fridge, McGee groaned. He knew Ziva better than anyone else, or at least he was supposed to. She was his soul mate, not that he had mustered the courage to tell her so yet, but he was sure of it. Hell, he was her 'Motek' for pity's sake.
Slumping back into his computer chair, McGee's eyes landed on the picture next to his monitor. Smiling he picked it up. The photo was actually of the entire MCRT group, along with Ducky, Abby, and Palmer, but he had ended up next to Ziva. That had been a good day; Ziva had been wearing her favorite white vest top, with her gold Star of David necklace shining in the fluorescents of the bullpen.
McGee stopped short; that was it! Ziva's gold Star of David necklace had been stolen by Saleem in Somalia, that he knew, but she had yet to replace it. She had claimed that none of them were "the right one." So how was he supposed to find the perfect necklace? Turning back to the photo, Tim smiled briefly at it one last time before placing it back on the desk. Maybe he really should just ask Ziva what she wanted for her birthday. It certainly would be easier.
No.
He couldn't. He wanted to make a good impression on Ziva's aunt. And he wanted to surprise Ziva. It was a rarity to claim that pleasure. With a sigh, McGee reached for his phone. He needed help. Dialing the number he'd memorized long ago, Tim waited for his call to be answered.
"Hey, Timmy. What's up?" Abby answered, cheerfully.
"Abbs, I need a favor," Tim said, sounding very serious.
"What? Why? What's wrong, McGee?" Abby rambled.
"I need some advice. I don't know what to get Ziva fro her birthday. I was thinking of replacing her Star of David necklace for her. Thing is though, that she hasn't been able to find one she likes, and I don't know how I'm supposed to. I don't want it to be exactly the same, that much I'm certain of. I want to surprise her with it. It would help if she actually liked it too…"
"Whoa! Timmy slow down there," Abby laughed.
"Right. Sorry." Tim took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
"Wow, Timmy, you've got it bad," Abby laughed.
"Yeah, yeah, I know… I love her Abbs," Tim sighed, running an agitated hand through his hair.
"Ohh, careful, 'L' word."
"Yeah, 'L' word. So think you can help me out?"
"Sure thing. First things first: if you're so worried about the pendant, why not just have one custom made?"
"On such short notice?"
"Well it could up the price, you'd have to ask."
"Price doesn't matter." McGee responded instantly.
Abby raised a questioning brow, though Tim couldn't see it. "Right well, you'll have to make sure the metal is durable, especially if Ziva wears it like she did her gold one."
"Titanium?" McGee asked after a moment's pause.
"Durable might be an understatement there. Used hardcore for protecting stuff." Abby chuckled. "Also very popular right now for jewelry, wedding bands especially. Oh! Maybe you should propose. McGee! That would be so romantic. On her birthday and everything, her aunt will be there too right? She'd probably get a kick out of that."
"Abby… Abby… Abby!" Tim shouted to get the Goth's attention. "I'm not going to propose to Ziva. We're not ready for that, yet."
"Aww. Ok, then."
"Listen, thanks for helping me out, Abbs. I'm gonna head downtown and see if I can find a place to get this done. You want to come? I could use a female perspective. If you're not busy, I mean."
"I'll come. Don't want you turning this into too much of a monstrosity."
"Gee thanks, Abbs." McGee rolled his eyes. "I'll see you in 20."
"Right on. See ya soon."
Hanging up, McGee stood, gathering everything he'd need for the impromptu shopping trip, glad that it was a Saturday.
The shopping trip had thankfully, proven fruitful, and McGee had found a jeweler willing to create the piece he needed. Tim's relief had been near tangible the rest of the week. Ziva's inability to guess exactly what her gift was, despite numerous pleas and threats, was simply icing on the cake.
The morning of Ziva's birthday, Tim woke as soon as Ziva had left for her morning run, intent on having breakfast ready by the time she returned. A bouquet of Ziva's favorite orange calla lilies already sat on the table from the night before. After breakfast, Tim held out his keys with a suffering sigh to Ziva, as the pair exited Ziva's apartment.
"It is your birthday after all."
Snatching up the keys, Ziva smiled slowly. "Is this my birthday present?"
"No, I'm afraid not. More like a piece of it," Tim responded with a secretive smile.
"Just how many pieces are there Timothy?" Ziva asked, suspicious.
"Not sure, really. So are we going or not? I'd hate for us to be late," Tim teased walking towards the car.
"Late? Never." Ziva grinned evilly as she slid into the driver's seat.
Thankfully, there were no cases that day, leaving only paperwork to be caught up on, the monotony only broken up by lunch and the on-going delivery of birthday gifts. When it came time to leave, Tim offered Ziva the keys to his Porsche once more.
"Want to drop me off before you go pick up your aunt? I can meet you back at your place after."
"No, that will not be necessary. Aunt Nettie will be meeting us at the restaurant. Ducky has offered to escort her for the evening."
"Ducky, huh? Interesting. I hope you're Aunt Nettie likes stories," Tim teased, before grunting as Ziva's elbow connected with his ribs.
"Right, sorry," he wheezed. "Did you want me to drop you off then? That way you won't have to worry about driving in heels? I know you hate that."
Smiling, Ziva nodded as she wrapped Tim's arm around her shoulder. "That would be wonderful, Motek. Thank you."
"My pleasure." Tim smiled, pressing a kiss to Ziva's forehead.
After dropping Ziva off, Tim rushed to pick up Ziva's present before heading home to get ready for dinner. An hour later, Tim pulled up in front of Ziva's apartment once more, butterflies wrecking havoc on his stomach. Trying desperately to quell the swarm, Tim knocked on Ziva's door. God, this had to be worse than when he had gone to ask Gibbs for permission to date Ziva.
"One second," Ziva called suddenly.
Coming back to reality, McGee fiddled with his tie once more as he waited for Ziva to open the door. When she did, all anxious thoughts flew from his mind, as he focused in on her. She was breathtaking. The satin dress was a deep burgundy color with spaghetti straps and the hem brushed against her knees, handkerchief style. Crystal details along the front looked like thousands of little stars.
Offering Ziva a single white rose, Tim smiled. "You look beautiful," he said sincerely.
"Why thank you Timothy." Ziva smiled, pressing a light kiss to McGee's cheek.
"Are you ready to go?" Tim asked, offering his arm to Ziva.
"Yes. I cannot wait to see my Aunt Nettie. It has been far too long." Ziva's eyes lit up in anticipation.
"I'm sure she's just as excited. I know I can't wait to meet her."
Tim smiled as he pulled up to the restaurant; the entire team was already waiting outside. Parking, he jogged to Ziva's side, opening the door for her and offering a hand out of the low slung car. With a kiss to the back of her hand, Tim entwined their fingers before leading her to their waiting friends. Letting go of her hand, Tim gave Ziva a gentle push in the direction of her aunt, the only woman he didn't know in their group.
Ziva smile up at Tim before rushing off to her hug her Aunt Nettie. Tim smiled. Nettie was a beautiful woman for her age, and what Tim thought Ziva would look like 25 years down the road. After giving Ziva a chance to greet her aunt, Tim made his way over to them.
"Hello. I'm Timothy McGee, Ziva's boyfriend." Offering his hand, McGee smiled a bit nervously.
"So this is the man that has stolen my niece's heart," Nettie said shaking Tim's hand, looking him over with sharp eyes.
"Doda!" Ziva protested.
"Yes, Zivaleh?" Nettie asked, a smile tucked into the corner of her mouth.
"Please, I am no longer a child. Must you embarrass me so?"
Nettie only smiled and patted Ziva's cheek, before turning back to McGee. "It is nice to finally meet you Timothy. Ziva has told me much about you."
"The pleasure is mine." Tim smiled, taking Ziva's hand once more.
"Come on, Probie, stop trying to suck up, it's time to eat." Tony smirked.
*whack*
"Thanks, Boss." Tony rubbed the back of his head, as Gibbs shook his head.
Chuckling, Tim and Ziva led everyone into the restaurant. Dinner passed in a similar manner to those previously shared by the team. Jokes and smiles all around, the only difference being the additional person, seated on Ziva's right. The meal was delicious as always, and soon desert was being served. It was time for Tim to finally hand over his present. After everyone had given their gift, Tim pulled the jewelry box from his jacket pocket.
"My present. I hope you'll like it." He smiled nervously as Ziva pulled the bow off the top of the box.
Opening the lid slowly, Ziva's eyes lit up as they came to rest on the necklace inside. Shining in the soft lighting of restaurant was the titanium Star of David pendant with a small diamond on each corner, nestled next to a small circular pendant on a delicate looking chain. Pulling the chain from the box, Ziva lifted it to show everyone.
"Tim, it is beautiful."
"I know you wanted to replace your old one, but I hope this will do."
Leaning over, Ziva kissed him soundly. "It is perfect."
"Oh! Read the engraving on the circle." Abby urged.
Lifting the circular pendant, Ziva pulled it closer to her face, not noticing McGee's blush.
'Happy Birthday. Ahuvi. –Motek'
"Ahuvi?" Ziva questioned.
"Ahuvi." Tim nodded. "I know I haven't said it before, but I love you, Ziva."
Smiling, Ziva kissed McGee once more. "I love you too, Motek."
Blushing, McGee cleared his throat. "Let me help you put it on." Taking the necklace, McGee stood, clasping it around Ziva's neck.
"Toda." Ziva smiled up at him. Tim returned the smile, taking his seat once more.
After dinner, everyone stood outside once more, saying good bye this time. Gibbs walked over to McGee as he waited for Ziva to say good bye to Abby and Tony.
"You did good, Tim," came the soft praise.
"Thanks, Boss. Abby helped, though," Tim responded.
"Perhaps, but the idea was yours, correct?" Nettie asked coming up behind Tim.
"Yes, ma'am." Tim nodded. "Ziva missed her necklace; a blind man could see that."
Nettie nodded her approval. "My Zivaleh is blessed to have you."
"No, I am. She's very special to me." Tim smiled softly as he watched Ziva walk towards them.
"Might be an understatement there, McGee." Gibbs grinned.
"I agree with your Agent Gibbs. However, I look forward to getting to know you better during my visit."
"Me as well." Tim nodded as Nettie slapped his cheek lightly, much like Ziva did.
After a final good bye, Tim led Ziva back to the car. "Enjoy your birthday?"
"Very much so, thank you."
"I'm glad to hear it. Are you ready for the next round of celebrations?"
"Next round?" Ziva asked in confusion.
"Well it is our anniversary." Tim smirked.
"This is true." Ziva smiled slowly. "Take me home, Motek," Ziva said, leaning over the center console to place a kiss on McGee's neck.
"As the birthday girl commands," Tim said peeling out of the parking lot, Ziva's laughter trailing behind them.
Translations:
Motek- Sweetie.
Doda- Aunt
Ahuvi- My Love
Toda- Thank You