A big thanks go to my beta-reader Gaben who helped very, very much with this chapter. Especially with the scene with Tony and Ziva. Hope you all like the story and enjoy reading.

Previously:

McGee had identified the murderer; An Italian agent called Curzio di Lauro. According to the files he had died two years ago, but now it appears he is alive and in Washington shooting members of the CNDP.

While Gibbs and McGee were discussing the developments and how to proceed in capturing the man, Nadia had headed down to Abby's lab and stole several diamonds and hid them in Goliath's new dog-collar. She got caught while she was playing with a diamond and fell of the table. After she calmed down she asked Gibbs, "Are you my new daddy?"

Breakfast and Problems

Gibbs stopped dead in his tracks for a second, then continued on his way. Nadia reminded him so like Kelly at the same age that it hurt. Though the longer they were together the more the pain died away and the smiles of those times returned, merged with new memories and experiences.

Nadia's question needed a response and Gibbs would love to say yes, but he had to be realistic. There was a very small chance that he would be allowed to adopt Nadia. However, they didn't know if she still had relatives in France. Even McGee had failed to find information about the whereabouts of Marie's parents. If Nadia continued to call him daddy, happy, content and settled, what was going to happen if suddenly relatives appeared and took custody? But, saying No right now was going to hurt her and he didn't want that either.

"Giiiibbs?" Nadia pleaded, wanting him to answer her question.

He realized that he had been thinking for a long time and smiled at the child's questioning eyes. "Why do you want to call me daddy Nadia?" He replied, instead of answering her question.

"Cuz I want a daddy and a mommy." She murmured playing with the button on his shirt. "Don't you wanna be my daddy?" She asked tears welling up in her big blue eyes.

"I would love to be your daddy Nadia, but….. I don't know if I can."

"Is it hard to be my daddy?"

"Yes, you're quite a balky little girl." Gibbs said chuckling but stopped when he heard a quiet sniff. "Shhhh, shhh. It was a joke Nadia. You're the most beautiful little girl in the world and every daddy would be proud to have you as his daughter." He quickly continued when he realized that he had hurt her feelings.

"You sure?" Nadia asked wiping away tears with her sleeve.

"I know it. It's a fact. Nadia Anderson; The Bestest Daughter of the World!"

"In the WHOLE WIDE world and really all the daddies?" Nadia giggled and kissed his cheek.

"Yep, I promise."

"Welllla, Ifin I'm so good shouldn't I get some ice-cream?" She probed, giving him her biggest puppy-dog eyes and her sweetest smile.

"You have a sweet tooth don't you?" Gibbs teased tickling her tummy causing her to squeal with delight. He was glad that she had forgotten her original question. "I'll buy you some ice for your head, but you already had ice-cream for breakfast yesterday."

"But Giiiiibs." Nadia moaned, "I wanna ice-cream."

By now they had reached the cafeteria and he put her down on her own feet. Nadia skipped ahead towards the freezer which contained several sorts of ice-cream. Gibbs shook his head, took a tray and loaded it with bread, yogurt and fruit. As he went to pay at the checkout, Nadia ran over to him holding an ice-cream in her hand.

"I said no Nadia, now put it back please."

"But it's for my head." The four year old protested, "I took the biggest one so it would be extra, extra, extra cold."

The woman behind the cash register covered her mouth with one hand, trying to keep herself from laughing at the sight of a four year old arguing with Gibbs.

Gibbs looked down at her and was just about to take the ice from her when he relented. "Okay. You can have it after….."

"YAY!" Nadia cheered and hugged his legs.

"I wasn't finished little one. You can have it after breakfast if you're still hungry."

"No, I want it now." Nadia pouted.

Gibbs put the tray away and held out one hand. "Give it to me."

Still sulking Nadia put the ice–cream behind her back, "I can hold it, for later."

"Well that would be very silly, because it will have melted by then and will no longer be cold. Then it won't do your head any good or the heat in your bottom from the smack it will receive if you do not hand it over right now, little miss."

Nadia put the soft ice cream in Gibbs hand, and stomped over to a table. Gibbs shook his head and put the ice-cream back into the freezer.

"She's quite a handful isn't she?" The cashier asked as Gibbs paid.

He nodded. "Yes, she is. Could I have some ice for her? She hit her head."

"Of course you can. I'll bring it."

"Thanks." Gibbs picked up the tray and headed over to Nadia. He sat down and she came over climbing up on his lap, where she curled herself together to a tight little ball. Gibbs spread some butter and jelly on a toast and handed it to her just as the cashier appeared holding an ice pack.

"Here you are."

"Thanks." Gibbs took the ice bag and gently put it against Nadia's forehead. She shivered but let out a satisfied sigh.

Abby entered the cafeteria and looked around. She spotted Gibbs and Nadia sitting at one of the tables. Nadia was sitting on Gibbs' lap eating her breakfast while he held an ice-pack against her forehead.

"Full service." Abby grinned and headed over to them.

Nadia, recognizing her bubbly voice looked up and waved at her. "Abby! Gibbs is gonna buy me ice-cream." She informed the Goth with a huge smile.

"Uh-uh. I wouldn't be so sure about that Little One." Gibbs said, "First you're going to eat your breakfast. You'll get your ice cream later."

"But you promised." Nadia whined twisting on his lap to eye him menacingly.

"Yes, I did, but only if you're still hungry."

"Humpft! No fair." Nadia crossed pouting her arms and glared up at Gibbs. He simply ignored her sulking and held the toast in front of her mouth. The child held her stubborn expression for a second, then took a bite from the bread. While she was chewing she still glared at him. Gibbs tried hard not to laugh at her expression. Her intentions at trying to look angry and stern failed completely due to her full mouth.

"Stop pouting now Nadia. I'll promise to buy you some ice-cream after lunch." Gibbs demanded tapping her on the nose.

Nadia giggled and turned her head away. "Hmmmmm….. Okay."

Meanwhile Abby had also grabbed some breakfast and was watching Gibbs and Nadia. "Gibbs how's the lump on her head?" She asked while sipping on a huge cup of CAF-Pow.

Gibbs removed the ice-pack from the girls head and looked down. The swelling had started to get smaller, but you can still clearly see it. "Better." He revealed, and then put the ice-bag back in place.

"Gibbs, I wanna see Mally." Nadia declared and started to get off his lap.

Gibbs quickly put his cup of coffee back on the table and pulled her into a hug keeping her in place. "Not yet, as soon as you've finished your breakfast we can go."

"But I'm full." The girl protested.

"You have only eaten half off one piece of toast. You'll eat at least one whole slice." Gibbs stated and held the toast in front of her mouth. Sighing as if she was forced to eat vegetables Nadia bit in the jelly-covered toast. As soon as she had finished it, she jumped down from Gibbs lap and ran towards the lift. Gibbs stood up grabbed his coffee and headed over to where the child stood up on her toes to reach the button.

Gibbs came to her side and took her hand in his so that she wasn't able to run away. Nadia scowled, but let him hold her hand. Soon they were up in the bullpen again and Gibbs let Nadia's hand go, so she could go and look after her "Mally". The Doctor was sitting behind Ziva's desk. Cheering the girl ran over to him raising both arms in his direction. Laughing he picked her up tossing her up in the air and catching her again, causing her to shriek loudly.

"Again!" She demanded and Maalik obeyed.

As he caught her for the second time, the doctor spotted the lump on the child's forehead and frowned. He transferred her to one arm and took her chin gently in one hand, holding her still so he was able to take a good look at her. Nadia squirmed, clearly not happy being examined like this.

"Hold still." Maalik said with concern as she tried to free her chin from his grip. Nadia frowned more and eyed the fingers which were holding her in place. Knowing this look, Gibbs quickly intervened before Nadia could follow through with her obvious intentions and bite Maalik.

"It's just a lump. She's fine."

The Afro-American let her down again and she ran back to Gibbs. "Can we go to a playground? Mally wants to come with us." She asked looking up at Gibbs.

"Do I?" Maalik cocked an eyebrow, but smiled.

"Obviously." Gibbs replied and crouched down in front of Nadia. "I'm afraid we can't go Nadia. It's…. it's too dangerous. You could get killed." That was the truth, but he doubted that she would understand so instead he said,"It's too cold and Maalik is hurt. He won't be able to go far. Look at the thick bandage around his arm."

Nadia looked up and frowned as she examined the bandage. "Does it hurt?" She asked tentatively.

Maalik shook his head. Ducky had earlier given him a pain killer, but he would need more soon.

"GOOD! Then we can go to playground." Nadia cheered clapping her hands.

Gibbs frowned at Maalik who just shrugged his shoulders and grinned smugly, suggesting his silent innocence, "Don't look at me, I won't take the blame. Try something else."

"No, we can't go Nadia."

"Why?" She droned and stomped her foot.

"Because you're still in your pajama's." Gibbs said, finally finding a good plausible answer.

"Where're my clothes?" Nadia asked looking around as if she expected to find them under one of the desks.

"In my house and we can't go there right now." Gibbs explained.

"Why?" She questioned, but Gibbs didn't hear her. He was in deep thoughts, trying to figure a way to keep the little girl safe until they tracked down the murderer. Vance was looking for a safe house, but it would take some time until they could go there and Tony was still in the hospital waiting for Ziva to wake up. They needed a replacement for the agent until she was healthy again. Right now he only had McGee to help him protect the little girl.

"WHY?" Nadia shouted, causing Gibbs to jump. She had already asked him once, but he hadn't been listening. She really didn't like being ignored. He frowned down at her and suddenly she felt a bit uneasy. She knew she wasn't supposed to shout. Her daddy had told her to tug on his sleeve or tap him and say 'Scuse me', if he hadn't heard her, instead of yelling.

"'M sorry." She quickly said, but Gibbs still crouched down in front of her.

"If you want something Nadia, you'll ask for it in a normal tone, you will not yell." He stated and Nadia quickly nodded reaching up for a hug. Gibbs took her arms in his hands and pinned them back to her sides. If he hugged her now, she would suppose that everything was finished and that she was forgiven. Truth be known, he already had forgiven her when she said that she was sorry, but he knew he had to follow through and not let her puppy-eyes do their magic. It had been the same with Kelly when she was that young. But, Gibbs soon realized that Kelly knew that she was able to make him give in with that same look. He had quickly made it clear that it didn't work anymore and had to endure some tantrums thrown by Kelly until she understood that her little secret had been discovered.

"I wasn't finished Little One. You have carried on all morning Nadia. I think it's time for some new rules." Gibbs led the child over to a chair and stood her in front of him. "Are you listening?"

Nadia nodded, still somewhat unhappy with the situation, but listening to the chastisement of Gibbs, she also stood quietly.

"You won't wander off on your own and if Goliath's dragging you tell us. I was worried when you suddenly disappeared and I got even more worried when I saw you fall and hit your head. I don't want that happen again. So stay close to me, McGee or Abby then you'll be safe. And Nadia…." Gibbs put two fingers under her chin and gently tilted her head up, "You don't bite people. And don't try to deny it." He quickly added as Nadia opened her mouth to protest, "I saw that look on your face when Maalik held you on his arm and looked at your bump. So these are the rules: No biting, no lying, no wandering off and no badgering people about ice-cream or sweats all the time."

Nadia nodded again and sniffed.

Gibbs softened; he stood up and picked her up settling her on one arm. She wrapped her legs around his waist and lay her head down on his shoulder. Now Nadia knew she was forgiven or at least he wasn't gonna put her in a timeout or make her take a nap and the lecture was over. She hated to listen to lectures, but right now she was safely swaddled in her Huggaroo's arms. She snuggled close to him and kissed him on the cheek.

"I'm sorry Huggaroo." She mumbled.

"You're forgiven Nadia." Gibbs assured her and kissed her forehead. Nadia put her forehead in the crook of his neck and wrapped her arms around him too.

As Maalik heard the word Huggaroo he pressed his lips tightly together stifling a laugh. Nadia seemed very comfortable with this Gibbs and she trusted him. She had even given him a nickname. She always gave people she liked nicknames. He was sure that this agent would look after her well. Gibbs gently massaged her back and slowly and surely she fell asleep in his arms.

DC General Hospital fourth floor orthopedic Wing Room 543

Slowly Ziva regained consciousness. Her neck felt stiff and she felt strange, but also good at the same time, as if she could fly away any second. The bed she was laying in felt as soft as a cloud and the white sheets seemed to gleam like snow in the sun. Smiling, she let her hands run over the sheet feeling the softness of the fabric.

"Ziva! Finally you're awake." She heard someone call. The voice was familiar. Her brain tried to match a face to the voice. After some seconds she managed to recall Tony's face. She tried to turn her head but she wasn't able to move. It was like connected it wasn't to her shoulders.

"Don't move. The doctors said you have to lay still."

She opened her mouth trying to ask where she was, but it only an incomprehensible mixture of English, Hebrew and some other languages came out, all jumbled and mixed together.

Tony came to her side and looked concerned down at her. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." Ziva replied. "I feel like a butterfly. So light and quick like I could fly. You know someone said once: Luck is like a butterfly; if you sit still it may come and sit down on you, but if you chase it, it'll fly away."

Tony frowned and looked at Morphine drip. Maybe the dose was a little too high. Suddenly he felt a vice-like grip around his arm. He flinched and looked down. Ziva had grabbed him and dragged him close to her.

"Tony is Nadia alright? I remember an intruder and then nothing. I heard something and turned my head to look and then something hard knocked me out." She had finally managed to free herself from the fuzziness the medication was having on her brain. At least for some seconds, anyway. She started to lose the control again.

"Yes, everything's alright. Maalik killed the murderer." Tony calmed her, and then gently released himself from her grip.

"Good," she sighed and sank back in the bed, letting the medication take over her senses again. "Tony?" She whispered looking up at him. "Why are you always dressed so elegant and spend so much money on haircuts?"

"Uh… What?"

Ziva kept her eyes closed and was not aware that the drugs in her system were playing havoc with the strange musings in her head. Tony listened on, not because Gibbs would have killed him if he dared to leave her unguarded, but because he was curious as to what would come out of the ex mossad agents mouth. Nothing like having a bit of amo up ones sleeve for when the little ninja got to smarty for her cargo pants.

"So does this remind you of a movie?" She mumbled, and then giggled. "I like the way Tony talks about stupid movies. I think he is going bald. His big forehead is shiniest..esttess, shinier glowing like a badger, hee, hee , bald as a baby bottom, ohh I said bottom. No that would not be good …..hmmmm. The handsome Tony DiNozzo….hmmm, very handsome…very nice…saved me again, does it remind him of a movie. Movies are not real, too bad, too sad….hmmm, too mad too, Tony? I don't think we are in canvas anymore. Huh,I said canvas, like a painting not in Kansas anymore, but home. McGee tell Tony his hair is falling out, hee, hee, I would still like him but do not tell him so."

Tony didn't move the reveal of Ziva's subconscious ramblings had him deep in thought and slightly emotional for a couple of seconds before panic took completely over and he ran to the bathroom mirror and started checking his hair line.

Somewhere in Washington DC

A mobile phone rang in a small hotel room. A pale man who was sitting in a chair reached out with one hand and flipped it open.

"Curzio my friend. Why isn't the girl dead?" A voice asked with heavy Italian accent.

The Italian swallowed hard. He knew he didn't have much time left. Soon they would just leave him here not even bothering about what he could say or do. He had no proof that he could use against his boss or the organisation he was in. To the authorities, he would just be an Italian fugitive who had faked his own death and who was now on a shooting spree in America. No there would be no bargaining chips for him. If he was caught, it was a needle in his arm. And if he didn't complete this job soon, that was a certainty.

"She'll be dead by the end of this month. I promise. I just need some more time."

"Good, I'll give you one more month. If she isn't dead by then we'll leave you there and freeze your bank accounts."

"You won't have to do that. And it isn't my entire fault. The man you recommended, this Kraig, failed. If he hadn't messed up his mission, I would be finished here. It will please you to hear that the leader of the CNDP is now dead. I shot him in his brother's house."

"Then you're not as useless as you seem to be, but you're wrong about one point, Curzio, if you hadn't missed the girl in the beginning you wouldn't be in this mess." He sneered through the cell phone and Curzio had to take a deep breath to control his boiling anger. All of sudden he heard another phone ring. "Wait Curzio I have to take this."

Before he could reply, his boss had put away the phone and answered the other one. Curzio could hear the other conversation going on. He concentrated, trying to find out what they were talking about, but he didn't quite understand what they were saying. Suddenly the conversation ended and Curzio's boss was back on the line to him.

"A problem has appeared Curzio." The voice said taking a short break. Curzio knew this man loved to play such games. He wanted that he asked what kind of problem had appeared.

"What kind of problem?" Curzio asked feeling that more bad news was coming.

"The NCIS seems to know who you are. They sent pictures of you to the newspapers. This changes everything of course. We can't afford them to link you to the Italian government Curzio. It would be a most unpleasable scandal. You've got one week." And with that the phone call ended.

In shock Curzio looked at his now silent mobile phone. Then he exploded with anger. He threw the phone against the wall smashing it in pieces and screamed out in frustration. "Voi bastardo. Solo un maledetto settimana!" ( You bastard. Only one damned week!)

I hope you liked the chapter. The end will come soon as you see. Please review and tell me how you liked it.