Chapter Two- Teething

Ziva bounced Tali on her hip, pacing back and fourth across the lounge. Tali was teething and making sure everyone new it. The young child was groaning as she drooled over the toy currently between her gums. No tears were falling but her face was scrunched irritably, one fist holding the toy in her mouth while the other tugged on Ziva's hair.

"Come now Tali…it's okay" Ziva hummed.

She was afraid to stop moving, every time she placed Tali in her bouncy seat, or laid her down on her matt she would cry out in discomfort. The only thing distracting her from her sore gums was the consistent movement and touch of her mother.

"Abba will be home soon"

Tony was at work still, paperwork he had ignored needing to be done. He had returned to work shortly after Ziva had Tali, while Ziva remained at home on maternity leave. As much as Ziva loved Tali, and she really did, she missed the adrenaline of work. It was in Zivas bones, she was trained and disciplined in her work. Plus raising a baby was a whole other entirety.

"Arghhhh" Tali moaned again, her little face scrunching and tears falling.

"Oh hushhhh baby…shshhhhhh it's okay….where are you Tony?" Ziva mumbled to herself.

Another forty minutes of crying and groaning and Tony finally walked through the door. His face apologetic at his lateness before turning to concern. Ziva was still pacing and bopping Tali up and down but she was now crying alongside Tali, her face a picture of exhaustion.

"Oh Ziva…" Tony sighed.

He wasted no time in dropping his bag and hurrying to Ziva, shopping Tali into his arms and wrapping his spare arm around Ziva. The three stood huddled together while both girls sobbed. When the tears had subsided, and Tali was happily curled into Tony's neck, he pulled back and looked too Ziva, tilting her head.

"You okay?" He asked softly.

That question had become one he feared to ask, never know what reaction he would get from Ziva. Since having Tali, Ziva's emotions had been all over the place.

"Hmmm"

"Has she been like this all day?"

"She's just so uncomfortable…I couldn't sooth her than you come home and do it straight away" Ziva said sadly, moving from Tony.

"Sweetheart, she probably sensed your frustration…"

Tony knew instantly he had chosen the wrong words. Ziva glared and stormed upstairs, the sound of their bedroom door slamming echoed through the house.

"Oh Tali…how am I going to fix this one"

Tali looked up at her Abba, her big brown eyes the mirror image of Ziva's. She gurgled and groaned a little as she fidgeted before settling back in Tony's arms. He placed her on her play matt, the hanging toys above keeping her happily distracted while he prepared dinner.

Ziva played with the fray on the blanket that covered the bed. Her tears no longer falling but she still felt upset. Her head hurt from crying and the gradually growing headache. She knew Tony meant well, she also knew he was probably right but she didn't want to accept that her lack of relaxation was the cause of her baby girl being so unhappy. She knew she should apologise to Tony, but she was embarrassed to go back downstairs. Her mind was wandering when Tony knocked on the bedroom door, entering with Tali in his arms.

"Hey" His voice was gentle and warm.

"Hey"

"Tali need her Ima"

Ziva sat up realising her baby was ready to nurse. The soft whimpers coming from Tali slowly growing. Tony sat on the bed and handed Tali over, her crying becoming louder and making Ziva tense a little.

"Let me help" Tony mumbled.

Ziva was about to protest but decided against it, Tony was just looking after her. He gently pulled down her top and undid her nursing bra. Ziva brought Tali to her chest so the little girl could latch on.

"She defiantly your daughter" Ziva laughed as Tali quickly and greedily found Ziva's nipple.

"She throws a tantrum like her mother though" Tony chanced, his boyish grin probably the only reason Ziva didn't shoot him.

"I do not throw tantrums" Her words were fierce but her smile told Tony she wasn't upset.

Tony took in the image for a moment, it amazed him that Ziva was able to provide the nourishment Tali needed in such a beautiful way. He brushed back Ziva's curls and kissed her temple.

"I'm sorry about earlier"

"Don't be, I over reacted…It's just been a trying day."

"You are amazing Ziva…Tali is just irritable right now…it will ease"

"I know, I just wish there was more I could do for her"

"Well I spoke to boss just now, he said I can take a day's holiday tomorrow so I can stay home and help you out, give you a rest. I know it's tough me being back at work but I appreciate everything you do"

Ziva couldn't help the smile that graced her face, her dimple popping brightly. Tony was so soft and caring sometimes, all the time actually, but sometimes it was hidden by comedy.

"You Tony DiNozzo are incredible"

"Hey, i've made a quick pasta…I don't think it's fair Tali's the only one eating right now. You want t come back down and eat with me when you two are done?"

"Yeah, we won't be long"