A soft sound from the lounge had her on full alert again, and she made her way noiselessly to the doorway. The sight that greeted her made her relax completely and smile. She leaned against the door jamb just watching for a few moments. Gibbs and Director Sheppard were on the sofa, asleep. She had snuggled into his shoulder, feet curled up next to her. He had his legs stretched out in front of him, his arm wrapped protectively around Jen and his head resting on top of hers.
She enjoyed the peacefulness of the scene, and the sense of security it gave her. She had trusted her life to others, had known her fellow officers had her back when it came to completing their mission, but that was missions. This wasn't about a mission, this was people caring about her, this was about suffering a trauma and coming home to Mama and Papa and knowing they would enfold you in their arms and love you regardless. Family. Something she hadn't felt before. These people had somehow, despite having her thrust upon them at one of the worst times of their lives, drawn her into their family, decided that she belonged and protected her as such. It was a little overwhelming.
She turned quietly, to continue her aborted trip to the kitchen and coffee, when either the movement or some small noise she had been unaware of making, roused Gibbs. His eyes snapped open and locked on hers, a question forming immediately. She nodded, not really knowing what to say and not wanting to wake Jen. He nodded in response, then looked down at the woman resting against him, allowing a gentle smile to cross his face briefly at the sight of her. Jen though, obviously sensing the change in her pillow, woke, taking in the situation with a sweep of the room, ever the good agent. She sat up, evidently a little embarrassed at being caught sleeping on Gibbs' shoulder, but concern quickly clouded her features as she looked over at Ziva.
"How are you doing?"
She shrugged, "I'm fine." Catching Jen's eyes then looking down at her shoes, she continued, "Director, I apologise. It should never have happened at the work."
"Ziva!" Jen cut her off, "I am worried about you! That is more important right now. You know I am here for you if you want to talk. We want to help you, but we need to know what you need."
"But it will not happen again! It was just a bad combination of circumstances."
"And if it hadn't happened, we wouldn't have had an invitation to share cholent tonight?"
Her glare at Gibbs was enough of an answer his comment.
Jen's gaze was sharp as she watched the two of them glare at each other,.
"So you've not been sleeping?"
Ziva was reluctant to answer, but the look on Jen's face promised that she wasn't giving up anytime soon.
"It's not so bad anymore, mostly just anniversaries."
"Like Tali?"
"Yes."
"What was yesterday?"
She didn't miss the glance that Ziva and Gibbs shared. She knew these two had formed a bond, Ziva did not trust easily or often, but she trusted Gibbs. And she had been the one to get through to him after the coma. And this situation, he definitely knew more than he was telling.
"I think you should tell her."
"But .."
"I know what I said about secrets, but it's not really working for you, is it? You need to be able to talk to someone about it and Jen is really much better at that than I am. Besides, I think we can trust her, don't you?"
Gibbs' attempt at lightening the mood brought a smile to both Ziva and Jen's faces.
"OK, does one of you feel like telling me what this is all about then?"