Author's Note-My laptop's internet has shut up shop (this is my dad's) so updates probably won't be as frequent until that's sorted. I have only lost the internet (thank God) so already have things written for this but uploading may be a problem. Just thought I'd let you know. Okay, cheers. Read, review and enjoy. NYLF xx
Once she had left Gibbs' embrace, Ziva made her way through the lounge and into the kitchen to start dinner. Gibbs stuck his head around the corner and aimed a pointed look at Pennie before turning to the children.
"Do you kids have anything to wear to bed?" He asked. Pennie shook her head.
"We left in a bit of a hurry." She explained softly, more than a hint of guilt lacing her words.
"It doesn't matter mom." LJ reassured her before turning to Gibbs. "We can sleep in what we have on, it isn't a big deal." Ziva appeared in the space between the kitchen and lounge drying her hands on a dish cloth.
"Nonsense." She replied smiling. "Jethro, why don't you go get LJ a top and a pair of shorts of mine? I am sure they will do for the night. Ethan could wear one of yours?" LJ shook her head.
"Really, I'm fine in this." Ziva smiled.
"It is no trouble Malach."
"Are you sure?" Ziva nodded with a smile. "Then, thank you Ziva." Gibbs nodded to her before disappearing upstairs. Ziva went back into the kitchen and, after pressing a kiss to Ethan's forehead and squeezing LJ's shoulder, Pennie joined her.
"You didn't have to do that y'know?" She started quietly, leaning against the wall opposite the Israeli. Ziva smiled and turned to face her, mimicking her stance against the counter.
"I know, but I like to think that if the roles were reversed, someone would do the same for my daughter." Pennie dropped her gaze and Ziva turned back to washing the vegetables for dinner.
"Say, Ziva?" Pennie started apprehensively. Ziva turned to give her her full attention. "We got off on the wrong foot." Ziva nodded.
"I should apologise for my reaction to you in the bullpen. Due to Jethro and my relationship being under wraps at the office, I still get a little possessive when attractive young women come looking for him." Pennie chuckled.
"I understand." She smiled. "You're still pretty scary." Ziva laughed.
"You have no reason to be afraid of me Pennie. You are Jethro's daughter and I will treat you like it unless you or he gives me a reason to do otherwise." Pennie smiled shyly.
"So, maybe we can call a truce?"
"There is no need." Ziva smiled warmly. "I have no problem with you, and you have no need to have a problem with me. I hope we can be friends." Pennie nodded.
"I'm up for that." Ziva smiled. "Can I help?" Pennie motioned at the sink.
"Sure." Ziva stepped away from the sink and started to gather the rest of the ingredients while Pennie set about finishing the task Ziva had started.
Once everyone had finished eating, Ziva and Gibbs collected their plates leaving Pennie to bathe Ethan and LJ to read quietly beside the fire.
"So, you and Pen talk?" Gibbs asked as he dried the dishes Ziva had already washed. She chuckled.
"I thought you had had a hand in that discussion." She shook her head with a smile. "Yes, we spoke."
"And…?" Gibbs asked impatiently making her chuckle.
"And, she asked if we could call a truce. I said there was no need." Gibbs kissed her temple.
"Thank you."
"Not at all Jethro. You love her, and I love you." She smiled. "I will be nice until either of you give me a reason to do otherwise." Gibbs gently tucked a loose curl behind her ear. She turned to face him with a small smile. "No." She murmured kindly.
"You don't even know what I'm gonna ask yet." Gibbs replied playing indignant. Ziva dried her hands and laid them both on his chest.
"You were going to ask me to stay the night." Gibbs smiled. "You are getting to be far too predictable."
"Wanna spend time with ya." She smiled gently, tucking her head under his chin as his arms came to rest at the base of her spine.
"As do I, Jethro." She sighed. "But not tonight." Gibbs leant his cheek against her crown.
"We don't have to do anything, just wanna hold ya." She sighed.
"It is not that. I just cannot." Gibbs gently wandered his hands up under her top and started stroking patterns on her bare back. She sighed gently into his chest. "You do not play fair Jethro Gibbs." He chuckled, the sound reverberating through her chest.
"Never said I would." She smiled.
"Fine." Gibbs smiled triumphantly. "But I am staying on the couch." He chuckled before leaning in to kiss her passionately. He only pulled back when she moaned gently and he felt her knees waver slightly.
"Not a chance." He whispered in her ear.
Pennie entered the living room ten minutes later to find Ziva and Gibbs both curled up on the couch listening to LJ read. She paused when she saw her mother and both of the adults turned to face Pennie.
"Umm, I think it's time to get this one to bed. Where would you like me to put him?" Seeing Ethan on her hip, hair all ruffled, eyes drooping and wrapped in one of Gibbs' NIS t-shirts made Ziva's heart pang in a way that she didn't want to address. She smiled at the small boy as he waved at her sleepily.
"Thought you and him could take the guest room. LJ can have the spare." Gibbs told her quietly. Pennie nodded before turning to Ethan.
"Say goodnight poppet, time for bed-y byes." LJ stood and cuddle her brother pressing a kiss to his forehead before Pennie took him over to the couch. Gibbs immediately took him in his arms and hugged him.
"Nun-night." He murmured before looking at Ziva questioningly. She nodded and extended her arms before encasing Ethan and holding him close.
"Lailah Tov Neshomeleh." Ziva mumbled into his hair as she gently rocked him. "Sleep well." Ethan yawned against her and Ziva passed him back to Pennie with a small smile. Ethan waved once more before Pennie quietly took him upstairs, leaving Ziva to curl back into Gibbs and treasure the soft weight of the toddler in her arms.
