Hey guys, I would like to firstly apologise for the unacceptable lateness of this chapter. I had a severe case of writers block, hopefully that's passed and chapters will come alot faster. Thanks for anyone still sticking with this story and enjoy thus chapter.

McGee was seriously regretting going through with this deal, why did he go through with it? Gibbs was sure to kill him, that was a definitely what was going to happen the minute he brought the little girl back home to him.

He looked through the rearview mirror into the back seat, his little charge looked quite content that she'd managed to gain the upper hand and a simple trip to the park had resulted with the purchase of something that she had so desperately desired for as long as she could remember.

She clutched her gift tightly to her stomach as it rested on her lap. Her bright eyes never looking up from the object that had straight away become her most prized and well loved possession. McGee smiled whilst watching her, he knew that whatever punishment Gibbs bestowed upon him would be worth it, the sheer happiness that was practically radiating from Ziva made it all the worthwhile. He only hoped that Gibbs allowed her to keep it, for everybody's sake - if he decided she wasn't allowed it then Ziva would hate both himself and her daddy. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, once Gibbs saw how much joy it had instantly brought to his new daughter he would accept it into his house. Regardless of how much hard work the gift required - it would be worth it.

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Gibbs looked out of the window, watching for McGee's car, he'd missed Ziva quiet a bit despite the fact that she'd not been gone long and he knew she was I perfectly capable hands. He'd not expected the protectiveness he felt towards Ziva, sure he was protective of the whole team, but not to such an extent as now, his heart had wholeheartedly accepted her as his daughter. The anxiety he felt being separated from her was foreign to him, the loneliness he was feeling not having her on his home unsettled him. He'd not had such feelings since Kelly had been alive, even then it wasn't as strong as the feelings were now. Maybe that was because he understood the morality of children now - he knew the felling of loss of a child, so now he had a new daughter to love, one that didn't have another parent, his feelings had multiplied tenfold.

The iron like grip that had clenched around his heart began to dissipate as he saw McGee's car slowly approaching his house. He craned his head to get a glimpse of his daughter in the backseat, however his view was obstructed due to the cars front seats. He moved to the front porch to greet them.

McGee exited the car first, Gibbs gut started working the minute he set eyes on him. Trepidation was written all-over his face, knowing him as well as he did his gut said that it wasn't anything to do with Zivas welfare, this made Gibbs puzzled, what on earth could have McGee so worried if it wasn't anything to do with Ziva. McGee moved slowly to the back seats to unlock the door and unbuckle Ziva, who despite being buzzing with excitement to show her daddy her present, had remained still so as not to disturb the precious gift that she held so carefully upon her lap, fingers softly stroking back and forth.

When McGee opened her door, Ziva looked up for the first time and grinned widely, she'd only just realised they were home, so intent she was with watching her gift. She raised her tiny finger to her lips and softly warned McGee, "shhhh Timmy, she sleepin, wese gots to be quiet". Nodding his head in understanding, he carefully unclipped her belt, grabbing the bag of items that they'd purchased, he heaved Ziva out of her seat, being precautious not to squish either the little girl or the small bundle that was still sleeping blissfully in the arms of her new owner. McGee gulped obviously, gaining Gibbs attention. Gibbs was definitely intrigued, however the minute ziva was pulled from the car and set on the ground, intrigue turned to utter disbelief.

Ignoring the look of ecstatic upon Zivas face, Gibbs eyes stayed glued to what Ziva had nestled in her arms. A small puppy, with ears floppy and too big for its head. With fur a silvery blue colour, was held carefully in her arms.

"McGee", his name was spoken in a harsh, loud growl. This caused Ziva to jump sharply, startling the puppy in her arms. It opened its huge eyes and yawned widely, causing Ziva to giggle. Gibbs was looking menacingly at McGee, though he still managed to notice the colour of the pups eyes, they were a light deep blue. The name of the breed entered his head, McGee had bought her a weimaraner puppy, despite the teeny tiny size it now was, it was a large breed. Large breeds required alot of work. Jesus any dog required alot of work - what had McGee been thinking!

McGee twiddled with the bag he was carrying that had everything Zivas new pet would need, all picked out by the little girl. He briefly wondered how his own dog Jethro would react if this went south and Gibbs decided that Ziva wasn't allowed to keep the dog. He'd have to take it himself, he hoped it wouldn't come to that because he really didn't want to deal with a puppy running around his small apartment with an already boisterous dog. It would end it disaster.

"Errr, hey boss, I can explain". Gibbs leveled him with a hard stare, whilst subtlety watching his daughter with the puppy. She'd stepped to the side a little to set the dog down on the grass, ignoring the adults around her to keep a watchful eye over her dog. The dog had gone about having a pee before quickly making its way back to Ziva, pawing at her leg to be picked up again. Weary of the new place it found itself, but already feeling secure with Ziva.

"You better get explaining. Now".

A fine sheer of perspiration surrounded McGee as he started to explain, " well, you see boss...".

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