A/N: So I guess I owe you guys a bit of an explanation regarding my absence. The first week just kind of got busy and I didn't have the chunks of free time I'm used to for writing. Then some family stuff came up. The second week I got extremely sidetracked reading and reviewing an awesome FF called A Different Love Story by starvingstudent on the NCIS LA side. She's doing a secretly married thing with Kensi and Deeks like I'm doing with Tony and Ziva and she's built an incredible story out of it. If any of you are Densi fans you should check it out, I guarantee you'll love it. I also got sidetracked trying to organize some scenes and doing edits for upcoming chapters. Then more family stuff. And last week was a lot of being busy, more family stuff, and trying to get the edits finished. But now we're finally here and I apologize for the delay. I hope I'll be able to post Ch 38 on time but these days I never know what will happen so I can't make any promises. Thanks for sticking around anyways and sorry for the long winded A/N! ~ love, Aliyah :)

Tuesday February 1

Her breathing changed, that was the first thing he noticed, and it brought his eyes up from a report. In the split second he had to register the difference, Tony became aware of how much he counted on the steady sound of her breath - when they were laying in bed, their chests rising and falling to the same rhythm; cuddling on the couch; sitting side by side in the car on a stakeout. For the second time in recent weeks he was reminded of the marathon sleep she took following her return from Somalia and his increasing need to check and see if she was still breathing as too many hours slipped past and how much he cherished every breath because it meant she was alive and with him and no part of getting her back had been a dream.

Ziva's fingers gripped the edge of the desk but her careful mask revealed nothing. Though very likely aware of his gaze, she chose not to meet it and he could tell just by the stiffness of her posture that something was wrong. Based on experience he had a pretty good idea what. At the first opportunity, meaning when Gibbs left for reasons unknown, Tony made Ziva tea and ran a hand down her back while McGee wasn't looking. She wished for the freedom to lean into his touch and let the comfort of his presence distract her from current circumstances, but they were at work and there were too many eyes watching to allow them to slip now.

At lunch he rushed home for the heavy duty painkillers he'd earlier kicked himself for not keeping on hand and grabbed Ziva's extra zippered pouch of feminine supplies from one of the bathroom drawers, just in case. Relief flooded her features when he handed over the drugs and Ziva swallowed three dry with a sip of tea to wash them down. He cringed, never comfortable with the amount it took to keep her functional, and slipped the pouch in her purse as soon as McGee went to see Abby. For a blissful quarter hour they were alone in the squadroom and Tony indulged his wife by gently rubbing her shoulders and back until the elevator's tell-tale ding signaled Gibbs' return. Twenty minutes after taking the pills her muscles were beginning to loosen up with the easing of the cramps and she was able to smile for discovering a milk chocolate Lindt bar in her top drawer when she returned from the ladies room.

Tony monitored her closely for the rest of the day, observing her attempt at OD'ing when she took the next dose an hour before recommended and repeated the process three hours later. She headed for the washroom at that point too, as her first day was always heavier than the rest, and Tony caught her in the hall. He'd seen her tuck the tablets in a pocket and concern furrowed his brow. "Hey, you're kinda early for more."

Ziva glanced both ways, keeping her own voice lowered to match his tone. "If I do not then I will not be able to work." Already fresh cramps threatened and the thought of facing them full blown without painkillers had her mentally curling up in a corner to cry.

His knuckles brushed down her cheek. "I'm worried honey."

She placed her hand at his waist. "Trust me Tony." Then she disappeared into a place he couldn't follow without causing questions and he leaned back against the wall with a sigh. If this was all she ever carried from the desert, along with the scars, they had very likely lucked out. But how he wished she didn't continue to suffer for something that wasn't her fault.

They got out at seven, relatively decent all things considered, and he waited for her at the elevator, trying not to look too conspicuous. Tony carefully pulled Ziva's hair free when she put on her coat and they linked fingers after the doors closed. He glanced sideways at her. "Doing okay?"

Ziva nodded. "Fine for now."

She was still relatively comfortable by the time they made it home an hour after dosing herself again, enough that she joined he and Meira for a walk. After that he was determined to spoil her for awhile, joining her on the couch with a heating pad for her front and another mug of tea. Then he sat behind her to be both support and body pillow while they relaxed through a Harlequin romance movie and even enjoyed playing the kissing game with the characters.

"What's next?" he asked as the end scene faded out to credits. But Ziva didn't answer, her pinched expression and rigid muscles telling him the drugs had worn off. With a sigh he slid one of her Mary Higgins Clark mysteries into the DVD players and went for the pill bottle, reluctantly setting three tablets in her palm and providing a glass of water. He met her brief smile with a kiss and a whisper, "I'll be right back." In the kitchen he set the oven to preheat and dug a package of frozen baguettes out of the freezer. He'd learned simply from watching that she craved carbs both in the days preceding and the week for which her cycle lasted. When it beeped he slid the pan in and ten minutes later slices of hot buttered bread rounds were delivered to the couch.

Ziva took one off the plate and chewed it slowly. "Thank you for knowing me," she said quietly, burrowing close to his side and pulling up the blanket he'd tucked around her earlier.

Tony kissed the side of her head. "That's a very important part of my job." Her nose scrunched because she did not want to simply be a duty for him, but he brought their lips together, erasing the notion before it could take root. Though she knew he didn't mean it like that anyways, he had no problems reassuring her just in case.

Her smile told the rest of the story and she sat back, content. "I know."

He called it a night when the movie finished and they went about their bedtime routine. At the door to their room Ziva hesitated, her eyes flickering towards the spare room, wondering if it would be better to sleep on the futon and spare him her restlessness. But Tony shook his head, curling his fingers around hers. "Please sleep in our bed honey. I want you close even if you feel crummy. But I promise to keep my hands to myself."

She kissed his cheek. "Actually, I am okay right now. I would very much like to fall asleep in your arms before it gets worse."

He grinned. "You don't have to tell me twice."

They changed the sheets together, from creamy Israeli cotton to the dark ones purchased specifically for this time of the month, and Ziva added one of the old brown towels to her side as well before choosing pyjama bottoms that wouldn't show the stain as much as what she normally wore. He lay down just how she wanted in bed and Tony was glad the night hadn't begun like many of the others when she was on her period, where touching was out of the question the first day because everything hurt. He closed his eyes and tried to settle, knowing that whatever their evening looked like they'd both need their rest.

NCIS

Wednesday February 2

A couple hours later, however, everything changed beginning when she moved out of his embrace as her rest became more fitful, trying in vain to find a position that brought relief. He was the one who caved, retrieving the painkillers from where they'd been left on the kitchen counter and offered her a normal dose instead of the extra she'd been taking. Ziva wasn't coherent enough to register the difference but when the pills still hadn't had the desired effect sometime later, Tony wished he'd given her the extra tablet. He got another chance when the clock turned to four am and was annoyed that he didn't catch the alarm before it roused her from a peaceful snatch of sleep at six.

Leaning over, he dropped a quick kiss on her cheek. "Sorry babe."

Ziva blinked groggily and groaned at the glowing numbers. She lay still for several moments, then gave up with a huff, flopping her arms on the bed. "I cannot go in today. Four hours is not enough to fit me for duty."

Tony rubbed his face. "Is that all you got?"

She shrugged. "It is difficult to say for sure."

He brushed her hair back. "I wish I could make that call for you Zi. Days like that I would love to just walk into work and explain your absence with a simple, 'My wife isn't feeling well', instead of pretending I don't know why my partner's not there."

Not at all in the mood to tackle their secret right now, Ziva ignored the comment and reluctantly reached for her phone, nudging her husband out of bed. "Go shower."

Tony got up but opted for taking Meira out first and showering second. He knew Ziva wouldn't be up to walking their dog for at least a couple days.

Heaving a sigh, she pressed Gibbs' speed dial number and waited for it to connect. He answered without preliminaries. "Calling to request a day off?"

Ziva frowned. "How did you know?"

She could almost feel the look he was giving her. "When else do you call me before coming in?"

"I hate this," she confessed.

"I know kid. Not something you can help though."

"That makes it worse." Ziva scrolled through the rest of what she wanted to say and edited it slightly. "I really wanted to be done with feeling weak by now Abba. I have worked so hard to reclaim my life over the last year and a half, but this is one thing I cannot control."

In that moment Gibbs seriously considered skipping a morning at the office to go spend time cheering up his daughter, but he had a feeling she wouldn't allow the concession. "No one sees you as weak Ziver. The past sixteen months have proven just how strong you are."

He thought he heard a sniffle and then she barely whispered. "Thank you."

"Get some sleep and don't come in until you feel better. I don't care if it's the rest of the week. We've got you covered."

While she appreciated his understanding, she had no intention of giving in for so long. "Bye."

He hung up without another word as per usual and ten minutes later her husband came in carrying a mug of tea and box of crackers. "In case you get hungry but aren't ready to get up yet."

Ziva already regretted her earlier attitude and tugged on his shirt, bringing his mouth down to hers. Tony grinned. "Keep thanking me like that and I'll do anything."

She released him slowly. "You already do everything ahava, thank you."

"Anything for my ninja." He sank down beside her. "You know the last thing I want to do when you're feeling miserable is leave, right?"

Ziva smoothed a hand down his chest. "But playing hooky is out of the question, yes?"

Tony cupped her cheek. "Unfortunately, yeah." He bent over and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Take it easy today, okay?"

Her nose wrinkled. "Not that I have a choice, but yes, I will."

It was written all over his face that he didn't want to go but neither of them were being afforded much say in the matter. His mouth covered hers again briefly. "I love you." Tony tore himself away and Ziva fell asleep to the sound of the shower. He made sure water and drugs were within reach for when she woke and made himself get in the car and drive to work without her. He entered cracking a joke and another McName and in short order had a folder open in front of him, but his concentration was clearly elsewhere.

By 0800 Tony finally broke the silence. "Ziva's late."

McGee looked up. "Huh. Maybe she got here early for shooting practice or tea with Ducky." Both were activities she regularly engaged in.

"Nah," he shook his head. "Her car wasn't in the parking lot."

"There's no way she slept in," McGee reasoned while Tony stared at their teammate's desk. "She's been late because of a run before."

Tony forced a chuckle. "While I don't doubt her ability to get lost in a workout, she doesn't like being cold. And if she was running indoors she wouldn't lose track of time."

Tim's eyebrows rose with interest. "You seem to know a lot about her routine Tony."

He was not falling for that one and snorted derisively. "You have any idea how many topics of conversation we go through on a stakeout? Trust me, it's all come up at one time or another."

Finding little to work with in the senior field agent's answer, McGee went back to his computer. Two minutes later Gibbs and his ever present cup of coffee strode in along with the familiar new case call of, "Grab your gear."

Tony did so automatically, frowning. "Should we text Ziva to meet us there?" After all, if he wasn't married to her his naturally curious nature certainly would be wondering about her absence.

Gibbs didn't slow down as he led the way to the elevator. "Ziva's off today."

"Oh." Tony and McGee both sounded surprised, though only the probie's was genuine. "Shotgun!" Tony called immediately, in case they were traveling in the same vehicle. Ziva usually claimed the seat beside Gibbs when the four of them rode together.

Gibbs rolled his eyes, holding back the urge to headslap the man. No more was said and Tony continued his silent countdown - one hour down, nine to go.

NCIS

Ziva had moved to the couch by the time Tony got home later than anticipated at seven-thirty, a full twelve and a half hours since leaving. He managed to come in quietly, but she heard the door twenty minutes later when he and Meira returned from a walk. She tried to offer help making a meal but he waved her off, finding something to reheat and sitting on the couch rubbing her feet during the last half hour of a chickflick. Ziva was tired of sleeping, so while the painkillers were working at their peak the couple played Scrabble and Dominos and Go Fish. When the discomfort returned Tony suggested a hot bath and brought his wife some bedtime tea hoping to aid in rest, though the little white pills would be more effective than anything else they could try.

NCIS

Thursday February 3

She didn't want to keep him up like she did last night, so once he was deeply asleep Ziva moved very carefully and quietly to the futon, suffering through a fitful sleep alone, though at some point Meira joined her and stayed close - a gesture her mistress appreciated. Tony, tired from the previous night, slept straight through and never had to notice that his girls abandoned him because by the time morning came and the alarm roused him his wife was already in the shower. That was quite unexpected so he went to check on her and received a weary, "Be out in a minute."

Tony's patience didn't extend to waiting a whole minute, so he boiled tea water and started coffee, opting just to let Meira out to do her business in the yard for now and make it up to her with a walk later. Ziva was exiting the bathroom when he came out of the office and she moved past him. "Your turn."

Her voice was soft and heavy and he grabbed her arm before she got too far. "Hey, what's this?"

She frowned in his direction without actually making eye contact. "I am getting ready for work."

Tony sighed. "I can tell just by looking that's not a good idea Ziva. Can't you wait until tomorrow?"

Ziva pulled away, though without the force he knew she was capable of. "I can make my own decisions, thank you."

His eyebrows rose. "There's no call to get snarky, I'm just trying to help. I've seen what this kind of cycle looks like for you."

"I am done needing help!" she insisted, continuing to their room to dress.

Deciding it best not to argue with her for now, Tony took his turn in the shower. Her body would inform her of limitations soon enough using a more convincing argument than he could offer right now. His departure from the bathroom coincided with Ziva's next round of pill taking and he eyed the bottle warily, knowing that if she kept it up there wouldn't be enough left for another of her bad months. There was no way any doctor would prescribe her the heavy duty drugs for cramps but maybe Ducky could help them out...except Ziva would kill him for discussing that subject with the medical examiner, plus it would be giving an awful lot away and there was no way she'd go on her own. They would definitely be up a creek when the bottle was finally empty.

Glad to see she'd made tea for herself, Tony got into clothes quickly and returned to the kitchen, dropping a kiss on his wife's cheek on the way by. "I kinda feel like omelettes this morning, what about you?"

Ziva, leaning back against the counter, staring down into her tea. "I don't suppose I can still blame hormones for being rude?"

He went back to her side, rubbing her shoulders gently. "Sure you can. I try not to take it personal when you're hurting."

She heaved a sigh. "PMS is supposed to happen before my period, not during."

Tony stood in front of her. "I get that you're done needing help honey, trust me." He wanted to add more but she was not currently interested in his opinion.

"I could've been nicer about it," she muttered.

Joining their lips briefly, he went back to breakfast preparations. Ziva's omelette was purposely made smaller but Tony wasn't surprised when she didn't even finish a lesser portion. She dragged into work without him, irritated at the concession of taking the elevator, and he said nothing beyond, "Morning," upon arriving at his desk five minutes later.

Gibbs, however, stared at her expression and body language, noting dark circles and tired eyes, and stood to voice his opinion. "What did I tell you-"

She held up one hand. "I am fine Gibbs." His disapproving glare had no effect and she settled down to work, ignoring the heavy gazes of all three men directed at her. Tony silently grumbled, 'Not fine,' while their boss inwardly cursed her stubbornness and pride and McGee, not knowing the reason for her appearance, hoped it wasn't nightmares from Somalia bothering her again.

They caught a case mid-morning and before she could even reach for her gun Gibbs dropped a sticky note on her desk, effectively putting the probationary agent on research detail. When they finished processing the crime scene a couple hours later and stopped for lunch on the way back, Gibbs saw how Ziva picked at her food rather than eating and sat on the edge of her desk. McGee was down delivering gumbo to Abby and Tony, biting his tongue to keep from saying anything, excused himself to the breakroom for a soda to go with his meal.

Gibbs quickly found that waiting her out didn't work and touched her shoulder. "You shouldn't be here Ziva."

She shrugged him off. "I'm fi-"

"Save it. You put on a good show, but I'm done watching you struggle." Ziva tried to protest but he spoke over her objections. "Get out of here. Go home and rest. If-" She again tried to say something so his finger landed on her lips. "If you feel up to it tomorrow, come in. But I'm not putting you out in the field until you can handle a day without drugs."

Ziva's nose wrinkled and she sat back. "Am I allowed to talk now?" He nodded and she rubbed her hands over her legs. "Very well. It seems I do not have much of a choice."

"Nope."

She gathered her things, glancing fleetingly at Tony's desk before choosing to text him from a cab. As they'd come in the same car, she'd leave that for him. Tony beat her to the text, which she received shortly after giving the driver their address. I know you're not fine Zi.

According to the rules, you are not supposed to know.

Then you're lucky I didn't say what I was thinking out loud.

Choosing to slightly change the subject, Ziva passed on her own message. I took a cab so you could have the car.

Perhaps sensing she was done with the subject of how she was feeling, Tony played along. Can I bring anything home for you tonight?

She bit her lip. Could I talk you into making me hot chocolate from scratch? It was an indulgence she favoured, especially this time of the month.

Her husband's chuckle could almost be heard. You won't have to twist my arm much for that, I'd be glad to. I may demand payment in the form of kisses though, to be paid out whenever I want.

Ziva hid a smirk. I suppose I can handle that. Because kissing her husband was such a hardship for her.

Anything else?

She stared out the window for awhile, phone held loosely in one hand, before answering. Are you getting the look from Gibbs yet?

I hope not considering I'm hiding in a stall in the men's room. That would be a little awkward.

You don't say, she responded dryly.

Think you can handle rice krispie squares? I'd be happy to add them to the hot chocolate.

I will see how I manage soup, then we will talk about dessert. Thank you, she added a moment later.

I love you.

Ziva sighed. He truly was adorable. I love you too.

Rather than continuing on about how much he'd miss her and encouraging her to take care of herself, Tony left it at that and made himself go back to work. At least the day was already half-done because now, as always, there was only one place he wanted to be and that was wherever his wife was. Time at the office today held no appeal.

NCIS

Mark toyed with Cassie's hair while she lay along the couch, head resting in his lap as they watched a movie on TV. It was such a pleasant position and comfortable moment, their children long in bed so husband and wife could enjoy their cherished evenings together. He hated even to break the silence between them but something had been on his mind for awhile and now was the time to share. He muted the TV when it went to commercial and Cassie turned her attention to him, sensing a conversation coming.

"I was wondering if you'd be willing to give me up a couple nights a week for the next eight weeks."

She sat halfway up. "That's two months. Why?"

The explanation came with a catch - he could only tell her part of it, but he had to not look as if he was holding the rest back. Mark scraped his fingers through his hair. "Someone approached me today after work about doing in home personal training twice a week for a couple months. It's a New Year's Resolution goal so I'll know by the end if he's committed or giving up, since results should be noticeable by then, and hopefully I can transition him to the gym once he's more confident."

Her brow furrowed. "He couldn't pick a time during the day?"

"No. He works a day shift. Even the last appointment around dinner isn't late enough." He kissed her fingers. "Besides, if I do it in home then I don't have to share a percentage with the club. That's a lot of money Cass."

She blinked seriously. "Do we need it? Is the extra money worth losing time with our family?"

"You know the finances just as well as I do," he chided gently. "So no, we don't need it, we're doing fine like we have been for years. But there's a little more to the story."

Cassie's fingers trailed down his shirt, the movie completely forgotten and ignored. "I wondered, since this came up out of the blue."

Mark chewed on the inside of his lip. "I've been thinking about going to visit Kevin."

She understood a lot out of such a simple sentence and even just hearing her brother in law's name brought a while lot to her mind and heart. Mark grew up in a military family, uprooted more times than he cared to count as they followed his dad's job around the country. His name, chosen by his dad, meant war-like, foreshadowing the life he envisioned for his son. Mark's mom had different dreams for her firstborn and insisted on the Hebrew name Adiv as his second one. Its meaning was gentle, so his full name became 'gentle warrior' and spoke of a much different path for his life.

His father made no attempt to conceal his disapproval and disappointment when, at eighteen, Mark shunned the miliary lineage he came from and entered school with the goal of a profession in which he could help people and have a positive impact on their lives. While he didn't fault his sisters for keeping with what was familiar and taking husbands in military careers, there was something very deep inside of him that just wanted to be different. He'd carried the weight of that disappointment for many years and even though his father was now pleased to be a grandpa, he never could accept the decisions Mark had made in his life that were so far from what was expected. That in itself was one reason he and Cassie continued living close to her father but only saw his parents once or twice a year, if they were lucky.

In his family he also had three younger sisters: Trish (meaning well-born), only a year below him. As the two oldest they ended up taking care of the others when their parents were too busy. As far as siblings went they got along decently but were never super close. Trish married an Air Force guy when she was twenty-one and moved to England. She and Mark rarely saw each other but still sent cards occasionally and made sure to talk about once a year to get caught up on things in their lives.

His middle sister, two years younger than Trish, was Eppie (my delight is she), named after a strong, brave woman in a Scottish ballad his mother liked. At the beginning of high school Eppie discovered her name was also a nickname associated with Esther, and she began calling herself that when kids teased her about her unusual given name. Following in her older sister's footsteps Eppie married a man in the Navy the year she turned twenty-three and lived in Pensacola, Florida where her husband was currently stationed.

Last came Adelaide (nobility), almost a full decade his junior, though she was always Addy to him. Despite the age gap she and Mark had been incredibly tight growing up, until he left for college. Then they wrote and called and kept in touch as much as they could. At twenty-eight she hadn't gotten married yet and wasn't even sure she'd go that route at all. After bouncing around from place to place, much like their childhood, she'd finally settled down as a teacher at a private Christian academy in Colorado Springs, one of the places she loved the most from the many cities she grew up in.

But it was Kevin (handsome), five years younger than Mark and between Eppie and Addy in the birth order, who'd really had the most challenges. All the moving around got to him, losing friends and having to be the new kid over and over. He was only four the second time they moved after he was born, not even in school yet. But the next posting lasted longer than most and being torn out of school and friendships and something comfortable and home really messed with the then nine year old. Kevin started getting into trouble in their next town and school, and even with their father's strict discipline and Mom's loving rules nothing ever got better for long.

Mark did his best to help his younger brother, but he left for school when Kevin was thirteen and that caused even more turmoil for the troubled new teen. Three moves later at fifteen things went from bad to worse, with Kevin not just getting in fights at school and receiving failing grades, but also falling in with the wrong crowd which led to some serious issues with drug and alcohol abuse. Thankfully Kevin eventually got some help, a mentor who came into his life at seventeen and got him into rehab, keeping tabs on him even with moves. The man was a solid role model and support system, something the young man desperately needed in the midst of so much turmoil. Now, over a decade and a half later, Kevin worked with troubled kids living on military bases because he understood that life and what it could be like. Mark was very proud of what his brother had accomplished and they stayed in contact quite regularly, but phone calls and Skype just weren't the same as spending time together face to face.

Cassie nodded slowly, having had time to see where he was coming from with the request. "You should go."

He eyed her a little warily because of the sudden shift in attitude. "Oh?"

"You haven't seen your brother in years. It'll be good for the two of you to have some quality bonding time."

"So that resistence two minutes ago was just a front?" Mark asked, unaware of where her thoughts had been before she changed her mind.

"No," she admitted. "I still don't like the thought of you being away from us so much extra than usual, and I'll miss you like crazy while you're away. But I was remembering what Kevin, and you, have been through and I think it would be a great surprise for him to see his big brother. The visit will mean a lot to him."

Mark pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Thanks Cass," he breathed. "I've just been feeling lately like it's something I should do."

"Sounds like God," she murmured, running her hands up his arms. "I try pretty hard not to argue with Him. He always wins," she whispered in her husband's ear.

He chuckled and pulled her even closer. "You'll miss me, huh? Won't take advantage of all the space to spread out over the whole bed? Or read until one o'clock in the morning on Saturday night? Or spread your projects over every free space in the house when I'm not around to bug you about it?"

Cassie cupped his face, bringing his mouth to hers for a long kiss. "I may do all of those things silly man, but that doesn't mean I'll still spend every other minute wishing you were here to bug me about it."

"I love you," Mark said quietly, then changed the subject slightly. "So what's our plan for date night this week?" Instead of taking turns while things were kind of up in the air about how to keep the tradition going now that Cassie's dad was out as an option for the time being, they were tackling it as a team, week by week.

"I don't know about you, but I'm definitely ready for the kids to have a sleepover so we get the house to ourselves." They were quite used to the luxury of one night a week when they didn't have to be the cautious parents making sure things didn't get too out of hand while their kids were around, but could instead just be the carefree, adventurous lovers who only had themselves to think about.

He chuckled into her neck. "I like the sound of that. Who's next on our babysitting list?"

Cassie, struggling to think when his lips were drifting all over her skin, managed to get out the two possibilities. "I was thinking Brent and CJ might be able to take them, or they could go to Wes and Breanna's. Faith said they're always welcome." Seeing as their children had gotten so close, Cassie and Faith, Wes and Breanna's mom, had taken to getting coffee together every so often and had struck up a comfortable friendship.

"Works for me." He claimed her mouth in an almost searing kiss that literally stole her breath away. "Now are we done talking?"

She laughed softly, suddenly aware that he was already sliding his hands into her clothing as if the answer was a foregone conclusion. "There's a spare room downstairs," Cassie offered, surprising her husband, "and the basement soundproofing works quite well."

Mark's eyebrows jumped up. "Feeling bold tonight Mrs. Reece?"

She matched his passion with her own as kisses and caresses grew more heated. "Only with you." She closed her eyes as he lifted her up, clear desire and intention in his gaze while he made his way towards the basement stairs. "Your love gives me the confidence to be bold."

Her 'thank you' was swallowed along with any other coherent thought she might've had and Cassie was reminded again to be so thankful for the wonderful man God had given to be her husband.

NCIS

Sunday February 6

Friday Ziva again insisted on going into work and made it through the whole day. Tony's biggest relief was that she was finally taking a normal dose of the pills at the recommended time and often with even more than four hours between. She didn't need the painkillers on Saturday at all and even felt good enough to want to go riding that afternoon. Glad the worst was over, Sunday found him up early and very anxious to get his hands and lips on his wife. Even after four and a half years of marriage he never got used to being deprived of her during her cycle.

Thankfully Ziva was in a reciprocating mood even though he woke her up too early for a weekend by placing a line of kisses down her neck and slowly working his hand under her pyjama shirt. She arched against him before even opening her eyes, her head falling back to give him better access. "Am I playing Sleeping Beauty this morning?"

"Works for me," he mumbled into her skin. He took a quick break from his current ministrations to capture her lips. "Good morning, by the way."

She held his face, keeping his mouth on hers. "I thought that was my line."

Tony shrugged and began coaxing clothing off his wife. It wasn't long before they were involved in something much more fun than talking. The couple enjoyed themselves so much that the intimacy continued in a hot bath - exchanging duties of gently washing each other's bodies and hair - and lasted through breakfast eaten in only bathrobes - occasional bites fed to one another during the meal - truly lovesick expression on their faces that no one was around to mock them for; and even covered Tony's careful practice in French braiding her hair, which Ziva deemed neat enough to be worn to practice.

Shortly after hello hugs had been shared at the gym, Allie walked around behind her. "I just love your hair Ziva. You're so lucky to have hair that looks great no matter what the style."

Ziva smiled rather proudly, eyes fixed on Tony. "Thank you. My husband did it."

Cassie lifted an eyebrow. "Not only have you taught the man to cook, but he braids too?"

"Hey!" Mark called from a couple feet away. "I can braid hair too y'know. Tony's not the only one with skills."

That lead to a round of teasing from the rest of the guys about Mark and Tony's hairdressing talents, but it was worth it for Tony to see his wife's expression when she told them. He liked that she was proud to show off his accomplishments. Then Adrian sidled up to Ziva. "Hey, I don't want to be a pain or anything, but did you happen to get the order placed for our colognes yet?" He leaned close and whispered, "I really want to see what Emma thinks of the one I picked."

Ziva chuckled and patted his chest. "I am sure she will love it on you even more than in the bottle." Then her face shadowed. "But...I am sorry Adrian, I have not been feeling well this week, so I didn't get that done." Truth be told, she'd forgotten all about it until he said something. "I promise I will do it as soon as I have a free moment."

Though she was expecting his disappointment, the concern in his eyes caught her off guard. "Are you okay?" Her brow furrowed and he debated on how to elaborate without bringing up bad memories. "It's not...something from that summer, is it?"

She squeezed his hand. "You are so sweet to worry Adrian. No, it's not. Nothing directly anyways. I had to take a couple sick days this week, but Tony watched me very closely and took good care of me. I am feeling much better now."

He chewed on his lip. "Okay, I'm glad to hear that. But if you need anything, you ask."

Ziva smiled. "I will."

"Yo, Zip!" Tony yelled. "Come on, you're holding up the game."

Adrian grinned. "You're just jealous because I'm hanging out with your wife."

"Enough," Mark said loudly, knowing Adrian and Tony would just keep egging each other on until one of them either started a playful fight or got in trouble with one of their wives. "Let's play ball."

Ziva joined the rest of the wives on the bleachers and soon had her attention split between hearing about McKenna's week at school and watching the rather intensely competitive basketball game the guys were putting on. Whether it was some of them needing more stress relief than usual or just the fact that they were tired of being indoors and needed to get rid of excess energy it was hard to tell, but the game was played fast and hard and more seriously than usual. All of them were banned from giving out hugs and kisses afterwards until they got changed, as evidence of their exertion was very prominent this time, but once they were all gathered back together Ziva got their attention.

"I know it is very out of the ordinary for a nickname within the group to be changed, with the exception of marriage." At this she smiled towards Cassie. "But this is a new year and I have been making some changes and I think I would like to be known differently now." Tony was staring at her, she hadn't planned to bring it up until someone actually called her 'ninja' so they hadn't discussed it yet, but the timing just felt right.

Mark looked between the two of them and nodded. "What did you have in mind?"

She sighed. "Well, I am not certain I have gotten that far-"

Before she even finished Tony blurted out, "Pocahontas." All eyes turned to him and he shrugged self-consciously. "Just...you know, she was beautiful and had some pretty useful skills, but she was also gentle and not known-"

Ziva picked it up from there, letting out a breath in relief. "Not known for acts of violence. Yes, that is exactly what I want. To be known for something peaceful rather than dangerous." Which made Tony wonder if he'd be banned from using the nickname as well, but something about her expression said he'd still be able to call her that in private, just between them. It was part of their history and that was not the part she was trying to lose.

Mark glanced quickly around the group and saw the others nodding in agreement. They could understand the reasons behind Ziva's request, given the healing they'd all spent the last year and a half watching. She'd more than earned the change. "All in favour of re-naming Ziva 'Pocahontas' instead of 'ninja', raise your hand."

The vote, of course, was unanimous and McKenna scooted closer. "You have pretty hair just like Pocahontas Aunt Ziva."

Ziva smiled and touched the tip of her niece's nose. "Toda motek. I can also climb trees very well, though I have yet to find one that talks back."

McKenna giggled and Mark cleared his throat, eyeing Tony's hands pointedly. "I didn't want to bring this up earlier but did you, uh...lose a bet or something?"

Tony glared at the bright pink nail polish adorning all ten fingernails, then turned the same expression on his wife. "Let's just say you should never play Truth or Dare with a certain Israeli-American unless you're prepared to suffer public humiliation."

That cracked the gang up and led to a whole spin-off conversation about the consequences of Truth or Dare, from public school mishaps all the way up to college days. And though he planned to get a bottle of acetone out the moment they got home, the nail polish made him remember their Christmas vacation and the fun they'd had together, so he really couldn't bring himself to be upset about it. Plus Ziva was smiling and Tony had already learned from long experience that he'd do whatever it took to keep that look on her face. His wife was worth it.

Replies:

Melissa - Hi Melissa! Thanks for reviewing! I always think people are so brave to review in a language other than their own. I'm really glad you're enjoying the story. No worries, I know that the OC's aren't for everybody. That's very sweet of you to say, thank you. Wow! Re-reading is such a huge compliment for me, thanks. And five times, that's a lot of dedication to the series! I personally am not a huge fan of the Ray/EJ stuff but since I don't have a choice about including it, that'll be coming up somewhere in the next 8-10 chapters. I can't make any promises because we have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but as long as God allows I hope to be on this site and writing these stories. There's lots more to come! ~Aliyah

Debbie - Wow, that's quite the compliment considering how many chapters there have been. Yeah, I agree, it is very nice to see the progress, that all their hard work has finally paid off. Their life outside of the office is my favourite part for sure. Thanks for reviewing! :)