Oh gosh! It's been forever since I last updated I know. And I have good reason (including school, vacation, brainfreeze, my dog dying... the list goes on and on) but I won't bore you with a summary of my life over the passed month or so. Anyway, I will update again soon. I have the next chapter almost ready and the one after that in the works. I really appreciate all y'all that have stayed with me through this even when I dissapear. This chapter is remarkably shorter than the last one but I hope you'll enjoy it nonetheless.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own NCIS, or any of the characters.


The gasping sound of his name made the older man jump and slide to a stop beside her faster than he knew he possibly could. Looking up at her wide-eyed, he relaxed seeing her amused and somewhat sheepish smile.

"She's kicking, Gibbs" Ziva said simply taking his hand and placing it at the point of impact. A small grin broke out across his face as he remembered feeling his own child kick from inside her mother. He secretly couldn't wait for DiNozzo to get back from picking up lunch. He couldn't wait to see the look on the younger man's face when he felt his daughter kick. Ziva closed her eyes, committing the moment to memory.

"First time?" Gibbs mumbled curiously, though still somewhat mesmerized at the strong kicks against his palm. Ziva nodded quickly, her nose wrinkling up with the smile that overtook her face.

"She has fluttered around before. But this is the first actual kick." Ziva explained in a whisper, both keeping their voices low within the space behind her desk.

Tony carried two bags of burritos in each hand while McGee held on to the drinks. They walked through the parking garage slowly and silently. These days the lunch pickup took two people due to Ziva's growing hunger. She could devour two burritos the size of her head in less than 10 minutes. Then they had to have a third on hand for her when she got hungry again an hour later. She had always been a good eater, but she certainly took the 'eating for two' thing to the extreme.

"So, how's it going, Tony? You seem to be handling this baby thing pretty well." McGee remarked as casually as he could. He didn't want to pry, but if you had told him a year ago that Tony DiNozzo would calmly stroll towards fatherhood without breaking a sweat, Tim would have laughed in your face. He'd had friends who had become parents and from the minute the fate had been revealed, they had been headless chickens. However, Tony DiNozzo approached it as if he'd been there, done that. And outsider would have thought this was his tenth child.

"It's funny you should say that, Probie, cause I'm completely terrified. Insanely excited but terrified." Tony chuckled nervously. McGee grinned at Tony yet nodded in agreement. He would probably be equally terrified in Tony's position; especially if he was having a baby with a woman like Ziva.

"Well, you hide it well Tony. If it's any help, I think you'll make an amazing father." McGee assured but stopped to look over his shoulder when he noticed Tony was no longer beside him. Tony stood frozen in place, staring at McGee, a small unsure smile on his face. The expression was so unlike Tony's usual cocky smirk that it threw Tim off a little.

"Do you mean that, Tim?" Tony muttered meekly, eyes wide with self-consciousness. McGee's brows knit together in complete confusion as he turned to stand in front of Tony. He tipped his head to better see Tony's face, which pointed to his feet.

"Of course, Tony. Don't doubt yourself! I know you, Tony. I've spent almost 7 years getting to know you. You are a good guy. You have a big heart. You do the right thing. You got the short end of the stick when it comes to a father but that's not gonna stop you from being the best father you know how to be." Tim explained slowly so each and every word would sink in. Tony listened carefully, his eyes still downcast, until McGee was finished. He shot his friend a humble smile before continuing his journey towards the building.

"Thanks for that, McInspiration. I needed it. Remind me to hug you once my hands aren't full." Tony sighed as the elevator doors dinged open and he stepped out. The nickname, usually much heavy with teasing, was strangely spoken with admiration and endearment. His thanks was the most sincere, entirely genuine McGee remained inside the metal box to deliver a burrito and CafPow! to Abby.

The first sight Tony saw as he exited the elevator has his heart pounding and his stomach dropping as he sprinted into the bullpen, dropping the bags onto his desk quickly before coming to stand in front of Ziva's.

"What's wrong? What's going on? Did you call an ambulance?" Tony stammered as he tried to keep his cool. This couldn't be happening again. Not again. Ziva would lose her mind if she had to go back on bed rest. Oh god, and what if something worse was happening than the previous time. What other reason would Gibbs be beside Ziva with his hand on her stomach? It could only be something bad.

Tony's frantic stewing was only met by the sound of light laughter mixed with a deeper chuckle. Tony looked at them puzzled. Was this some sort of incredibly cruel joke? If it was, it was in the slightest bit funny. And who knew Gibbs was a prankster?

"Get over hear and feel your daughter kick, DiNozzo" Gibbs instructed, the laughter still in his voice as he interrupted Tony's mental rumblings. Tony's eyes grew with question and wonder as he reached across the desk but thought better of it and withdrew from the motion. Ziva looked up at him strangely. He was second guessing himself. Did he have the right to reach out and touch her whenever he pleased? He wouldn't dare cross any lines, or take any liberties that didn't belong to him. If she were his wife, he wouldn't even take pause, but this was Ziva and they had no label or definition. He weighed each pro and con. He didn't want to make an inappropriate move. After all, what was his place in her life?

"Are you waiting for an invitation, Tony?" Ziva teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Tony grinned down at her, somewhat comforted by the playful mocking and easing look on her face.

"Actually, I didn't know if I should just... especially after I had to restrain you from ripping that elderly woman's arm off in the department store." Tony explained dramatically with faux-fear expressed on his face. This little antidote only served to fluster Ziva. She started gesturing wildly, making circular motions indicating her slight bulging abdomen.

"This is not a petting zoo, Tony! Strangers may not rub me or stroke me whenever they please!" She exclaimed as she continued flailing her arms in indication of her belly. She then calmed and tenderly stated, "My family, however, may"

Ziva sent a dazzling smile down at Gibbs before looking back up at Tony. The older smile softly smiled before getting up and making room for Tony to take his place. Tony nodded his thanks as he knelt beside Ziva and let her guide his hand into place. As soon as he felt the faint pressure against his palm, his world stopped spinning. Below his palm was life he had helped create. Below his palm was his entire future. Below his palm was a proof of love, strength and hope. Below his palm was his daughter, still looking somewhat like an alien, whom would probably never understand everything she was to him. He didn't know how he could possibly love her so much already but his chest ached with the amazement and adoration.

When he was finally able to breathe semi-normally, Tony looked up at Ziva, giving her a watery smile. His eyes were glassy and shinning with unshed tears, his smile was blinding and his indescribable happiness overwhelming.


Review please? It's been a tough month. I look forward to hearing from y'all. I've missed ya. Sorry for keeping you waiting so long!

FYI June 28th was my birthday. Consider this a very belated birthday gift from me to you.

Love,
Linnie