Just a note to all my faithful readers. I'm sorry for the delay in posting this update. I've been dealing with some health issues and needed to focus on other things. Hopefully the next update won't take as long. Thank you for sticking with me.

Ziva looked across the room and for the first time in the three of their visits to Haven saw someone she recognized. It was shocking and she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it. The idea was to be seen get to know people and see what they could find out as a result, but the actual moment of it happening was still unsettling. Commander Faith Coleman was not anyone she might have expected to see in Haven but when she saw the hand she as holding across the breakfast table was that of a woman she understood why.

"Ziva?" Gibbs had been watching her work her way through a breakfast made for a lumberjack. He was amazed at how much she could eat. Then, in a moment she'd gone from focusing on her food to zeroing in on something behind him.

"Lieutenant Commander Faith Coleman is sitting behind us. It will not be long before she notices us." She wanted to ask him how they should play things but as always the moment they entered Haven they slipped into their roles. It had been a spontaneous choice to come in far earlier than they had before. Stopping in before work for breakfast had paid off. Glancing at her watch she saw that they still had better than an hour before had to be at NCIS.

Gibbs had to work hard not to look behind him, instead he took Ziva's hand in his own. Brushing his fingers across her knuckles he met her gaze and offered a smile. Trying to tell her without words that they could get through this. All this time they had been making the effort to keep their secret and now, would test that secret. It wasn't so much that he was afraid of what would happen if people found out, but the fact that things were moving in the right direction. What that could mean for them and the victims was unsettling.

Ziva smiled at the silent message Gibbs was sending her, he'd always been able to do that even from the beginning. She laughed lightly and it was that sound that drew Faith's gaze toward her. Faith looked toward her grinned in the way strangers do and turned back toward her companion. Ziva counted to five and watched as Faith turned back toward her shock evident on her face, then ever so slowly toward Gibbs who was tracing her knuckles with his fingers. The shock flared brighter causing her mouth to drop open. Ziva almost laughed except Faith looked as though she might fall over. Ziva smiled back watching as Faith finished saying goodbye to the companion across from her and began making her way toward them. Ziva didn't miss the faint blush on Faith's cheeks she knew had to match her own. Before she could reach the table she heard Gibbs whisper softly.

"Mine"

As always that simple word washed over her like a balm. Faith was at their table and had focused her attention on Gibbs.

"Gibbs?" Faith managed to get his name out but her voice stuck in her throat after that. New members were not common place at Haven, showing up once maybe twice a year. Occasionally it was someone she knew but rarely someone that held much interest for her. From the moment she'd met Gibbs and his team she'd been intrigued. They were a close knit group, honorable, and honor was important to her. On a personal level she'd found herself attracted to both Gibbs and Ziva. Never would she have expected find them together at Haven of all places.

"Faith. Good to see you." They'd been informed in their introductory meeting that rank didn't apply at Haven. Respect was required but as for rank everyone was considered equal once they entered . So he left off her rank. He glanced briefly at Ziva whose hand he was still holding and found something off in her expression. He gave her a questioning look and she shook her head swallowed hard and grabbed for her water glass.

"A surprise to be fair. I haven't seen you here before." Faith felt awkward standing there hovering over the table while they were seated but her curiosity won out.

Gibbs grinned "Kinda new. Just getting the feel of the place." Gibbs tried to focus on being friendly. If they played their cards right Faith could be a source for information. But out of the corner of his eye he saw Ziva close her eyes tightly.

Ziva had thoroughly enjoyed her breakfast now however she was feeling her stomach dance and it was not getting any better. She felt a fine sweat break out and knew she was in trouble. Standing abruptly she tried to cover her panic. "Excuse me I'll be right back."

Gibbs watched Ziva flee the table and instantly knew why. He fought the grin and the concern when Faith began speaking.

"I didn't mean to upset her." Faith saw Gibbs' wave of the hand to sit in the vacant chair. After a moment's hesitation she took a seat.

"You didn't." Gibbs grabbed his coffee cup. "I can see the wheels turning Faith."

"Just surprised Gibbs. I never suspected. I heard the rumors but working with you I thought they were just that." Faith watched something she couldn't recognize pass over his face.

"I keep hearing about these rumors, no one has been brave enough to go into detail about them. Are you brave enough Faith?" Gibbs saw her flush lightly and almost shook his head. He'd have been a fool to miss the way she'd looked at Ziva and if he was being honest him as well. Ziva might not have ever noticed but he had. So if anyone had listened to the rumors it would have been Faith.

Faith took a deep breath. Gibbs had always one for hard questions. "I was chatting with someone in the office. I asked if Ziva was seeing anyone." Faith lifted her chin. She'd never been ashamed of her orientation and her attraction to Ziva wasn't shameful either. "I was told that she was very taken. That despite the fact she occasionally dated the two of you were an item. I'm not unfamiliar to open relationships so I assumed that was what you two shared. Now and then I'd come upon conversations that were about the two of you. It was very clear that you two were…." Faith stopped speaking when Ziva returned to the table.

Gibbs felt Ziva squeeze his hand telling him in her own way that she was fine. "Sorry I did not mean to leave so abruptly I just needed a minute."

Faith smiled at Ziva trying hard to ignore Gibbs' piercing blue gaze that rested on her. "Gibbs and I were just catching up."

Gibbs laughed "It's alright Faith Ziva and I have no secrets." turning towards Ziva he nodded at Faith "I asked her to tell me what she'd heard about us." He watched Ziva blush and was reminded that she had known of the rumors and done nothing to stop them. "Apparently they think we've been taking advantage of elevators."

Ziva swung her head to Faith who looked equally shocked only to hear Gibbs laugh even louder. Punching him in the arm she apologized to Faith. "He has a twisted sense of humor."

"Actually I did hear about a time you two were trapped in an elevator, there is a lot of speculation about those hours." She watched them both turn to each other surprise in their eyes. They were in tune with each other. Movements mirroring each other, everything effortless and displaying a deep connection she was surprised she hadn't seen before. "So how long have you two been…."

Ziva didn't know how to answer that. She was caught off guard, they had alluded in their original meeting that they'd been together far longer than they had. But they'd never discussed a specific time. So she answered from her heart "It feels like always."

Faith saw a depth of emotion in Ziva's eyes that was almost hard to look at, even more so when she saw the same in Gibbs. She didn't know what to say so she just nodded. "Then I'm glad Haven found you. It's good here. People are friendly once they get to know you. At first it can be odd for lack of a better word

but you get used to it."

"You are the first person we have seen so far that we know. We have recognized a few people but it is good to see a friendly face." Ziva held onto Gibbs' hand needing the effortless way he grounded her. "But it is odd. We are so used to hiding that it feels strange to talk with someone we know.

Faith nodded, "You get used to it, for the most part, after a while. The military is not exactly friendly to relationships that fall out of the norm. Considering I'm more open than most even the more lax policies now in effect would not approve of my lifestyle. Haven is important to me."

Neither Gibbs or Ziva missed the barely there warning in Faith's voice. She blushed when they gave her a soft smile. But, it was Ziva that spoke first. "The last thing we want is for Haven to be discovered for what it really is. New as we are we understand that it is important."

"Sorry, it's just there are some good people here. We tend to take care of each other."

Gibbs tried not to let his thoughts sway to the dead bodies in the morgue. "We care more about keeping our own secrets than what other people are hiding Faith." that much at least was the truth.

Faith knew her discomfort wasn't mainly because of the fact they were new, and more because of her attraction to them both. When she looked at Gibbs she knew he saw everything she tried to hide. It was unsettling and made her wonder how long he'd known. Ignoring the questioning look that had just begun to creep over Ziva's face she met Gibbs' gaze. "I respect people's boundaries Gibbs."

Gibbs laughed again heard Ziva draw in a breath and smiled. "I wasn't worried about it Faith. I'm just a bit overprotective of Ziva. It's not personal."

Faith nodded seeing the truth of his words. More than that she saw something in Ziva that made her realize that overprotective was an understatement for Gibbs. "Just clarifying."

Ziva blushed when she realized what Faith and Gibbs had been referring to. She wasn't naïve she knew that there had been women that had found her attractive over the years. She had suspected the other woman might have been attracted to her but hadn't acted on it. "I did not mean to lead you to believe…"

Faith offered a gentle smile. "You didn't. As Gibbs can probably tell you it's just something about you." Faith blushed again but didn't look away. Watching Ziva she saw something there that made her realize she hadn't been entirely mistaken in her interest. Deciding discretion was in her best interest she said nothing but stood up. "I have to be at work soon, but perhaps we can have dinner some time."

Gibbs rose as she made to leave. "That would be nice. You know how to get in touch with us." she nodded to both him and Ziva and then left.

Turning to Ziva he saw her gathering up her purse readying to leave. "You ok?"

Ziva smiled. "Yes I am fine the orange juice did not agree with me. I imagine it will not be the last time my stomach rebels."

Gibbs grinned watched her laugh and was reminded how lucky he was. It wasn't until they were in his car and headed back to her home for her to pick up her car that he spoke again. She'd been quiet and he suspected he knew why. "Does it really surprise you that she finds you attractive Ziva?"

"No," Ziva wasn't sure how to voice the rest of what she was thinking so she remained silent. Staring out the window she could feel Gibbs glancing at her now and then.

Gibbs saw her carefully neutral face and suddenly understood. "The feeling is mutual then, that explains a lot."

Ziva swung her gaze to meet his, only to find him watching the road. "I do not know how to respond to that Jethro. Initially when I understood her interest I was attracted to her. However there was never the true motivation to act on it. Now that I'm with you I would never."

Gibbs had to fight the grin he knew she wouldn't understand. They had reached her place after perusing the block twice for anyone that might be watching. He slid his car into her garage seeing the question in her eyes he just motioned for her to follow him inside.

Ziva glanced at her watch and saw they were fast losing time but Gibbs made his way into her house with that unhurried way of his. He sat on her couch and held out his hand "Come here Zi."

She glanced again at her watch "Jethro…we will be late."

Gibbs did smile this time. "don't care." he waited until she sat across from him. "Ziva, I love you. This what we have is special. I haven't shared something like this before with a woman. I loved Shannon and it was real and special in it's own way. I would never make light of it or compare it to what we have. The reason I bring it up though is I think, worry you believe you have to hold back from me. I fell in love with who you are, all the things that make you this woman. That isn't going to change if you tell me you find another woman attractive, or another man for that matter." he saw the shock hit her eyes, the disbelief. "You are a beautiful passionate woman Zi. You had an adventure filled life, you have a past, a life filled with history that doesn't go away because you're with me. We don't have an ordinary relationship Zi and that works for us."

Ziva swallowed deep. "I love you Jethro, only you nothing will change that."

Gibbs heard the absolute sincerity in her voice but it was followed by a hesitation to say more. "I shouldn't tell you this, because I'm sure it will lump me in the category of typical male but….I knew she was interested in you Ziva saw it from the first time she looked at you. Many times I pictured the two of you together. Not a very original fantasy but the truth."

Ziva saw Gibbs' blush, felt his hand stroking hers and shook her head with a gentle laugh. "I am a very lucky woman Jethro. You give me such freedom." She saw his raised brow.

"Ironic all things considered Zi." he stroked her bracelet, feeling his body respond to everything it represented.

"I belong to you Jethro. And still you are openly giving freedoms that other men in typical relationships could not. And you are not the only one who has had fantasies."

Gibbs might have asked for more details but his phone rang and the caller ID showed it was Tony. He kept his eyes locked on Ziva while he answered. "Yeah Gibbs."

Tony glanced up at Vance's office and then back at his computer screen. "Hey boss. Vance filled me in that he sent you and Ziva to look into a bar brawl from last night. He said you shouldn't need any help but I wanted to make sure."

Gibbs was surprised. He'd mentioned to Vance the night before that they were going to try Haven again, and there was a chance they might run late. Apparently he had their back even when it came to the little things. "We're good Tony, just need to wrap up here it wasn't a real Marine just some guy trying to impress the ladies. Going to have a chat with him. " glancing at his watch he was surprised by the time. "We should be back in after lunch."

Tony stared at the paperwork on his desk and the total lack of evidence from the mummy case and sighed in frustration. "Well nothings changed here so no rush." Tony stared at the phone for a long time after he hung up.

McGee saw Tony staring off and wondered at his look. "Boss okay Tony?"

"Yeah and that's what's weird he sounds good lately, relaxed…it's just odd."

Mcgee laughed knowing exactly what Tony was referring to, he'd noticed it as well. "I know what you mean. But it's a good thing right."

Tony nodded "Yeah of course." he meant it, but he also felt the inevitable change that was coming. He was a grown man and yet still it bothered him.

Gibbs hung up the phone with Tony. "Vance covered us we don't have to get back to work until after lunch."

Ziva saw the desire that washed over him as he spoke, any questions she might have had as to how or why slid away. "Lucky us."

Gibbs stood her up in front of him and quickly removed her clothing. Her skin fairly glowed in the soft light that filtered through the curtains. "You are so beautiful Ziva….." He leaned down and took her mouth far more gently than the need in him wanted him to be.

Ziva felt his tongue thrust deeply in her mouth and for just a moment it was like the first time. He took her face in his hands holding her almost reverently. He pulled away slightly and she saw some unfamiliar emotion flicker across his face. Then in a moment she recognized the shifting of his mood, the deeper need and the change in his touch. She felt a shudder run through her, desire making her body go soft and wet.

"You amaze me Ziva"

Ziva nipped gently at the thumb grazing her lip before looking at him. "Neshama?"

"You see it in me, this man I can only be with you and every time I watch it turn you on. It's a saving grace to me Zi. It's how I know, it's what you really want."

"Need Jethro, not just want." She followed his hand as it traced it's way down her chest to touch the tip of her breast.

Gibbs watched her for a moment before he could find his voice. "I pictured her doing this Ziva." he felt her breathe in then tremble. He met her gaze saw she knew just who he was referring to. "I imagined her taking your mouth, while she touched you." mimicking his words Gibbs let his lips slide over hers while his hand slipped between her thighs. It was his turn to catch his breath when he felt how wet how damn ready she was.

The shock of his words and the image they created in her mind shot desire through her fast and hard. When Gibbs' fingers thrust inside her she couldn't hold back the low moan of need. "Jethro…."

Gibbs picked her up and carried her into her room, laying her on the bed he made quick work of his clothes. "What's it like Ziva? To taste another woman?" he watched her blush deeply, while her hips rose to meet his touch.

Ziva hadn't expected his question, it was as bold as forceful as Gibbs' thrusting fingers. "Jethro…."

Gibbs smiled Ziva was larger than life in so many ways, and she had done many things in her life. Yet there was still so much he wanted to share with her. "I imagine the feel of woman's touch on your skin is different than a mans. Tell me how."

Ziva let her dark eyes find his brilliant blue ones her voice came out breathy and in short gasps "Softer…with more confidence." Clearing her throat she started again "A first time with a woman, they usually are more confident than the first time with a man. A woman knows what feels good to her so she uses that to her advantage. Knows just where to stroke, how hard to touch…."her words trailed off as he pressed a kiss to the hollow between her breasts. "The first time you touched me….it was like you knew me already."

Jethro nipped gently at her throat, "I thought about it often Ziva. I imagined touching you many many times."

"Of all the men I have been with I have never had one pleasure me as you do." Ziva couldn't quite meet his gaze as she spoke.

Gibbs turned them till she was straddling his waist. The abrupt change of position and intimate contact had her head falling back. Only when she'd caught her breath did she finally meet his gaze again. "Wasn't looking for a compliment Ziva and any lack of pleasure you felt was their failure not yours. Your body knows just what it wants, I just happen to be a good listener."

He almost laughed at the way she smiled until he felt her slide over him. Her hot wetness engulfed him painstakingly slowly. His hands found their way to her hips stilling her in place before he lost himself inside her. "You were meant to be mine Ziva."

Ziva shifted her hips feeling a wave of pleasure wash over her, spots of color floated in her vision making her smile yet again. "I have been telling you this all along Jethro." His hands cradled her breasts, stroking and pulling just enough to make her clench around him.

Gibbs felt her body tighten around him and knew he'd be damn lucky to survive another minute of waiting. His hands trailed down between his fingers pushed between her barely there curls it took only a the softest of touches and she was thrusting her hips into his and calling out his name. It was all he'd been waiting for. Pulling her down against his chest he let his hips bury deep one last time and then he was lost to the scent and feel of Ziva wrapped around him.