Okay, lengthy author's note ahead. Consider yourself warned.
First of all, no, I'm not abandoning any of my stories. I just had very little time for my own projects lately, that's all. I'm really sorry it took me so long to update this one, but I didn't like the early versions of this chapter, and it took me a while to come up with something I find good enough to upload. Anyway, just to let you know, if you read this, you make me really happy simply by coming back to read the new chapter :)
Second, I noticed that I didn't set a time frame for the story. And honestly, I'm not entirely sure when it's set. German broadcast of the show used to be… random at best. In the most current episodes I saw on TV, Ziva became a US citizen. Every now and then, I also watch some episodes online, and there she was already a special agent, so… I suppose it's set around the beginning of season 9, according to the episode guide. So, if you spot any obvious mistakes (dead people walking around, mention of something that hasn't happened yet, whatever), I'd appreciate if you'd let me know :) Also if I screwed up ranks, specific naval expressions, stuff like that. Odd as it is, I usually don't mind such minor mistakes in other stories, but when I write something, I want it to be as correct as possible. Perfectionism kinda sucks…
And last but not least, thanks for the reviews so far; that's what I live off when the budget is tight ;)
Alright, alright, I'll shut up now…
PS: In case you noticed the change in spelling: I'm currently trying to stick to British orthography. I used to confound British and American, but I'd really like to be consistent, so I picked British and try to stick to it, at least until I can safely switch from BrE to AmE without too much confusion...
The frightened woman wasn't of much help, though. All she could tell Ziva was that she hadn't seen her husband in four days. He had been scheduled to help organise a special field training outside the base, so she hadn't expected him to be back for another couple days. Ziva jotted down the name of the one who had been in charge of the event. Mrs. Donahue had no answer at all when Ziva questioned her about potential enemies, and had another breakdown when she asked about his family. Rather uncomfortable, Ziva didn't protest when some neighbour led the woman away, trying to comfort her.
By that time, the rest of the team, including Ducky who had arrived ten minutes after them, had finished in the house and returned outside. Her fellow agents eyed her suspiciously; McGee looked confused, Tony worried, and Gibbs grumpy. Still, out of habit - or fear; she wasn't quite sure which one it was with McGee – they didn't ask her about the incident. Instead, Gibbs motioned for them to follow him to the van.
"Anything from the wife?"
"Not much." Ziva skimmed her few notes. "A Lieutenant Cruz was in charge of the field training, he was the one Seaman Donahue received his orders from. She doesn't know of any quarrels her husband might have had or potential enemies. We should track down his unit and ask around there."
"Exactly. DiNozzo, you go with her. After we talked."
Dammit. She had almost forgotten about that. "Uh, Gibbs, maybe we should-"
"No. Whatever it is, you shouldn't."
He unceremoniously shoved McGee into the van and banged the door shut. Ignoring the confused calls from inside, he turned around.
"I don't know what's going on between you two, but I won't tolerate anything that might upset the team. I need you all in your best working order. Understood?"
He didn't wait for them to answer; instead he stalked off to the driver's site, clearly irritated. Or downright furious. With him, it was hard to tell, even for Ziva.
"You know", Tony muttered warily behind her. "We could always run away to Vegas. Maybe he wouldn't find us there."
"You bet he would." Ziva sighed. "And it wouldn't be pleasant."
Avoiding any eye-contact with Gibbs, Ziva climbed into the car. She briefly felt Tony's hand on her back, but apparently, Gibbs had scared him a little, too, for he pulled his hand away as if he'd burnt it. For the whole ride, Ziva kept quiet, hands folded in her lap and trying to look like the epitome of virtue. Not exactly easy; but the situation was bad enough as it was. Better to wait until Gibbs had had the opportunity to chew them out. There was, after all, a slim chance that he would be okay with it. Well, maybe not okay, but perhaps he would at least look the opposite direction when they slipped in front of him. Until then...
"Boss?" McGee was peeking through the small window connecting front and back of the van. "Why are we going back to NCIS? Shouldn't we go and find Seaman Donahue's unit?"
"Yes, we should."
"Then why-"
"Oh, for God's sake, McGee!" Tony snapped. "Just shut up for five minutes, will you?"
"Same goes for you, DiNozzo!"
Tony flinched, but sank back into his seat. "Yes, Boss. Sorry, Boss."
They passed the remaining time in silence, with only an occasional complaint from McGee when they passed a corner. As soon as Gibbs had pulled into the garage, he stalled the engine and jumped out of the car.
"McGee, you call the base and find out where Seaman Donahue's unit is having this field training. Ziva, DiNozzo, with me."
Heads low, they followed him into the elevator. Ziva half expected him to lock them in the cabin until they had sorted things out, but he just glared at them until they stood as far away from each other as possible.
The very uncomfortable silence lasted until Gibbs pushed them into an unoccupied conference room. The door fell shut with a bang before Gibbs locked it and turned to face them. Ziva felt the absurd urge to reach for her gun.
"So." Gibbs leaned across the table, staring at them with narrowed eyes. "You two have been acting like crazy the past few weeks. A few days of sulking – fine by me. But it's been starting to affect the whole team, and now you act like nothing happened. I'd very much like to know what is going on between you two and whether I can still rely on you to work together as field agents. If not," That was all but a threat now. "I need to take care of this situation." His look wandered expectantly between them. "So?"
Tony, for the first time in a long while at a loss for something to say, was muttering something undecipherable under his breath while Ziva racked her brain for the right words to say. But no matter how hard she thought, she couldn't think of any way to make this easier.
"After the Christmas party Tony and I slept together", she finally blurted out. "I was angry with him, but now we made up again. Also, I'm pregnant and we are trying to figure out what to to now."
Both men fell silent at once, Tony looking horrified, Gibbs something between utterly surprised and downright dumbfounded. He kept silent for far too long. Not good. Ziva tried hard to not just run and hide in Alaska.
After what seemed like an eternity, Tony cleared his throat. "Uhh, Boss, not that I'm in a hurry or something, but there is a dead guy waiting for us to catch his murderer and McGee-"
"McGee will be fine on his own for a while", Gibbs snapped, finding his tongue again. Slowly, he turned to face Ziva. "Say that again. You are what?"
"Uhh... pregnant?"
Seeing Gibbs stay so calm was actually even more scary than watching him throwing a fit. He didn't move an inch away from where he stood. "DiNozzo, what does rule #12 say?"
Tony gulped; Ziva had the distinct feeling that he was actually considering hiding behind her. How manly.
"No relationships with co-workers", he replied. The look on Gibbs face made Ziva go to the rescue.
"Actually, Gibbs, we are not technically in a relationship. It is not exactly necessary to procreate, so, strictly speaking, we didn't violate any of your rules." She reconsidered and added, "that we know of. You never said anything about a rule hat said 'no getting your co-workers pregnant'."
Gibbs' mouth opened and closed a few times. Finally, he rubbed his eyes, a pained look on his face. "If it hadn't been such a struggle to get you back, I'd strangle you."
Ziva felt Tony shift beside her, but she had very well noticed how Gibbs' expression had softened a little, even at these words. She patted Tony's hand and carefully rounded the table to stand beside Gibbs.
"I know you don't like apologies, Gibbs, so I won't make one. But..."
She hesitated a second. It wasn't easy to admit, even to Gibbs, who was very much like a father to her – or maybe especially because he was like a father to her. "I think I need your help with this. I... I don't know how to handle this here, and with the cases... And to be honest, we were thinking about that rule of yours, and how we could... deal with it. Please, Gibbs. I need some advice here."
Gibbs was quicker than Tony. It was next to impossible for her to hide anything from him – it was a miracle she had managed it this long. Now he didn't waste a second to pull her into a hug that rivalled those of Abby. She didn't need to tell him that she was scared – he knew. For a split second, Ziva thought about how different this would bee, had it been Eli instead of Gibbs. Shuddering, she quickly dismissed that thought. It was all she could manage not to cry as Gibbs patted her back.
"You know, I'm still mad at you", Gibbs murmured, ignoring Tony completely for the moment. "But don't think I'm not gonna help you, kid."
He gently pushed her away and turned to Tony, who was looking awkwardly at the ceiling. "DiNozzo, with us."
Tony hesitantly joined them, and Gibbs motioned for the table. "Sit. We need to discuss this. Can as well do it now and here."
Ziva and Tony both took a seat at the table while Gibbs leaned against a sideboard, eyeing them sternly.
"First I need to know this: Do you two honestly think that you are still fit to work together in the same team?"
Their answer came in unison. "Yes."
Whatever doubt Ziva had had about this, now that Gibbs asked so bluntly, she was completely sure she could handle it. Thinking about it, the thought of being transferred to another part of NCIS very much appalled her.
"Good. Because I can't have it that my team focusses more on their petty little quarrels than on actual cases." Gibbs crossed his arms. "Second. Ziva, you will not go out in the field any more."
Immediately, Ziva was half standing, ready to protest, as Gibbs raised his hand. "Listen. You can go to crime scenes as usual, but only if you can handle it. Another episode like this morning, and you'll stay here. When we need to question someone, you won't go alone, and when we are going after suspects, you will stay here. Don't even try. I won't let you take any risks. Third, and now listen very carefully, both of you. Rule # 12..." He paused, and Ziva could have sworn he was actually enjoying this now. "...will be suspended for you. Frankly, I'm surprised it took you so long. And in this case... well, the damage is done, and now you can as well go all the way. However, if this is disrupting the order within the team, I will consider having one of you transferred. Understood?"
Slowly, Ziva nodded, now as dumbfounded as Gibbs had looked a few minutes ago. She had hoped, but she hadn't expected him to be so... understanding. A quick glance revealed that Tony was grinning like an idiot. Gibbs rolled his eyes, then sighed.
"Good. Remember, this won't excuse you from giving your best. I don't want to hear complaints. McGee doesn't count, by the way. But if you let your work slide, we will need to have a word."
He waited again for their hasty nod, then waved his hand in an impatient gesture. "Now get back to work. I think I need a drink right now."
"Thanks, Boss." Tony rose quickly, pulling Ziva with him. "That's great, Boss."
They hurried for the door, but as Tony opened it, they heard Gibbs call out for them.
"Ziva? DiNozzo?"
They stopped and half turned back to Gibbs who was now behind them. He didn't say anything, just raised his hands and smacked them both on the backs of their heads.
"That is for being stupid in the first place!"
"Sorry, Boss", they muttered in unison; but as they watched his back as he disappeared around a corner, no doubt in sear for something stronger than coffee, they couldn't help but share a satisfied grin. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.
