Disclaimer: I don't own anything, NCIS' characters are not my property, I only intended to have fun writing about them.
A/N: This story is not edited and corrected by a Beta, so forgive me for my grammar mistakes. English is not my first language. Mi primer idioma es español, en caso que quieran saber (My first language is Spanish, in case you want to know).
The day started calmly at Gibbs' house.
Ziva was the first to go down to the kitchen, already dressed in her work clothes, while Tony gave Tali a bath.
Her mind kept reviving the conversation from a few hours ago. It was not a secret that Tony wanted another child, he had not been explicit before, but Ziva knew it.
Ziva found out a few days after returning with them when she told him details of Tali's first months of life. In that instant, she saw his eyes brighter than ever, full of hope, full of dreams, full of love.
And she confirmed it a few weeks later. They were waiting for Tali on the outskirts of the dance academy. There were Mathilde's parents (Tali's best friend) and her 5-week-old baby. They saw her move between the blankets. Ziva only needed to peer into Tony's eyes to confirm it: Tony wanted another baby. And against all odds, she confirmed it too: she also wanted another child. But this time she would do things right, and that meant being 100 percent healthy. And that meant starting to talk to her therapist about it.
- Are you looking for something, Ziver?
She gave him a gentle smile and closed the refrigerator.
- Yes, but I already found everything I needed. Thanks for buying groceries, I know you're not the type to have a full fridge, and thanks for letting us stay here, and for including us in the case and...
Gibbs smirked when Ziva started chattering, he already knew in advance what she would say.
The image of Ziva breaking into his basement a few months ago materialized in his mind. At that moment he believed he was seeing a ghost. Also, at that time, he understood that life had given him a new opportunity to make amends. From then on he would follow his precious rule 3: "Never believe what you are told. Double-check. "
He sighed and interrupted Ziva's thanks with a hug and a kiss on her crown.
- You do whatever it takes for your family.
She smirked in response and started making the pancake mix.
- Was there anything new? - Gibbs denied.
- I hope Palmer confirms the time of death for us today. And based on the emails, we should put a little pressure on the sergeant - Ziva nodded as she beat up the mix and Gibbs started tidying up the table -. Where's Tali?
- Tony is giving her a bath. She is ecstatic with her "giant Olaf", she even slept with him. When we were in the car she babbles on and on. She said Jack is as cute as Elsa, and Ducky could be Arendelle's best storyteller. - Gibbs raised his eyebrows -. It is the kingdom of the movie Frozen, where Olaf appears ... how did you know about Olaf if you don't know anything about Frozen?
Gibbs smirked and started turning the pancakes in the pan.
- And since when do you know about movies?
They laughed out loud.
- Okay, good point, well played.
- I wrote to Jack and she told me that Tali liked Frozen. First, she had to explain to me that it was a princess movie. Then I went to the toy store and the salesperson told me that the snowman always liked girls, and I bought the biggest one I found there. I had no intention of ruining DiNozzo's gift, but upon learning that I did, it was like stepping back in time, to the good old days.
They bellow as they continued to prepare breakfast. Gibbs turned over the last pancake when Tony and Tali arrived. The little girl hugged and kissed Gibbs on the cheek, then sat down to eat.
As they ate, Gibbs smiled wistfully. In Tali he could see Tony's way of eating, though neater, and Ziva's gentle eyes.
Now he understood why Tony had decided to stay in Paris. However, he had "decided" not to have a closer relationship with them, especially since seeing Tali was very painful. Seeing Tali remembered that Ziva was not living.
Although Ziva was alive, and she was leaving traces for him to find her, but he didn't look for her. He did not look for her because he did not want to verify that everything was real. Leroy Jethro Gibbs did not want to verify because he was unable to bury another daughter. And yes, on that occasion he had been selfish.
- You okay, boss?
- Yeah, DiNozzo, I was thinking, you should try it sometime.
Tali and Ziva guffawed, while Tony was "offended".
Tony cleaned up the breakfast table and then everyone got ready to go to the Naval yard.
Jack had offered to care for Tali in the morning, while Breena and Victoria would go in the afternoon.
Jimmy had told Tony and Ziva by phone, that his wife could take care of the two girls without a problem, and that she was very excited to do it. And since Ducky would not be in the office, he had offered it for the girls as an entertainment center.
After Jimmy assured Ziva for the umpteenth time that Breena did not postpone anything important, that she would not miss work and that she wanted to take care of the girls because she longed to meet Tali, she agreed to the proposal of her friends. However, she and Tony had decided to tell Tali the news in the morning.
Gibbs went in his truck to the Navy yard, while the small family was in the rental car.
- Will I be with Jack all day, Ima?
Ziva turned to look at her daughter.
- Only in the morning, little one ...then you will meet Breena and Victoria. And you will be able to play with her all afternoon in the Navy yard.
Tali squealed with excitement as she tried to dance with happiness in the child's lifter. The two little girls knew each other via Skype. They also had a game session supervised by their parents once every two weeks.
From the moment Tali found out that they were going to travel to DC, her first questions were: "Will I meet my cousins? will I be able to play with them?" And given her parents' positive response, the first question she asked every morning was: "How long before I meet my cousins?", even though the three of them had marked the date on the kitchen calendar.
Ziva smiled and Tony squeezed her hand, while his gaze was still on the road.
- Are you excited, T?
- Yes, daddy ! I'm so excited! I'm finally going to be able to hug Victoria!
- Yes, sweetie, that's amazing!
Tali began babbling about how wonderful her day would be with her aunt Breena and her friend Victoria. After five minutes Ziva sighed and whispered to Tony:
- Those are literally your genes talking, love - Tony chuckled.
- Yes, and you love us because of that, Zi. It was a good idea to bring more coloring books and puzzles, besides your iPad, they will have a good afternoon. I like the idea that they finally meet in person, sweet cheeks.
Ziva smiled sadly and looked out the window. Tony's last sentence was like a blow to her heart, but she knew he would never harm her.
Maybe Tali and Victoria had already met in person if she had told Tony about her pregnancy, or maybe not yet because Tony had left everything in DC to go to be with them in Israel, or maybe...She shook her head and pulled out those thoughts because she could no longer change the past, she had to enjoy the present. And in the present, Tali and Victoria were finally going to meet in person. She would see Breena after so many years.
The path was short for the small family as Tali did not stop talking. She also asked her parents at what time she would see her friend, and Ziva assured her three times that they will arrive after lunch.
They entered the bullpen and it was empty, even Gibbs's desk was empty. Tony and Ziva knew that he couldn't start the day without his coffee, but Tali was unaware of it. The little girl took a quick look at the place and frowned.
- And Gibbs?
- I'm not good at guessing, princess, but Gibbs is a man of habit, so he must be buying his coffee to start the day - Tony replied.
He left his belongings on his temporary desk, next to Nick, while Ziva left hers on hers, next to Gibbs. Tali immediately sat down at Gibbs's desk, took out her croquette, some crayons, and started drawing.
Ziva took a file and started reading it.
Tony took a file but pretended to read it. His mind was busy reliving the conversation he had with Ziva a couple of hours ago, where after a slight seduction game, he told her that he wanted a baby. In his heart, he felt love, but above all, he felt pride. Tony DiNozzo was proud of his fiancée because she not only knew that he wanted another baby, she was also taking care of her, to be able to live her second pregnancy fully. Tony smiled wistfully behind the document, it will be the second pregnancy for Ziva, but the first pregnancy for him. And he was excited to live it but speeding up the process would only create anxiety for Ziva, and he wouldn't push her back on her treatment.
Within a few seconds a series of images materialized in his mind: Ziva pregnant with a beaming smile, Tali caressing her mother's belly, Ziva giving birth while breaking his fingers, and finally he is holding a newborn.
Tony was still daydreaming when Tali's voice brought him back to the real world.
- Daddy?
- Yes, little princess.
- What is it to be a man of habits? - Ziva smirked at Tony, he left the file on the desk and looked at his daughter.
- Well ... to be a man of habit is to be someone who has a routine and follows it. For example, we as a family go to eat ice cream every Wednesday afternoon, and we always go, right, honey? - Tali nodded - Then, we are a family that has ...
- Habits! - Tali exclaimed while smiling.
- That's right, princess, that's right.
Tony smiled proudly looking at Tali; then he looked at Ziva who was looking at him tenderly, he gave her a flying kiss, smiled. Ziva turned her gaze to the files and Tony began to read.
After a few minutes the elevator sounded, everyone looked to see who it was.
- Giiiiiibbs ! - exclaimed the little girl as she ran to throw herself into the arms of one of her favorite people, he hugged her and kissed carefully not to burn her with his coffee, then took her hand as he walked towards the desk.
- They are all late.
- That's right, boss, I know you want to give them a little love when they arrive, some head slaps may work - said Tony with a big smile and Gibbs smirked.
- Yeah, DiNozzo ... but those are only effective on you.
Ziva laughed teasingly and Tony's smile faded as he returned to the papers. Gibbs took a crayon and started coloring with Tali.
Tony smiled slightly, and remembered the last words they exchanged with Gibbs in his basement, "Take care of yourself and take care of your family, DiNozzo," "Copy that, boss." Tony continued to keep and honor his promise every day. They had been in Paris for a few weeks (post "reunion" with Ziva in Cairo), and Tony realized that he had created a barrier with Gibbs, and he had also created one with him. Tony was angry and confused because he had not gone to verify the death of Ziva, and Gibbs, for his part, could not remember Tali because it was too painful for him, she was the living memory that his daughter was not living.
Tali laughed out loud as she painted Gibbs' face with a crayon, and Gibbs painted her face back.
- Do you also have artistic skills?
- Yeah, Jack, but only with kids.
- Jack! - Tali yelled.
The girl got down from the chair, Jack bent down and Tali hugged her, then kissed her cheek loudly.
- Hello, little one, are you having a good day? - Tali nodded vigorously.
- Yesterday I had a great time with you, thank you very much, Jack.
- You're welcome, beautiful, you're welcome.
Jack got up and greeted Tony and Ziva, they were about to start a conversation when the three realized that Tali, with the backpack already on her shoulder, took Jack's hand. Everyone laughed at the girl's gesture. The little girl said goodbye with kisses, hugs and "I love you" for Gibbs and her parents.
- I love her, she is my superhero - Ziva declared when Tali and Jack were no longer in the bullpen.
- Yeah, mine too, Zi.
- Did you guys catch up on the investigation yet?
- Yes, Boss. Sergeant Burrows needs to be interrogated here at the Navy yard.
Gibbs nodded and the elevator sounded. Bishop, Torres, and McGee entered the bullpen.
- Johnny and Morgan weren't very spirited today, so Delilah decided to work from home. It won't happen again, boss.
Gibbs smirked and looked Tim in the eye.
- Of course, it will happen again, McGee, you have two young children.
- It happens to us, and we only have one, McDaddy - Tony added and Tim smiled.
- And you two?
- There was a traffic accident near my gym, I was detained for 20 minutes - Nick explained as he dropped his backpack.
- I fell asleep, I was exhausted.
Tony laughed and got up from his chair to speak.
- Good morning, dear team or I should say good afternoon - Tim rolled his eyes and Ziva laughed -. The plan for today is to divide and conquer, Bishop and Torres bring Sergeant Burrows here, please - they sighed with regret and began to take their gear -. McGee, use your McGenius skills and keep looking for traces on that computer, please - he nodded and left the bullpen.
- Gibbs, we need you to talk to Lisa, please - added Ziva.
- Sure, Ziver.
The gray-haired man took the file, his gear, his keys, and left the bullpen.
- Why is he kinder to you? - Ziva rolled her eyes.
- Because you are known for teasing people, and because he loves me more than he loves you.
Tony laughed out loud and shook his head in amusement as he knew that was true
- Well, in that case, we are the only ones here, love - Tony said with a seductive voice and Ziva laughed mockingly.
- That - she got up from the chair - only leaves you here, I go to autopsies.
Tony's jaw dropped as Ziva emerged from the bullpen moving her hips provocatively. He bit his lower lip, ran up, and entered the elevator before the doors closed. Inside, Tony pressed the button and the elevator stopped abruptly. He turned and Ziva looked him from head to toe while smiling. He approached her, pinned her against the wall, and kissed her passionately.
Ziva moved her hands to Tony's neck, he moved his hands and squeezed her butt. Ziva moaned in response and bit Tony's lower lip.
Tony rested his forehead against Ziva's, both breathing hard.
- You are amazing, my Very Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, I miss YOU - he chuckled.
- And you are the most beautiful and sexiest woman ever, my one and only Special Agent David.
She smiled, kissed him, pressed the button and the elevator worked again. Tony pressed the button again, the elevator stopped, and he pinned his fiancée against the wall, she smirked.
- We're not done, Special Agent David - he murmured against her lips before kissing her fiercely.
Ziva moaned when Tony's tongue met hers, and she felt her sanity slowly lose. She always lost her sanity when Tony's lips met hers, especially when his kisses had no hint of innocence. Tony gently bit her earlobe, and his heavy breathing sent a chill down her spine. Ziva gasped as Tony's lips began to kiss and suck at the pulse point on her neck. And at that moment, as Ziva dug her nails into Tony's back, she wondered why the hell they had wasted so much time. Tony kissed her lips again, and they giggled.
- That was good, I've never kissed you like this in this elevator and I don't hesitate to do it again, sweet cheeks.
Tony pecked her lips and pressed the elevator button. Ziva smirked in response and in a couple of seconds the elevator rang.
They sneaked up on autopsies. There Jimmy was very concentrated looking at some papers. He did not notice the presence of his friends for a few minutes.
- Are we interrupting? Ziva whispered close to Jimmy's ear.
He jumped, throwing the papers on the floor, and Tony laughed out loud.
- It was a long time since I was a victim of your ninja mode, Ziva.
- Yeah, Jimbo, it happens that Zi does not have a "ninja mode", Ziva IS a ninja.
Ziva finished collecting the papers and put them on the desk. Jimmy hugged her tight, then he hugged Tony.
I- know you are here for work, but Victoria, and Breena, of course, but especially Victoria, is very excited to meet their "cousin-friend" Tali - Jimmy sighed, Tony and Ziva smiled -. Even last night she needed two stories to sleep instead of one, and between stories, she said she would bring the princess costumes of Elsa and Anna to play to build a snowman.
- Tali will be ecstatic - Ziva reported with a beaming smile-, but what amazes me is that she already calls her "cousin-friend". And I am also excited to meet her.
Tony put an arm around Palmer's shoulders and gave him a squeeze.
- We have wonderful daughters and partners, don't you think, gremlin?
- I couldn't agree more, I couldn't ... Going back to work, I must say you two have perfect timing because I determined the time of death.
- Really? And I thought you were playing Sodoku with all those papers.
Jimmy and Tony laughed, while Ziva frowned. After calming down, Jimmy began to explain animatedly how he was able to determine the cause of death, but stopped abruptly after 30 seconds, when he noticed Tony "looking" at the X-rays and Ziva looking at him reproachfully.
- ... and that is clear that you are not interested ... Well, Petty Officer Lewis died, although you are not interested in how I determined it, on February 15, 2009, between 8 at night and midnight.
Tony stared at Jimmy. Ziva widened her eyes, then narrowed them and shook her head. Tony turned, put his hands on her shoulders, and stared at her.
- We were right, at that time, Zi, we were right…
- I know, Tony, and now we have evidence ... Petty Officer Lewis was killed on February 15, between the hour he paid in the parking lot and midnight. We already have how he died and when he died.
- Now we are ONLY missing where who and why... it's like a child's play!
The three of them laughed out loud. Tony and Ziva thanked Jimmy and went back to the elevator.
- I can't believe that after so many years we can see that we're finally solving this, Tony. And it's not just for us, it's also for Lisa, for the Petty Offi ...
Ziva couldn't continue speaking because in a few seconds Tony had stopped the elevator and was kissing her tenderly and softly. She giggled when they finished kissing, then Tony cradled her on his chest and kissed her hair.
- You're honoring what will be your name, love, you were starting to babble endlessly, as a whole DiNozzo.
She laughed into his chest and squeezed him a little more in her arms.
- That's because I learned from you two, the most talkative in this universe!
Tony laughed in response and pressed the elevator button, not releasing Ziva at all.
They returned to the bullpen and it was still empty.
Tony and Ziva began brainstorming how to approach Sergeant Burrows' interrogation. Tony defended his idea of a smooth start and a strong change of tone to get the truth. On the other hand, Ziva believed that the idea of presenting the facts, and thus putting pressure on the sergeant by seeing his body language, was the best approach.
However, neither of them noticed that they had an audience.
- This technique has always worked for me, Zi - he huffed in response.
- I know, Tony. But Burrows will respond better to a woman. - Tony frowned at Ziva.
- And you know that because ...?
- I noticed how he was looking at us, and I also noticed his body language - Ziva replied with evident exasperation in her voice -. When you or Nicholas approached him, he would respond uncomfortably and then relax looking at Ellie or me - Tony raised his eyebrows -. I have body language training, DiNozzo.
They stared at each other for a few seconds, fire building in their eyes, until Nick broke the awkward silence.
- Ziva is right, he will respond better to some of them in an interrogation, at least in the first one - they both looked at Nick, Ziva winked at him and Tony shook his head -. Sorry, dude, I was also trained in body language.
Tony snorted and muttered in Ziva's direction:
- He was trained in body language and can't see that Ellie has feelings for him, too. You guys are more alike than you think, my ninja.
Ziva laughed sarcastically in response, as Nick blushed and Bishop looked away.
- Is the sergeant already in the interrogation room?
- Yes - Ellie replied.
The brunette picked up a file folder and got up from her desk.
- Do we question and you observe? - Ziva asked in the direction of Tony, who nodded in response.
Nick and Tony were already inside the observation room when Ellie stopped Ziva by the arm.
- Anything to say before we start? - Ziva laughed softly and the blonde released her arm - Sorry.
- No problem, Ellie. We must be charming, empathetic and talk about the facts and evidence casually, mixed with our theory. Then, when her body reveals that he is nervous, it is necessary to attack with the heavy cavalry - the blonde nodded in response and Ziva handed her a folder.
- I will be delighted to display and use the heavy cavalry - Ellie said with a mischievous smile, and Ziva gave her the same smile in response.
- It's showtime, dear Eleanor.
They both smiled and entered the interrogation room. The show was about to begin.
A/N: First of all, thank you very much for each review, favorite and author alert; You are the best. These days I did not have an inspirational attack or anything like that, what's more, I had no desire to write, but I did not want to pressure myself ... I live in Chile, and things are getting worse here every day, especially in Santiago. I lived in Santiago for some years and I have many loved people there, and I am worried about them. In my city things are also accelerating ... so I'm also worried. Anyway ... I have also grown in this time of quarantine and social distance, I also started learning languages (I am perfecting my English and I started a new language), and I do lettering, I am hopelessly in love with lettering.
I hope everyone is safe in their homes, and please stay home. I also hope that this chapter has brought you out of this situation in which we are involved for a few minutes.
Greetings. C.