Thursday April 15

Ziva was sitting in her car across the street from the first wife's house with her camera at the ready when her cell phone buzzed...again. She'd ignored it the first two times figuring she could blame it on being busy working, but putting him off a third time was not wise. She pressed the speaker button to answer. "Yes Tony."

"Oh hi. You knew it was me?"

She rolled her eyes. "McGee does not usually stalk me when I am on a stakeout."

"I don't usually have to either, because I'm sitting right next to you. How's it going?"

Ziva checked the focus on the camera and took a practice shot of the front door. "Nothing to see yet."

"You know better than to argue with Gibbs' gut. Any idea what time you'll be home?"

She shrugged. "As soon as I have something, I suppose."

He sighed. "I don't like you being out there alone."

Ziva bit her tongue to keep from saying she could take care of herself thank you very much and he was well aware of that fact. "Gibbs would not have sent me without back up if he thought there was trouble. How is Meira?"

Tony chuckled. "She's grooming the stuffed bunny Brent got for her when she was staying at his house. It's funny how much she loves that thing. Almost took my hand off when I tried to steal it earlier."

"You should know better than to get between a girl and her favourite stuffed animal Tony."

He thought back to the early days after her rescue when Moses was a close and constant companion. "Yeah, I guess I do. You know, it's really no fun at all when you're not here."

She found it challenging to stay annoyed with him for very long. "And what would we be doing if I was there?"

Tony pursed his lips. "I don't know. Watching a movie, reading a book, maybe a massage."

"For you or me?"

He was careful answering that one. "I guess it would depend who offered first."

"Anything else?"

"I'd make you tea, maybe try and sneak a few kisses, cuddle. You can never have too much cuddling Zi."

"So I've heard. Do you think you will survive?"

Tony made a face. "Probably won't be able to fall asleep either, warm body on the other side of the bed missing and all."

She snorted. "Other side of the bed? Since when do you ever sleep on your side of the bed?"

He frowned. "Would you rather I slept on my side of the bed?" Come to think of it, they very rarely kept to separate sides.

"That is not what I meant," Ziva explained gently. "I believe I, also, would have difficulties resting if you were not right beside me."

Silence filled the line for a few moments before he spoke again. "I know you can take care of yourself honey, I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I just...like knowing you're safe."

She sighed. Silly loveable man. "I love you too," she said quietly, ending the call. Only minutes later the light came on over the door across the street and a man in uniform was greeted quite warmly by the lady of the house. Ziva smiled and began snapping pictures. As much as she loved being with her husband, it was nice tonight to finally feel independent. She could do her job, and that Gibbs had confidence in her made all the difference in the world.

NCIS

Saturday April 17

Brent tossed the bright green tennis ball for Cody to case and looked at Ryan, who was scuffling his feet in the dirt. Cody came galloping back and dropped his prize between them. "Want a turn?" Ryan picked it up without caring how drooly it was and lobbed the ball as far as he could. He'd been pretty quiet since Brent picked him up and he was starting to get concerned. "Not in the mood for the park buddy?"

Ryan shrugged. "I don't know."

Brent told Cody to lay down and led the boy back to the bench by the tree where they always hung out. "Do you want to talk about what we told you on Wednesday?"

A sigh too old for such a small body was released into the air. "Coach?" Ryan asked tentatively. "Are you going to marry my mom?"

Grown up subject or not, he deserved a straight answer. "I hope so Ry."

He stared at the trees. "Do you have to ask Grandpa?"

Brent ruffled his hair. "Who told you that?"

"Guess I just heard it somewhere. So are you gonna?"

Somewhere likely being one of the Little House on the Prairie reruns CJ favoured. Brent nodded. "When it gets closer to someday, yeah, I will. Your mom's old enough to make her own decision, but asking Grandpa for his blessing is a form of respect. I want to do this right."

"Are you going to ask me?"

That one caught him off guard and Brent made sure the boy was looking at him. "Do you want me to ask?" He nodded slowly. "Now, or when I ask Grandpa?"

"Now," came his quiet voice.

"Ryan," Brent began seriously, "I love your mom and I love you. I want us to be a family someday. Is it okay with you if I ask your mom to marry me?" He held his breath, realizing this part was more important even than asking her father.

Hopeful blue eyes met his. "That means you get to be my dad, right?"

He chuckled. "Yeah, that's what it means." He thought that would guarantee him a yes, but Ryan wasn't done yet.

"Will you make sure my mom doesn't get hurt any more?"

A thousand things flew through his mind at those words. "What do you mean Ry?"

"Well, like when Uncle Chris died. Or when my dad couldn't stay. Or when people make her feel bad because she has me all by herself."

Brent only knew vaguely who Uncle Chris was. The Jason story was familiar. But people making her feel bad? "What kind of people buddy?"

"Mom doesn't think I remember, 'cause I was only little, but I do."

People in California then. "I didn't know that," he said quietly.

"It made her cry," Ryan confided.

Yeah, he guessed it would. CJ already felt guilty enough about Ryan's conception, she certainly didn't need any help, even if she'd been long forgiven and forgiven herself for that. "As much as I'd like to Ry, I can't make sure your mom never gets hurt again. Married people fight sometimes, and I might say things that hurt her even if I don't mean to. The same way I might say something that hurts you, but it would never be on purpose and I want you guys to tell me if that ever happens. You and your mom are the most important people in my life and I don't want to mess that up."

Ryan patted his arm. "You won't Coach."

His eyebrows rose. "Is that a yes?"

"Does Mom know you love her? Because it's important to say it when you do."

Brent nodded. "She does. And I tell her."

"Okay," he said solemnly. "Then you can marry her."

He swallowed the lump in his throat and pulled the little boy into a hug. "Thanks buddy."

"You're welcome," though he figured Ryan didn't really understand all of what he'd just done.

"Just remember that things aren't going to change right away, because we need time still."

"But someday, right?" Ryan asked.

"Someday definitely," Brent confirmed. "Now, how about some ice cream?"

"Because this was something serious?"

"Yeah. And ice cream is always good for that."

"Okay." Ryan hopped off the bench. "I think I want birthday cake this time."

It would give him a sugar high but Brent was quite sure he'd earned it. "You got it buddy." And with Cody at their heels, they made the walk hand in hand.

NCIS

Wednesday April 21

He could feel the difference in her body immediately and was quick to find his own release so he could focus on his wife. Tony caught his breath and leaned up on his elbows to see her. Ziva's eyes were closed and tears streamed from them, only what he was sure of kept him from worrying that she was hurt or upset. Tony used his thumbs to wipe the wet trails away and waited for Ziva to look at him.

Finally she did, smiling faintly. He kissed her slowly, then pulled back. "Did you just...was that...really?"

She nodded once, awe still washing her chocolate brown irises. "I did not know if I would ever get to feel that again." Her hands framed his face, bringing his mouth back to hers as she whispered Thank you beloved against his skin.

He threaded his fingers into her hair and grinned. "I'm feeling pretty proud of myself right now."

Ziva shifted slightly under him, bracing her hands on his chest, and chuckled. "You should be."

Tony traced random patterns on her collarbone, the levity fading suddenly from his eyes. "I'm sorry Ziva."

A frown creased her brow. "Why?"

He sighed. "I always took sex for granted with you. It was a right of being married. I never thought of that act as a privilege until it was the one thing I wanted most and the only thing we couldn't do."

She touched his cheek gently. "I will never keep you away so long again ahava, there is no reason to. You do not need to look so sad."

Tony squeezed his eyes shut. "Heck of a promise babe. You might change your mind the next time I act like an idiot or put my foot in my mouth."

"We have never withheld intimacy as a punishment yakiri, you know that. And we are so much better at talking now, at apologizing and forgiving."

He shrugged as if he didn't quite believe her and met her eyes again. "I hope you know that it is such a gift every time you let me have that freedom with your body. But if the day ever comes when we get you pregnant, sex is something I'll gladly give up if that's what you need."

Ziva pushed him over and sat on his abdomen. "Perhaps I will want you even more."

A roguishness crept back into his gaze. "Well, that is a side effect I'd have no arguments with." The serious expression returned. "I just want you to know what it means to me Ziva - you and me together this way. I love you."

She leaned over and captured his lips. "And I you neshama."

Tony slid his hand over her thigh. "I don't think I know that one."

Ziva drew her fingers along his cheek. "It is comparative to the English 'darling', but in Hebrew it is like saying 'you are as important to me as my soul'."

He kissed the tips of her fingers. "I'm honoured."

She slid off and landed beside him. "I am very tired. Goodnight."

Tony chuckled and cuddled up behind her. Tonight had been special. Finally being able to give his wife the pleasure she deserved was a memory he would hold onto for years to come. They had certainly waited long enough.

NCIS

Thursday April 22

Tony heard a muttered Hebrew curse from the bathroom as he was putting on his socks the next morning. "Zi?" he called. "Everything okay in there?" No answer was given so he stepped into pants and walked out the door buttoning his shirt to investigate. Ziva was standing in front of the mirror, leaning her hands on the counter, wearing only her bra and underwear. Tony approached slowly, scanning her posture and trying to decipher the expression on her face. Once beside his wife, he rested his palm on her bare back. "What's wrong?"

She huffed and crossed her arms. "Do you know what happened this morning?"

He thought back half an hour to kissing her awake, sliding his hands all over her warm skin, and enjoying a few minutes of happy, relaxed bliss before their day began. But given the vibe he was getting from her mood, Tony guessed that wasn't what she meant. "You wanna tell me?"

Ziva tipped her head and sighed. "I got my period."

His eyebrows jumped up. "Now?" The first time in eight months and it happened today?

She threw out her hand. "Exactly! And just when I was going to let you test out your skills again."

"Twice in two days?" He knew why that hadn't happened before, so it was kind of disappointing to miss the one time it could've.

Ziva linked her hands over his shoulders. "It is about time you got lucky more often, yes?"

Tony slid his arms around her and held her close. "You won't find me refuting logic like that." Their lips met, then his migrated to her shoulder. "So it's gonna be awhile, huh?" Reality apparently had a sense of irony.

She shrugged. "I do not know. It is hard to be sure of anything about my body anymore."

He buried his hands in her curls. "As long as I have you right here in front of me, nothing else matters."

Ziva smirked and walked her fingers up his chest. "Yes, but in a few days the physical aspect will become very important to you." She leaned in and breathed on his ear. "As soon as it is over, I am all yours ahava. That you can count on."

NCIS

Friday April 23

"So tomorrow's your group dinner, right?" CJ asked after her first sip of tea while they watched Ryan and some of the basketball kids play hide and seek with Cody following practice.

He turned to her with eyebrow lifted. "Yeah, it is."

She watched him out of the corner of her eye but avoided looking directly at him. "You up for company?"

Brent grinned. "Yeah? Ready for that?"

"As much as I'll ever be, I guess." It's not like she hadn't spent time with his friends on plenty of occasions, but coming to the family dinner as a couple was a really big deal.

He nudged her shoulder. "Don't worry, Cassie likes you now."

She chuckled. "We have nicknames, it's not like they can get rid of us."

Brent reached for her hand. "Thank you Kris."

"This is step one, so take it easy on me for awhile hoops man."

He kissed her cheek. "You got it." His gaze found Ryan again. "How's he doing, really?"

"Quiet, more than I'm comfortable with." It has been a week and a half since the talks they'd had with him together and separately and both were concerned about his reaction. "He's not your average eight year old Brent. It takes him a long time to process things, and he works them out inside his head, sometimes in pictures, before he's ready to say anything." She sighed. "He was like this when I told him we were moving to DC, didn't talk to me for about a week. I thought he was mad at me, but he was just confused. Change and little kids are a really bad mix."

"Sometimes I just want to hold him until the world gets back on its axis. I hate to watch him carry everything alone."

"I know the feeling, but it's not that easy. If he has questions, if he needs us for something he'll ask. Until then I'm really going to cherish moments like this when he's laughing and happy. Ryan spent too many years being a grown up little boy, all I want for him now is the chance to be a kid and have fun, without worrying about stuff only adults should have to deal with."

"Me too." Hopefully their transition into a family would take some of the pressure off Ryan. But right now the very thing he wanted more than anything seemed to be causing the boy's distress. And that hurt, on a level he didn't even have a right to. He wasn't Ryan's dad yet.

NCIS

Saturday April 24

"Hey, hey, looks who's here!" Adrian called out when Brent walked in the door with CJ and Ryan at his side.

"Peter Pan!" McKenna squealed, rushing over to give him a hug. "I missed you." Ryan shot a 'help!' look at Alec who rolled his eyes.

"Let's show him our treehouse Ken." The distraction worked and McKenna grabbed Ryan's hand, dragging him with her out the doors to the backyard.

Mark chuckled. "Well, he's either going to learn to like hugs or learn to run faster than her." Noting CJ's nervousness, he held out a hand. "We don't bite Flame. What can I get you to drink?"

CJ followed him to the counter to peruse her choices and Brent let out a breath. Today was a big deal for both of them and he really wanted it to go well. Tony came up beside him and handed over a glass of purple juice. "Hugs wanted Kool-aid. You ever seen the guys say no to her?"

Brent chuckled. "It's like three men and a little lady except there's six of us. She was guaranteed to be spoiled rotten the day she was born."

Tony sipped his drink and focused on CJ across the kitchen. "So, bringing her to family dinner means something, right?"

Brent's gaze shifted between his girlfriend and her son, who was following Alec and McKenna all over their treehouse creation and having a blast by the look of it. "You'll get the announcement before we eat with everyone else."

Tony's hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed. "We're happy for you Brent."

The other half of the 'we' joined her husband just then and aimed a delighted smile at Brent. "Are congratulations in order?"

Tony slipped an arm around her shoulders. "He's saving the good news Zi." Catching Jordan's eyes, he nodded. "Hey J-Rock, you and me, table setting competition?"

"Plates and glasses vs. cutlery and napkins? You're on!"

"You break anything and you'll be spending the evening in my craft room with a tube of super glue," Cassie interjected.

The guys exchanged glances and both kissed her cheeks. "Have we ever broken anything before Cass?"

She shook her head. "Let me count the ways..."

"Uh, that one incident at The Pad doesn't count. Extenuating circumstances."

"Yeah, sure." Cassie smiled at Ziva and pointed to the yard. "Would you mind corralling the creatures out there? Get them to wash up, supper is almost ready. Brent, could you find us a couple more chairs?"

Duties continued to be doled out and volunteered for and soon enough everyone was standing at their places around the extra long table. Before they sat down Brent curled his fingers around CJ's and put his hand on Ryan's shoulder. "In case it's not obvious, CJ and I are dating. Two months now," he added with a grin, then locked eyes with her, "and hopefully much longer."

She blushed and didn't say much but accepted the joyful hug from Allie, who was standing beside her. To take the focus off the newest initiated members of family dinner, Mark cleared his throat and said a blessing, then they all got settled. McKenna tilted her head at Ryan, who was sitting beside her. "Does that mean you're staying forever Peter?"

That sounded like such a Wendy line that Adrian couldn't help but chuckle until he noticed how seriously Ryan was taking the question. He swallowed and looked at Brent. "Coach?"

A significant look passed between Brent and CJ and he smiled at McKenna. "Don't worry Hugs, Peter Pan's not going anywhere."

That seemed to satisfy her for now and everyone began passing plates around to fill with the smorgasbord of food overflowing along the length of the table. As they began to eat, Brent squeezed CJ's hand and hoped that soon he'd get to promise Ryan the forever that he deserved.

NCIS

After Ryan was in bed that night, Brent lingered in the doorway of the apartment, holding CJ's hand. "So?"

She offered a small smile. "We survived."

"And they're happy for us. Stop looking so worried."

CJ blew out a breath. "Trying, but it's like 'Meet the Family', the official version instead of all the casual stuff we've done before." He kissed her, drawing it out and hoping to soothe her nerves with the contact. She pulled away slowly. "Formidable distraction technique Coach, you should use that on the court."

He snorted. "Thanks, but as much as I love the guys, I'm not kissing any of them."

She tilted her head. "I would hope not."

Brent pressed his lips to the back of her hand. "CJ Taylor, may I have the honour of your company on a date this Tuesday evening?"

"Oh." She sounded surprised and offered an apologetic expression. "Could we possibly do a different night?"

He nodded. "Sure. Something come up?"

CJ glanced over her shoulder towards the hallway. "I don't want to leave Ryan two nights in a row. I mean, I know he's with you Monday and he loves that, but I'm still concerned about how he's handling our news and splitting my attention, especially now that we're going out every week." Since they got back from California Brent was having a hard time being separated from them even for a couple days. She swallowed. "I just think I need to spend more quality time with him."

"I could come over," he offered, "cook you both dinner, spring for that new movie he's been talking about."

Her hand moved to his chest. "That's sweet Brent, really, but I think it should be just me and Ry for once." The words had more of an impact than she expected and CJ could see him taking it personally. She shook her head. "Stop that."

"What?"

She turned his face towards her. "Acting like I'm cutting you out. I'm not." CJ wove her fingers between his. "It's just been Ryan and I for over five of the last eight years, ever since we moved out of Aunt Kate's and got our own place. He's used to my undivided attention. I need to show my son that he is and will always be the most important person in my life. Please don't feel left out."

It was hard not to, when he already considered them his family, but Brent understood where she was coming from. "Okay," he sighed. "But Cody and I won't have any fun without you."

"We'll see you Wednesday night for dinner?" That had become one of their standing weekly arrangements weeks ago.

"Why don't we make it Thursday," he offered, "and I'll claim your undivided attention for Wednesday night?"

"I'd like that." CJ hesitated, but brought her mouth to his. "I love you Brent MacKay."

Brent grinned. "Well that makes everything a little brighter."

"Only a little?"

"A lot," he amended, taking a step back. "You make it really hard to say goodbye Kris."

She leaned against the door. "What makes you think I want you to say goodbye?"

Brent stopped three steps away. "You're not helping."

"Sorry." Though she didn't look at all repentant.

He paused just before she was lost to his sight. "I love you too." The door closed and Brent leaned against the wall. It was getting harder and harder to walk away from her, from both of them. Was it too much to wish for a snowstorm in April so he'd have an excuse to sleep on the couch for a night? Stepping out into the fading late spring twilight, he guessed his changes were close to zero. But oh, he could hope.

NCIS

Monday April 26

Ziva came into their room wearing a towel right after Tony got into bed. She smiled at him and ran her fingers through the damp dark waves, studying him carefully. He raised an eyebrow in inquiry and she caught her bottom lip between her teeth, clearly deciding something. Walking around to his side Ziva leaned down, held his face between her hands, and kissed him. Delightedly surprised, Tony hooked an arm around her waist and tugged her down beside him. The tender meeting of lips continued when his action made her smile and as Ziva angled her head for closer contact, he chanced slipping a hand through the slit in her towel where the two sides overlapped, seeking out her warm bare skin.

As soon as she felt his touch Ziva pulled the towel loose and let it fall in a crumpled heap on the floor while she maneuvered herself under the covers with him. Tony tore his mouth from hers long enough to comment on the unexpected move. "That better be an invitation Zi."

She grabbed the bottom of his t-shirt and dragged it over his head. "You are wearing too many clothes."

Their lips were drawn together again and Tony kissed his way down her neck. "Does that mean you're-"

A finger landing on his lips silenced the question and she gave him an exasperated look. "Stop talking."

Tony stroked his fingers slowly down her back, stopping at the bottom to trace her dimples, and continued to trail kisses lower. "Yes ma'am," he murmured against her skin, the low vibration of his voice making her shiver. Then his lips were on hers with a fierceness that made her realize how much he needed their intimacy, and above all else what she wanted most now was to be able to meet his needs.

Afterwards they lay close together and Tony brushed damp tendrils of hair away from her face. "You're a lot less skittish about being naked now, it's a nice change."

She smiled sleepily. "Only because you get to enjoy the benefits."

He made a face. "It's not always about the sex you know."

Ziva blinked a few times and tried to focus, but she was so relaxed and content that not falling asleep was difficult. "Okay."

"I just like being able to touch you. I like knowing you're comfortable around me, that you trust me again even when you're vulnerable."

"Tony," she stroked his cheek and tilted her head to capture his lips, "you have given me every reason to trust you, no matter what state I'm in. I love you."

Tony curled an arm around her waist and dragged her closer, the enthusiasm in his kisses drowning her in a sea of emotions, too many to separate. "I love you," he whispered roughly, the strength and intensity of that vow coursing through him. "I will always protect you."

Ziva nodded once. "I know," she affirmed softly, her eyelids sliding closed. As she fell asleep he watched and touched and caressed her as gently as possible, wanting the security of his arms and his love to be the last thing on her mind. When he finally relaxed into his own dreams, Tony couldn't shake the feeling that they were finally there. Healing was a sweet victory at last.

NCIS

Wednesday April 28

The bullpen was a frenzy of activity but it had nothing to do with a case. While Tony looked frantically through his desk drawers in vain hopes of finding the missing van keys, Ziva held up a heart shaped box that came from hers. "I found candy left over from Valentine's Day."

"That's not going to help us," he said shortly, then frowned at her. "Candy from who?"

Her eyebrows drew together. "Why does it matter?"

Tony gestured to the box. "It matters because you didn't eat it. And so that person must not mean very much to you?" His voice was hesitant, as if suddenly unsure about what had been a well known fact moments ago. "It means something."

She shook her loose curls. "It means nothing." As a rule she liked to savour her chocolate and make it last. Keeping it in a drawer where she saw it every day made her smile and reminded her what a good thing she had with him.

He huffed. "I'm glad I wasn't your Valentine."

"So am I," she shot back saucily.

As soon as they could escape alone together those words were quickly retracted and Tony kissed her long and slow. "I always want to be your Valentine Ziva David."

Ziva tapped his cheek. "Bring me chocolate and we have a deal."

He eyed her suspiciously. It wasn't like her to make this easy. "What kind of chocolate?"

She thought about it and finally smirked, which Tony knew meant trouble for him. "The finest German chocolate that will remind me of the time I visited there with a friend when I was young."

Tony held up his pinky and Ziva's hooked around it. "You're on." He liked to have a challenge, a way to impress his wife, and because of that he decided not to use the readily available resource that was McGee. He was going to do his own research and it would be some darn good chocolate, even if he had to call in a favour or two.

NCIS

Thursday April 29

Tony bristled as soon as they were alone. "I oughta let you put him in his place," he muttered darkly, referring to the uncooperative old man who'd just escorted them to the Lieutenant's storage locker, hitting on her the whole way.

Ziva's nose wrinkled. "I was not any more impressed than you."

They began looking around, noting different things of interest. Tony saw an old article. "Calafuego. Treasure hunters."

"Is that what this is all about - treasure?"

"Not just any treasure poppet, pirate's treasure. Like Captain Jack Sparrow and the Curse of the Black Pearl," he said in his best British accent. He picked up an old pistol and aimed it at the far wall.

She studied the space. "This looks like David Jones's locker."

He chuckled. "So close babe. You're thinking of Davy Jones. He used to sing with The Monkees."

Ziva stared at him and her tone was unsure. "Real monkeys?"

Tony shook his head. "I envy your brain sometimes." He took advantage of being alone and her distraction to capture her surprised lips in a deep kiss, letting his hands burrow into her gorgeous hair. "Gosh, sometimes I can hardly keep my hands off you. How do you manage to look so amazing with only fifteen minutes to get ready and leave?"

She blinked at him flirtatiously. "That is a secret amore mio. I do not kiss and tell."

Before he could test that theory she'd turned away and he followed her with a grin. How many guys got to spend all day every day flirting with their wives and thinking up new reasons to make them smile? No matter how hard it was sometimes, Tony knew he had it good.

NCIS

Friday April 30

Tony had spent all day being distracted by Ziva's shirt. Gibbs had already headslapped him once when he noticed where the senior field agent's eyes were focused, but that wasn't much of a deterrent. It was a thin, wine coloured v-neck sweater, cut a little lower than what she usually wore to work, and if she'd leaned over her desk to stare at him Tony could well imagine the view he'd have down the front. Perhaps for that reason Ziva stayed seated even when she was mocking him and his hopes were greatly disappointed. Matters weren't helped at all by the fact that her hair was looking particularly fantastic this morning, loose waves falling over her shoulders and sending his thoughts all kind of places while he thought seriously about dragging her to a nice, uncrowded elevator so he could thread his fingers into the silky strands and kiss her breathless.

Unfortunately that wasn't to happen, but as soon as they were home he came up behind her and slipped one of the sleeves down her shoulder, pressing his lips to the skin. "You've been driving me crazy today, did you know that?"

She leaned back into him, her eyes closing to drink in the sensation. "Mmhmm. How else am I supposed to have any fun?"

"Gibbs is going to give me a concussion one of these days because I can't take my eyes off you."

Her hand slid up behind his neck to keep his mouth where it was and she had a hard time formulating a response. "I would tease you about...control except that you have...more than won the right to lose it now and again."

Tony dropped open mouthed kisses along her shoulder and up her neck. "Do something with me?"

Ziva smirked, pretty certain she knew what was coming. "Are you sure there are not a couple extra words in that sentence?"

He snorted. "Now whose mind is in the gutter? I was going to suggest a movie, Agent David."

She turned in his arms. "Foreplay for a movie Tony? Your talents are going to waste."

Tony combed his fingers gently through her hair. "I didn't say it had to be a fully clothed movie."

"Is that so?" Ziva had forgotten sometimes, in the midst of the trauma, how much fun it could be to flirt with her husband. "Are you going to treat this like a summer romance at the drive-through?"

He chuckled. "I think you mean drive-in. And Zi, don't you remember that our story started with a summer romance?"

She ran her fingers over the short hairs on the back of his neck. "I think it started with a shipping container, yes?"

"Or maybe the first date you refused. Either way, I wouldn't change a thing."

"No, mi corazón, neither would I." Spanish - My heart.

So that was how they ended up snuggled together on the sofa in a dark livingroom, his hand nestled under her top and his lips doing wildly delicious things to her neck, ensuring Ziva would not be able to waste one ounce of concentration on the film that was about to start. "Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?" he murmured.

"Tony," she whispered, eyes shining as they met his, "I am already in it."