While Tony was changing Chaya after her mid-morning feeding, Ziva picked up the phone and dialed a number she'd found in Tony's contact list. It rang three times and a man's voice answered. "Adrian Platz, photos and ads. What can I do for you?"
"Hello Adrian," she began, "this is Ziva DiNozzo. Do you have a moment?"
He stopped what he was doing and spun around in his chair. "Sure, what's up? Need me to take Tony off your hands for a few hours?"
Ziva was impressed. "Actually, yes. But not because I do not want him around. He has been doing everything for me lately and I think he needs a break."
Adrian thought about it. "Do you have something specific in mind?"
"I do," she replied, "You will need a pen and a piece of paper."
"Got it," Adrian replied, "start at the beginning."
Half an hour later the doorbell rang and Ziva let Tony answer it. She was too busy being enthralled by the baby who had fallen asleep on a blanket in only her diaper. Tony opened the door and grinned. "Hey Adrian, what brings you by?"
Adrian held up his camera. "I got to thinking that today might be a good time to take some newborn pictures, if you want." He leaned around Tony and waved. "Hi Ziva."
She smiled. "Adrian, how nice to see you again. Please come in." Looking at the baby, she made a face. "Chaya just fell asleep. Will that still work?"
He nodded. "As a matter of fact, the best way to photograph babies is when they're sleeping." Adrian looked around. "We're going to need a few props. Can you guys grab some of her toys, a white blanket for the background, a couple comforters or towels, maybe a basket if you have one? I can keep an eye on this little darlin' for a minute or two."
Tony and Ziva went upstairs and began looking for the items Adrian had requested. When they returned to the livingroom, Adrian had pushed the piano back a bit to create a nice open space in front of one of the windows. At their curious expressions he explained.
"Natural lighting is best. We want a gentle glow but no shadows if we can help it." He took the white blanket from Ziva and laid it on the floor, then stuffed the oval basket with one of the blankets and tucked a dark blue towel overtop of it. "Okay, someone want to put the little angel in that? I'll arrange her as need be."
Tony scooped up his sleeping daughter in two hands and at Adrian's instructions, laid her on her stomach in the basket. The photographer didn't have to do much as Chaya naturally curled her arms and legs tighter for comfort. She looked gorgeous with the fine layer of curls covering her head and a contented expression on her face.
The parents stood back as Adrian got to work. After numerous shots he got Ziva to move Chaya to the blanket on the floor and set up a few toys around her. "For size comparison," he explained, "she's so little that this will work perfectly."
Once the prop part was over, Adrian instructed Ziva to sit on the floor with Chaya in her lap. He snapped a few pictures and then stood up. "Is it safe to take her diaper off? It's really beautiful and natural when babies are just in their own skin and nothing else."
A shared look between the parents weighed the danger and Tony decided it was worth the risk. Setting Chaya's diaper aside, Ziva cradled the baby on her chest and Adrian asked Tony to sit behind her. The little family was very photogenic, especially when mom and dad only had eyes for their baby girl.
Adrian soon moved on to close up shots, getting Chaya's little hands and feet and her sleepy face. He directed Tony to take his shirt off and got some really nice daddy and baby shots before showing Tony how to hold Chaya in both his hands, again as a size thing. Ziva reached over to brush her finger over the baby's cheek and Adrian kept pressing the shutter, wanting to capture every moment.
He took a picture of Chaya's hand in the center of Ziva's palm and the baby's hand wrapped around Tony's finger. Adrian made sure to get the look of adoration on both parent's faces as they looked at Chaya and also each other. Finally he stood back and grinned. "And that folks, is a wrap." Adrian shook his head. "Gosh she's been good. I thought for sure she'd wake up and start screaming, but she just slept like she's used to the royal treatment."
Tony smiled. "Chaya is one of those newborns that is practically impossible to wake unless she's hungry or wants to be held, then she lets you know about it." He looked at Ziva and back at his friend. "Did you want to stay for lunch Ade? I'm sure we've got something edible around here somewhere."
Adrian glanced between them. "Nah, it's okay. Thanks for the offer but maybe some other time." He kissed the back of Ziva's hand much like he'd done at the wedding, and pressed his lips to Chaya's tiny fist as well. "Ladies, it's been a pleasure as always." He left just as suddenly as he'd come and Ziva returned the baby to her bassinet, hoping she'd continue to sleep for the last hour and a half of her nap.
Less than ten minutes after Adrian's departure, Ziva sighed. "Tony, would you mind very much running out to rent a movie?" She shrugged. "Something we have not seen? I feel like spending a quiet afternoon."
He got up and started putting on his shoes. "Only because it's the weekend." Tony reached for his keys and the doorknob before turning back to look at her. "Anything else while I'm out? Weird cravings? Odd requests? I aim to please."
She bit her lip and looked hopeful. "I would enjoy some more of that green iced tea, if it is not too much trouble."
Tony crossed the room and kissed her. "No trouble at all. Don't do anything fun without me."
He was moving some stuff from the backseat of the car to the trunk when it happened. A hood was pulled over his head, strong arms grabbed him and despite his struggles, Tony was dragged to another vehicle, thrown inside and restrained. Several minutes later they pulled him out again and dumped him unceremoniously on the ground. His heart was racing when the hood was removed and he found himself looking up into the eyes of...his frat brothers.
Tony let out a breath and took a swing at whoever was nearest. "Geez, you guys almost gave me a heart attack. What, you couldn't just ask if I wanted to play basketball today?"
Darien hooted. "Did you see your wife? If I was married to her, no way no how would you be getting me to leave the house on a Saturday."
Conceding the point, Tony glanced around the group and his mouth fell open. "Adrian, you were in on this? What gives man?"
Adrian smirked. "The great Tony DiNozzo can't handle a prank right out of the hazing handbook?"
Tony stood up and dusted off his pants. "When a federal agent gets kidnapped, he's wondering who's holding the gun, not if he's going to make it through initiation." He looked in the direction of his house. "Did someone warn Ziva about this?"
A round of coughs and nudges and laughter traveled through the group before Adrian spoke up. "It's cool, she knows."
Tony rolled his eyes. "I knew it was dangerous to leave you two alone when I went to the bathroom." Then his smile returned at the sight of the basketball court. "Alright, who's ready for a little three on three?" A cheer went up, a basketball came flying through the air and shirts came off as the guys prepared for some good old fashioned fun.
A couple hours later they were all sitting on the grass, breathing hard and drinking water bottles from the cooler in the back of Mark's car. Tony was the first to find his shirt and start to wind things up. "Well guys, it's been fun, thanks. But I better be getting home. If someone could-"
But before he could finish Adrian slapped him on the back. "Can't get rid of us that easily man. Come on, there's a game on at the bar and I know you love their stuffed crust pizza. It's on us, what do you say?"
Tony looked conflicted. "But Ziva-"
"Is a big girl," his friend finished, "I'm sure she'll survive without you for a few hours. Don't leave us hanging buddy."
He sighed. "Fine. Pizza and the game and then I need a lift home."
"You got it."
But on the way to get food the group got distracted and ended up at a video arcade, acting like a bunch of teenagers as they challenged each other to different games and traded in change for tokens. Tony was back to protesting when they insisted on eating since it had been hours and the pick-up basketball had really built up their appetites, but he was overruled. Given no choice but to go along and realizing he'd inadvertently broken Rule #3 because his cell phone was in his jacket pocket and he didn't wear it today, Tony let himself be included in the fun.
He started getting antsy once the pizza was gone and was on his third soda before the game finished. Much to the guys' disappointment, their team lost and there were moans and groans all around. Peanut shells and greasy napkins littered the floor, empty pizza boxes covering the table reminded Tony of the house they'd shared in college and as much as a trip down memory lane had been fun, he was more than ready to call it a night.
Pulling Adrian aside, he resorted to begging. "Please man, I need to go home. It's been hours and I miss my girls."
Jordan heard him and flicked his wrist. "Guys, I think DiNozzo here has been whipped." He made all the right sound effects and laughter from the others drowned him out.
Tony slid his hands in his pockets. "Since when is that a bad thing?"
"Ooh," Brent shook his head sadly, "dude, you've got it bad."
Tony chuckled. "And you guys don't have a freaking clue what you're missing."
Adrian shook his head. "Alright, alright. Don't cry loverboy, I'll take you back to your lady."
Tony shook hands with the others and flashed his famous grin. "Thanks for the day guys. Next time a little warning, okay?"
By the time they got to Adrian's car, Tony was starting to get really jittery. "Hey, could we stop at a Blockbusters before we go back? I promised Ziva a movie earlier, I'd hate to disappoint."
Obligingly Adrian played chauffeur and it was after eight when they finally made it back to Tony and Ziva's neighbourhood. Tony shook his friend's hand before getting out of the car. "Thanks for coming this morning, I can't wait to see how those pictures turn out."
"Give me some time," Adrian answered, "I'm still trying to finish up your wedding photos."
"No rush, whenever you get a chance is fine. Have a good night." With great relief Tony climbed the front steps and stuck his key in the lock. "Zi? I'm home. I brought your movie." He'd asked the girl at the counter for a good chick flick and she pointed out one that didn't look familiar.
Ziva appeared at the bottom of the stairs and welcomed him back with a hug. She pulled away, her eyes sparkling. "Was it fun?"
He flopped down on the couch. "Did you know I was going to be kidnapped?" She looked guilty and his eyes narrowed. "Wait, did you get me kidnapped?"
Ziva bit her lip. "I might have."
Tony frowned. "Why?"
She sat down beside him. "I thought you deserved a break. It has been a long couple of days and you have been doing so much for me. You needed a daddy day out."
Tony shook his head, reaching for her hand. "You don't get it, do you? I don't need a break from being a dad or a husband. I love it. This isn't something I just accepted and have to make the best of. This is a choice I embraced and it's become the best thing that ever happened to me."
Ziva tried to blink back her tears but two escaped. "You are too nice."
He leaned over and kissed her. "And you still don't think you're worth it. But you will, someday Zi." Tony hugged her, breathing in the scent of her hair. "Thank you for my day out sweetheart, but next time, can it be something we all do together?" He chuckled. "Eight hours apart is really more than I can handle."
She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. For awhile they sat like that until Tony got up to put the movie on and came back from the kitchen with ice cream. Somehow or other during the course of the film, Ziva ended up sitting behind him, with Tony turned to fit between her legs.
After several minutes Ziva started rubbing her hands slowly up and down his neck and back in the precursor of what would become a massage if he let her give it to him. Tony had to work hard to steady his breathing. He was enjoying her touch immensely but his senses were all on hyper alert from her closeness and it was nearly impossible for him to relax. He got the feeling that a massage would not help matters much.
Ziva noticed the tension he was trying to hide and stopped moving her hands. Instead she leaned against him, sliding her arms around his waist and listening to him breathe. She felt a thrill of pleasure run through her, knowing the effect her touch had on him, but now was not the time to explore that yet.
When he'd calmed down, Tony held her hand against his stomach and tried to pretend he was interested in the movie. But he was getting so bad at lying to Ziva and he had a feeling she knew. As long as she let him pretend though, he wouldn't have to tell her the truth about how much he wanted her. The last thing Tony wanted was to scare his wife and give her a reason to stop getting closer.
NCIS
When Chaya seemed determined to stay awake after her eight am feeding Sunday morning, Ziva left her with Tony and went to take a shower. It was delicious to step beneath the hot spray and take the time to wash and shave. To her relief the discharge seemed to be slowing down and was beginning to change colour. Ziva felt better than she had in days and hoped that meant normal was coming soon.
She toweled off her hair and decided to let it air dry, Tony liked when she did that. Opening the bathroom door, Ziva saw Tony laying on the bed with an almost sleeping Chaya. He was watching her every move, tracing her face gently and kissing tiny hands. When he started trying out his Hebrew, Ziva's breath caught.
"You're Daddy's beautiful girl, aren't you princess? Bat yafa, just like Mommy." Tony grinned and brushed back her soft hair. "Oh sweetie, I wish you could understand how much we love you, but even if Mommy and I used every word in every language it still wouldn't come close to expressing what's in our hearts." He sighed, nuzzling her cheek gently.
"Sometimes I think my heart's going to explode because of all the love inside. I know I told you this before baby girl, but I would do anything for you. Anything," Tony stressed, resting his hand on her tummy as he made his declaration. He'd move heaven and earth for his daughter, if that's what was required and he'd battle anyone who tried to stand in his way.
Ziva stayed frozen in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, afraid to move and spoil the moment. She swallowed back the emotion clogging her throat as she focused husband and daughter together. Ziva knew she'd never loved Tony more than when she got to watch him pour out love on their child.
Tony looked up and smiled. In his wife's eyes he could see her heart and the love there was enough to bring him to tears. He got up, careful not to jostle Chaya and walked over to hold her. Ziva hugged him tightly. "I did not know it would feel like this," she confessed.
He took her face in his hands, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. "What Zi?"
She shook her head. "All of it. Is this what a father, what a family is supposed to look like? Because I never knew and I never expected to love so much that it hurts."
Tony leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Ziva responded, drawing out the kiss as their mouths slowly matched each other's movements. He rested his forehead against hers when they stopped to catch their breath. "This is what our family looks like sweetheart, this is who I'm determined to be as a father and a husband. That's more than enough for me."
"Lo lekh," she whispered, flattening her hand over his heart, "Do not let go. Promise me you will not."
He was more serious than he'd ever been. "I can't Zi." Her eyes widened, misunderstanding his answer and Tony explained. "I can't let go. Where we once had two lives we now have one and I will fight to my last breath to keep this. Ziva DiNozzo, I will love you until the end of time. That is my promise."
Tears spilled down her cheeks and over his fingers and Ziva drew in a shuddering breath. "My heart is yours Tony," she said softly, her lips sliding over his in a desperate attempt to match his vow.
Tony pushed back after only a few seconds, breathing hard. "We have to stop honey. I'm sorry, I just...don't trust myself sometimes."
Ziva put her arms around him. "I trust you." Then she moved away and Tony closed the bathroom door, leaning against it. He rubbed a hand over his face. Four weeks for Ziva to finish healing physically, who knew how many more for her to be ready emotionally. How much longer could they keep this up? It was hard to play with fire and not get burned.
NCIS
While Tony was showering, Ziva got dressed, still amazed that she could fit into her clothes from early pregnancy, before she knew about Chaya. It was a good feeling. She pulled part of her hair back in a clip, pleased with the outcome. Sparing a glance at the sleeping baby, Ziva hesitated and then tapped lightly on the door.
"Tony, may I come in for a moment?"
He froze, feeling like he was caught doing something he shouldn't. "Uh...sure."
She quickly crossed the room and pulled a couple towels out of the linen closet. Tony sighed in relief when he heard the door click closed and frowned. That had been awkward.
Out in their room, Ziva rolled the towels and placed them on either side of Chaya so she couldn't move and returned silently to the bathroom to put on a little make up. She was fine going without it but knowing they were leaving the house, she wanted to put in a little extra effort.
The cover up mostly hid the dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep, a few swipes of the mascara wand brought out her eyes and a little colour on her cheeks almost disguised the evidence of the last couple of weeks. She heard the water turn off and quickly added some lip gloss before exiting the room.
As a precaution, Tony peeked out the curtain to make sure he was alone before getting out. He was just in time to see Ziva's hair and back disappear around the door as it closed quietly behind her. He stood there feeling a bit perplexed. Slowly but surely the walls were starting to come down and at this moment Tony didn't really know how to handle it. Normal was a dangerous state of being, it made him hope for so much that was still out of reach.
