A/N: Don't ask me what happened because I'm as surprised as you. Apparently one of my background couples decided they weren't getting enough mention because they went and took over half of this chapter. And the flashbacks are scenes I meant to use in earlier chapters but forgot about until it was too late. Umm...unexpected? Yes. But hopefully you will enjoy what will likely be the longest glimpse at Matt and Tami for the rest of the story. Thanks!
"He's going to kill me," Tony fretted as he got ready for work Monday morning. He was so flustered he couldn't do his tie right and Ziva stepped in to help him. "Thanks." He dropped his hands to his side, clenching and unclenching them. "Or maybe he'll smack me so hard I'll get amnesia and won't remember you and Chaya." Tony froze. "Oh man, what do I do if he fires me?" Ziva finished with his tie and ran her hand down the length of it as Tony moved to pace around their room. "Why didn't I tell Abby 'no'? Why didn't I stay at NCIS and let her get into that mess all on her own?"
He stopped pacing and sighed, they both knew the answer to those questions. Saying 'no' to Abby was not a wise choice and after all, she was his little sister, so he had to go with her. Plus, leaving her unsupervised still might have resulted in Gibbs' wrath being poured out on his senior field agent because the team was his responsibility when the boss wasn't around. Tony dropped onto the bed and groaned.
"I don't know what to do Zi."
She sat beside him and brushed her fingers over the back of his hair. "It might be better just to get this over with ahava, procrastinating will only make you worry more."
He looked at her. "Really could use someone to watch my back today."
Ziva laughed. "Relax Tony, Gibbs cannot fire or kill you. First, he has no wish to train another to take your place. Second, he would have to deal with me if he harmed you. And third," her expression grew tender, "you are family. He loves you even if he barks like a bear when he's grouchy."
Tony started laughing. He had no idea what idiom she was trying to use but it was nice to have the comic relief. "I love you."
She shook her head and pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth. "And I you. Now go."
His eyes widened. "You don't think I'm actually leaving without a proper kiss, do you?" Smirking, Ziva leaned towards him and Tony joined their lips, kissing her softly and slowly, letting her touch be a balm to soothe his frayed nerves. He sighed. "Much better."
Ziva walked him to the door and watched him go, hoping she was right about Gibbs' reaction.
NCIS
It was with great trepidation that Tony stepped off the elevator twenty minutes later, glancing this way and that as he tried to get a bead on the boss. "Nice of you to show up," Gibbs said from behind him and Tony nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Boss! Uh...hi."
Gibbs rolled his eyes. The office was nearly empty and with no one around to witness their conversation, he got in Tony's face. "Next time you have questions, you come to me," he said firmly, "Celeste is off limits."
"I was just...we were..." For a moment Tony couldn't find any words at all, then cleared his throat. "Won't happen again."
Gibbs stared him down. "See that it doesn't." He slapped the back of Tony's head for good measure, then stood back and crossed his arms. "I'm the one that should be dealing with Abby's reaction."
Tony nodded slowly. "In that case, I hope she's still talking to you."
Gibbs grunted. "Guess we'll see."
NCIS
The lab was silent when Gibbs came out of the elevator, that in itself was already bad news. He walked in and looked around. "Abs?"
Her voice drifted to him from her office. "We're not talking to you right now."
He made his way through the lab and found her in a corner of the dark room, both Bert and Sammy resting on her crossed legs, though Sammy was trying to use Bert's tail as a chew toy. "I wouldn't if I were you buddy," Gibbs said, squatting down to their level, "Bert's her favourite."
Abby sighed. "I used to be yours."
Gibbs sat down on the floor. "You'll always be my favourite Abs."
"But you don't love me the same any more!" she accused hotly, her eyes flashing.
"Nothing will ever change the way I love you," he insisted, though the affirmation fell on deaf ears.
Abby pushed away from the wall and began pacing the length of the room. "You have a girlfriend Gibbs, a girlfriend and you didn't tell me. I've hardly seen you at all in months because of Ziva. What am I supposed to think?"
The hurt in her voice was the only reason Gibbs didn't get gruff with her. It was obvious that the recent changes in their lives had made his perceived neglect even more poignant. "Abs, look at me." She shook her head and crossed her arms, keeping her back to him. "Abby," he said more forcefully and she reluctantly glanced over her shoulder. "How do you think I felt when I knew you got married and didn't even want me there? You have a new important person in your life too."
Abby's eyes widened and she flew at him, her arms tight around his neck. "I wanted you there," she whispered. "I wanted you to walk me down the aisle and trust me to Tim without giving me away. I wanted you to be my dad that day." She pulled back and looked into his eyes. "But I wanted Timmy to be happy more, and he wanted it just to be us."
Gibbs brushed his fingers down her cheek. "I've been your dad for years Abby, I'm not giving up that role. But this jealousy you have for Celeste is unfair. If you can love me and Tim both, then why can't I love someone else too? It's not going to change how I feel about you."
Abby sniffed and took a step back. "She's taking you away from us Gibbs. She isn't...she doesn't get to be family, she doesn't understand."
Gibbs shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere Abby and I'm not neglecting this family. Celeste has been around for a long time, she understands better than you think how we work. I think I deserve someone too."
"I don't know how to be second in your life Gibbs," Abby admitted. "I feel like I'm losing you to everyone else."
You're my girl, he signed, getting her attention with the language they shared. You need to apologize to Celeste.
Abby narrowed her eyes. No. Rule six. He stared at her and she looked away. I don't like her Gibbs. You can't make me.
So next time stay out of it.
She looked shocked at his bluntness. Fine. Goodbye.
Gibbs sighed. He'd known this wasn't going to go well. I love you, he reminded her, though it was hard to tell if she'd seen what he said.
He didn't feel right about leaving things that way, but Abby was done talking to him.
An hour later a card was delivered to her desk. Abby hadn't seen the person who left it there, but she suspected her assistant had somehow been involved. Curious, she opened it and then smiled for the first time all morning. Abs, dinner once a week on me. You choose the place. I'll come get you after work. She closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. Then a note at the bottom caught her eye and Abby looked closer. You were my first Abby, I'll always love you best. Her smile became a grin. He hadn't forgotten about her after all.
NCIS
Tony waited until Gibbs left for his second coffee before casually walking over to McGee's desk. "What Tony?" Tim asked before he could open his mouth.
He frowned. "How did you know what I was going to do?"
McGee sighed. "Because you only ever come to this side of the bullpen to ask for something."
"Oh." That stopped him. "Sorry."
Tim shrugged and looked up. "I'm used to it. What can I do for you?"
Tony perched on the corner of the desk and crossed his arms. "Well, I was wondering if you could help me find a good video camera." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Chaya is growing and changing so much in just two weeks. I don't want to forget or miss any of this."
Thinking of the newest ultrasound scan tucked in his wallet and how much more aware he was of his own baby now that he could feel the movements, McGee leaned back. "Sure. If we get out at a decent time tonight, want to go then?"
Tony's eyebrows rose. "That would be great, thanks."
Tim turned back to his computer. "That's two you owe me."
The senior field agent smiled. "I'm good for them. You're a good man Tim."
It was nice to hear those words from a man he loved and respected. With a nod he resumed typing. Tony sat down, shooting a smart remark at the new guy who had just returned from getting Ducky's latest report. All was right in the little world of the MCRT. For now it was enough.
NCIS
As had become their custom over the last several weeks, Matt came to the lab to collect Tami for lunch and surprised her by taking her to the coffee shop where they'd gone the very first time, when Abby was on her honeymoon and Tami had suddenly gone from brand new assistant to being in charge of Abby's lab.
Mid-afternoon Matt knocked on the open door of the lab. "Am I still banned while you're in charge?"
Tami looked up from the list of instructions Abby had left and smiled uncertainly. "None of the rules mention you, so I guess it's okay."
He walked inside and studied her face as he got closer. "Are you doing okay?"
Tami sighed and wrapped her arms around her waist. "When I got this job, I didn't exactly expect to be flying solo a week and a half later." Although she knew it was impossible, Tami wished Trevor could be around for the week. She always felt better about her abilities with her confident other half nearby.
Matt leaned casually against the desk. "From what I can see, you're doing a pretty good job on your own."
She shrugged. "I have the experience to know what to do, but Abby's been here almost ten years and she's fantastic at what she does. Those are tall shoes to fill."
"Well, Gibbs isn't threatening to fire you yet." He stuck his hands in his pockets. "Did you want to grab that cup of coffee now? A little fresh air might be good for you."
Her eyes brightened a little. "Uhh...sure, why not?"
She followed him to the stairs and they climbed in silence. At the main floor Matt held the door for her and raised an eyebrow. "Coffee shop or coffee stand?"
"Coffee shop," Tami said decisively and closed her eyes, enjoying the warm breeze.
They walked down the street together not needing to talk and Tami smiled when Matt pulled out his wallet to pay for their drinks. Choosing a table in the sunshine, the couple sat and took their first cautious sips. "Sorry I cheated and got tea," Tami began, "I've never been able to handle the taste of coffee."
Matt leaned back in his chair. "I'll let you away with it." He took another drink and regarded her. "So tell me about your family Tami. Big family, small? Lots of siblings, only child? Cool grandparents or ones stuck in the fifties?"
Tami took a tip of tea and smiled. "Decent sized family. Three siblings. World's best grandparents on one side, other side gone before I could remember them."
Matt's face sobered. "I'm sorry."
She shrugged. "The ones we have love us enough to make up for being the only set."
"Brothers or sisters? Do you get along with them well?"
"One of each, Tristan and Tori, and my twin, Trevor. We actually get along great. Tris is the classic, protective older brother. Tori is the much loved baby sister and Trevor is my best friend."
"Sounds nice." Matt swallowed back some more coffee and Tami took a turn.
"What about you? All of the above questions."
He crossed one leg over his knee and leaned back. "One older sister Rebekah, and two much older brothers, Derek and Kyle. My sister and I get along much better as adults than we did as children. I don't see my brothers so much anymore, but it was fun growing up in their shadows. I wanted to do everything they could do and for the most part, they would show me how. I'm blessed enough to still have both sets of grandparents, and being the youngest grandson I have been delightfully spoiled my whole life."
Tami chuckled at the way he said it. "And still so modest."
Matt grinned. "I didn't always give my parents much to work with, but I think they did a pretty good job considering."
She eyed him through her glasses. "Best memory."
Knowing that saying 'meeting you', would sound far too cliche, he went for the right answer. "Meeting one of my surfing idols when I was ten. He never treated me like a kid and I've followed his tips my whole life. You?"
Tami shifted positions. "Spending a week at an orphanage in Mexico with some friends from church." She looked down. "Sixty-six kids and I fell in love with several of them. I learned their names, they taught me Spanish. And though my mom expressly forbid me from bringing any home in my suitcase, there were two I wish I could've Javier and Nayeli. I'll never forget them."
"Wow." Matt was impressed.
Tami shook off the wistfulness of remembering. "Worst thing you've ever done."
He made a face. "Stole a candy bar when I was in Gr. 5. I think I lasted a week before I couldn't take the guilt and confessed. Mom making me go back and apologize, as well as pay for it, was harder than being grounded for two weeks. Your turn."
"I was a rather accomplished liar by the time I was eleven. But eventually I got caught and no punishment was worse than losing my parents' trust. It took me years to earn it back." She gave him a small smile. "Lesson learned."
Returning to the present, Matt checked his watch. "Lunch hour goes so fast when I'm with you."
She chuckled. "I'm glad you're no longer banned. I enjoy our coffee breaks."
"Me too." He grinned. "Remember how I got back in Abby's good graces?"
Tami thought back to when Abby returned from her honeymoon and asked how things went in the lab.
"I'm impressed with how much you got done," the Goth said, looking around. "You even managed to make it through some of those backlogged reports I've been avoiding."
Tami smiled. "Matt made sure I took the occasional coffee break, that helped. And sometimes he would help me out, if it wasn't something that required scientific training."
Abby's eyebrows disappeared into her bangs. "Matt?"
Tami's eyes widened and she backtracked. "Uh...Agent Collins I mean." She looked concerned. "Your list didn't say he had to stay away."
"Huh." Abby didn't know what to say, which was a first. "Minor oversight."
"He was really nice," Tami tried to put in a good word.
Her boss was not convinced. "I guess we'll see."
NCIS
That afternoon Matt cautiously approached the lab and knocked on the door. Abby and Tami were looking at something on the computer and turned. Their reactions were opposite Abby's expression darkened and Tami sent him a nervous smile. He wondered if she'd gotten in trouble for letting the exile in while her boss was away.
"Welcome back Abby," he began and held up the box in his hands. "The guys sent me back with evidence."
She frowned and pointed. "Table."
Matt took three steps into the room to set the box down and cleared his throat, glancing at Tami. "I was wondering if I could borrow your assistant for a quick coffee break." He checked his watch. "I've got about fifteen minutes before Gibbs gets back. It's become rather an enjoyable habit."
Tami blushed and Abby crossed her arms, staring him down. Finally she shrugged, turning her back. "Fine." Her tone indicated it was anything but.
Relief swept over him and Tami moved to his side. He smiled reassuringly and wrapped his fingers around hers, feeling Tami start in surprise. They turned to leave but he stopped. "I'm sorry for before Abby, for literally putting both feet in my mouth that day. I guess I wasn't thinking before I spoke. Will you forgive me?"
Abby's stance relaxed and she faced him. "You just broke Rule #6, but in this case it was probably a wise decision." She took in Tami's red face and her attempt to avoid eye contact and hide that fact that they were holding hands. "I probably overreacted." Abby waved her hand. "Go. She deserves a break." She thought about it for a second. "And you're pardoned. Don't do it again."
Matt flashed her a grin and pulled Tami out with him. "That was fast."
"You're lucky," Tami agreed, looking down. "Why are you holding my hand?"
He shrugged. "Because I like it and it feels nice." He chewed on the inside of his lip. "Is that okay?"
Tami thought about the question. "It's not, not okay." She settled her hand in his more comfortably. "No one except my brothers have held my hand in a long time."
Matt held the door for her. "In that case, I'll have to do it more often." When she didn't argue, he decided he'd moved a step closer to where he wanted to be in her life.
NCIS
"So I've been thinking," Matt began when they finished reminiscing about the beginning of their friendship.
"Y'know, that could get you into trouble," Tami teased.
He rolled his eyes. "Seriously Tam, we've been friends for awhile now and I was wondering...if you'd like to be more." Matt's palms were sweaty and his mouth was dry as he waited for her answer. He felt like he was in high school again, taking a chance and nervous about asking the smart, pretty girl out.
Tami looked shocked and bit her lip, so Matt prepared himself for rejection. She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "I uh...wasn't expecting that." She clasped her fingers around her mug. "Why?"
Matt was perplexed. "Why? I thought it was obvious. I like you Tami. I think we'd make a good couple. I want you in my life." He figured he may as well just throw it all out there now.
Her expression softened. "That's probably the nicest thing a guy has ever said to me."
He tried to hide the wince. "Why do I sense a 'but' coming?"
Tami let out a breath. "I've never really had a serious relationship before. I've been focused on school for as long as I can remember. I just...I would hate to lose you as my friend."
His shoulders slumped. "You're already assuming it wouldn't work."
"No," Tami quickly reached over and put her hand on his, "I'm not. I'm just asking for more time as friends before we jump into something else."
His smile returned. "So you're not completely ruling out the possibility?"
She shook her head. "Not at all. It's an honour to be asked, really. So...ask me again sometime, okay? But let's just take it slow."
Their time was up and they stood to go. Matt dropped money on the table and caught Tami's hand. "Slow I can handle. No pressure is good. As long as you don't say no."
She pulled away and twirled around in front of him. "Stop being so serious. Come on, I'll race you back to work."
Not caring what other people thought, Matt took off after her, certain he'd be willing to chase Tami Larsen to the ends of the earth if that's what it took. Luckily for him, it didn't seem that she was planning to make things that difficult. With a silly grin on his face, Matt pushed himself faster. He didn't ever want this woman to get away.
NCIS
"Tell me," Abby demanded after Tami had been dancing around the lab humming for an hour.
Her assistant blushed and looked away. "Tell you what?" she asked innocently.
Abby glared and pointed at Tami's face. "It must be Matt who's responsible for that look. Now spill."
Tami gave in easily, squatting down to pet the puppy. "He wants to be more than friends."
Squealing and clapping, Abby grinned. "I knew I unbanned him for a reason. So, what did you say?"
She heaved a sigh and cuddled Sammy. "I asked for more time just to be sure." Tami looked up with uncertain eyes. "Do you think he'll mind?"
Abby's look was knowing. "If there's one thing I've learned working here it's that the guys who love us will always be willing to wait until we're ready."
"Yeah," Tami muttered, "I hope so." Matt was a good guy but a relationship with a big deal and she wasn't confident in her ability to make it work.
NCIS
Grace just happened to drop by in early afternoon as Ziva was coming downstairs, having slept for most of Chaya's nap. She peered through a window and knocked gently. Ziva, confused at first, smiled broadly when she saw her friend. "Grace, hello, come in." She took the older woman's hand and pulled her across the room and out the sliding doors to the backyard. "Come and see your flowers."
It warmed her heart to see the young mom so excited and Grace smiled, admiring the bright blooms. "Everything is coming up quite nicely." She bent to smell the light purple bunches. "Lilacs are my favourite."
"Take one if you like," Ziva offered, but Grace shook her head.
"Thank you my dear, but Thomas planted an entire border of them around our yard the year we married. I have enough lilacs to keep my house fragrant for the whole season."
"Would you like some tea?" The warm weather notwithstanding, a good cup of tea was always welcomed.
Grace, of course, said yes and Ziva led the way back into the house and put the kettle on. When they were seated on the soft, Grace leaned forward a bit. "How are you Ziva?"
She looked down. "Chaya has been fussy today." Her eyes were watery when she met Grace's. "I am not very good at doing this without Tony."
"Oh honey." Grace put their mugs aside and drew Ziva into her arms. Ziva clung to the embrace like a lifeline, ashamed of the tears that wet her friend's shirt. Grace stroked her hair and lent silent support, not letting go until Ziva had regained a semblance of control. "It might help to talk about things."
Ziva sniffed. "I have heard it said that father's voices calm their babies. So today I think she is missing her daddy and I can do nothing to fix that!"
"Ah." Grace put her hand on Ziva's. "But it is you that child needs. You are providing her food, your heartbeat is her favourite lullaby, your scent her greatest comfort, your voice the one she would recognize even in a crowded room. Don't sell yourself short lovey, you are Chaya's mother and that is a role not even Tony, bless his heart, can fill."
Ziva blinked slowly. "Thank you," she whispered. "Sometimes I cannot think so clearly on my own."
"Maybe this is more about you missing Tony, hmm?" Grace guessed.
The woman shifted her gaze. "I am aware that I cannot be with him twenty four hours each day of the week." She pressed her hands to her heart. "But there is such a loneliness inside me when he is not here. I fear he take my confidence and my independence with him when he leaves."
"It is easy to base everything, your whole worth, on the one you love," Grace began wisely. "They make you happy, they feed your needs and nurture your trust. But you will find very quickly that Tony cannot satisfy you completely. It is up to you and," she touched Ziva's necklace, "your faith in the one who holds your life in his hands, to find a way to be Ziva, to be happy and confident even when Tony is not around." She reached for her mug again. "Just something to think about."
Chaya cried then and Ziva stood. "Did you want to wait? I can bring her down."
Grace shook her head. "Go tend to your little one Ziva, I know my way out."
She smiled faintly. "Thank you."
Grace returned the expression. "You are most welcome my dear. Being allowed into your home and your lives brings joy to this old heart. I am glad that Tony came to me."
"You are in our hearts also," Ziva assured her. "Come back anytime Grace."
"That I will do. Off with you now."
Chaya had worked herself up quite a bit by the time Ziva made it upstairs, but she was evidently hungry enough to overlook her mother's tardiness. They settled into the rocking chair and Ziva bent to kiss her daughter's head. "I think your Nonna Grace is a very smart lady. Perhaps you and Ima shall have to find our own way to be happy, yes? Daddy needs to know that we are okay even when he is gone." So Chaya nursed and Ziva rocked, thinking about a way to put her words into action.
