I'm apologizing in advance. This chapter is a little shorter than I usually post, but with the way the story is going to arch/break down I had to cut it off here! You guys are wonderful, and I have loved reading the reviews! It's always nice to know this story is being enjoyed! Anywho, I bring you chapter 10!
Tony reached for the cell phone which rang from his pocket as he and McGee made their way from the cafeteria to the elevator. He fumbled to unlock it, bringing it to his ear quickly, "DiNozzo..."
A familiar voice flooded his ears, "Where are you?"
"Oh, hey Boss. McGee and I are on our way back up to Ziva's room."
"See ya when you get here."
Tony pulled the phone from his ear and turned to McGee, "Gibbs is here."
An, "Ah," left him as he pressed the up button for the elevator.
XXX
Gibbs stood just inside the door of Ziva's room, swiveling his body towards the door as he heard McGee and Tony's voices just outside the door. "Hey Boss...didn't expect to see you back tonight. Everything alright?"
He nodded, "Yeah. Fine. Just wanted to bring something by for you."
Tony's brows lifted with curiosity as Gibbs leaned forward, tapping some paperwork on the rolling tray. "Family Medical Leave paperwork. You're gonna need time off. Doesn't make sense to drain your vacation and sick days."
"Oh, thanks. I'll fill'em out now."
Tony moved towards the chair and tray as Gibbs spoke, "No rush, DiNozzo. I'll pick'em up tomorrow. Just wanted to get them to you. Gotta go back to the office...with McGee."
McGee turned towards Gibbs, "Boss?"
"Need ya working your magic at your desk."
"You gonna be good tonight, DiNozzo?"
Tony nodded, "Yeah, my neighbors said they would get Jordan off to school, and Maya and Asher to daycare. Gotta figure it out from there."
Gibbs smiled, "No need. Abs said she would bring them to your house after daycare. I'll come here and sit with Ziver. You're gonna want a good night of sleep so you can be here and awake Tuesday."
Half of a smile graced Tony's features as he turned to face Ziva, "You guys thought of it all..."
"Didn't mean to intrude, Tony..."
He looked back to Gibbs, "I didn't mean that how it sounded...I just...gah. I can't think straight right now...haven't been able to for days..."
Gibbs moved behind the chair, holding Tony's shoulder as he spoke softly, "You are getting through better than most would be, Tony. I know it doesn't feel like it, but you're just gonna have to take my word..."
He bowed his head, acknowledging Gibbs words. McGee walked out of the door with Gibbs close behind. He stopped and turned, "You know the deal, Tony. You call me if anything changes."
"Got it, Boss."
The door continued to slide shut, leaving Tony and Ziva. He embraced her hand for a moment, and then released it as he pulled the tray and paperwork left by Gibbs closer to him. He managed to fill out a few lines before his cell phone blared, flashing a D.C. area phone number he didn't recognize. He eyeballed it curiously for a brief moment before answering, "DiNozzo..."
An automated, female voice filled his ears, "We are calling from the office of Goldman Eye Associates to confirm Anthony DiNozzo's appointment for tomorrow at 6 p.m."
Tony's eyes rolled playfully as he looked to his wife and the call continued, "Please press one to confirm your appointment, or two to cancel your appointment."
He sat still for a moment, squinting as he watched Ziva's chest rise and fall. He suddenly found his heart in his throat while he thought of her waking. His eyes relaxed, and he pulled the phone from his ear and pressed one before ending the call. "Oh, you always get your way, don't you Sweet Cheeks?"
He scrolled through his address book, finding Abby's number and connecting the call. Brain Matter blasted through the phone as she shouted into the receiver, "TONY!"
The music dropped several decibels before she assaulted him with questions, "Are you alright? What about Ziva? Do you need something?"
Tony chuckled softly, "We're fine, Abby. I just had a quick question for you."
"Shoot!"
"Gibbs mentioned that you are gonna pick up the kids from daycare tomorrow..."
"Yeppers!"
"Would you mind terribly if I picked up the girls and Asher from daycare, and then dropped them off at your place for a little bit? There's something I have to take care of real quick...well not real quick, but maybe an hour or two..."
"Anthony DiNozzo! I am horrified that you felt you even needed to ask! Of course I can do that for you! I love time with my nieces and nephew!"
"You're the best Abs! I'll call you when we are on our way, okay?"
"M'kay...talk to you later!"
"Bye."
Tony returned to filling out his paperwork in silence, only to be interrupted by the nurse who he spoke to earlier. "Sorry to bother you, Mr. DiNozzo. I just need to check Mrs. DiNozzo's vitals and bags."
Tony got up, pulling himself and his chair out of the way, "Not a problem...uh...ummm. Sorry, I didn't catch your name yet..."
She looked up, smiling lightly, "Carrie."
"Well, it's nice to meet you...officially."
"Likewise."
She continued with her task for several minutes, checking tubing, wires, vitals, and medications. She tucked an errant piece of Ziva's hair back into place and pulled her blankets up, adjusting and folding them over neatly. The nurse turned to Tony, whose pen sat still in his hand as he thought hard. "Mr. DiNozzo?"
His eyes darted up, startled. "Yeah..."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to check to see if you needed anything."
"Um, actually...I...uh. Is there someone I can talk to about religious services?"
"Absolutely. I'll make a call. I just need to ask, what kind of service?"
"They are uh, Tuesday...they are going to let Ziva wake, and I just...I'm concerned. I don't want to think about the worst case, but I have to. I'm not well versed in Judaism, but I was wondering if they have some sort of last rights type thingy. I want to do it, just in case. It'll give me a little piece of mind, I hope."
Carrie's eyes grew sad, but she forced her face and voice to maintain their composure, "I understand completely. Let me make that call for you."