A/N I would like to start off with saying thank you all so much for the responses to this story. I love you all. I want to warn you guys that this chapter is very McAbby heavy. If I am going to make this story long-term the way many people have requested then I want them to be together too. Also, if you have a problem with the spoilers in the episode, there is a warning in the story summary. As always, mistakes are mine, here is your third chapter. Enjoy
It was two weeks after their return from Tel Aviv, Tony and Ziva were sitting in their living room curled up on the couch watching Phantom of the opera and Tony's phone started vibrating. He sighed hoping that it wasn't a call in. His hope faded when he saw McGee's name flash across the screen.
"DiNozzo." He greeted shortly,
"Hey, Tony. Listen, I need your advice." McGee sounded nervous. Tony sat up a little straighter; Ziva looked up questioningly from where her head was laying on the pillow in his lap. He held up his finger signaling that he was unsure what was happening.
"Go ahead, McNervous." Tony said both to tell McGee to continue and to tell Ziva it was a personal call, not a call in.
"It's a little embarrassing… I uh, I slept with Abby last night. And now I don't know what to do." McGee sounded so distraught and it took all Tony's might not to just laugh at him.
"Well Timmy, this is not the first time you have had such coffin escapades. What is so dramatic about this one?" Ziva stifled a giggle now fully understanding the situation.
"Tony, you don't understand… I l-love her. If this becomes like last time, just another fling for her, I don't know what I'll do." Tony's heart broke for McGee.
"Have you told her that?" Tony asked.
"NO! I mean, no. I don't think she feels the same. Tony, I don't know what to do." McGee sounded so scared. Tony looked down to Ziva's curious brown orbs.
"I've got an idea. Give me an hour. And McGee?"
"Yeah, Tony?"
"Don't do anything rash until I call you."
"Okay. Thank you so much, Tony"
"No problem, Tim." With that Tony ended the call.
"So Zi, how do you feel about spending a little time back in the spy business for the next hour? Just for some harmless matchmaking." He winked at her. She giggled,
"I'm in." Tony told her everything McGee said and they hashed out their plan. Ziva typed a short and simple text to her best friend.
'Hey darling, I'm in an espresso mood. Wanna grab a drink?' It didn't take long for Abby to respond.
'Actually I could really use a Caf Pow and some girl talk. Meet at the usual place in 20?' Ha! This would work.
"I will text you as soon as I have an answer. I love you" Ziva gave Tony a quick kiss on the lips and slipped on her flip flops on her way to the door.
"I hope for McLoverboy that it's a yes. I love you too." Tony followed her to the door and gave her one last kiss on her way out. He shut the door and returned to the couch, saying a silent prayer for his best friend. He grabbed his laptop and started making the best out of his time without Ziva. He had some research to do. He hoped she liked the surprise he was planning.
Meanwhile, Abby was waiting patiently outside of a café for Ziva.
"Ziva!" The enthusiastic forensic scientist yelled. "Oh how I've missed you! It's so strange not seeing you every day at work. Not that I'm upset with your decision. I totally understand. I-"
"It is nice to see you too, Abby." Ziva cut her off laughing slightly. Something was clearly bugging Abby, she was babbling a lot. Even for her. The pair walked into the café while making idle small talk and ordered their perspective doses of caffeine and found a small table towards the windows and away from the mass of people.
"So," Ziva started. "What is bothering you?"
"What do you mean? Everything is fine and dandy." Abby said unconvincingly. Ziva gave her a look that said she didn't believe her. "Fine! I Slept with Timmy last night."
"Mmm I see. And why exactly is this bothering you so much? I was under the impression this has happened before."
"Well, it has. But, um, well, I think I may have, well-"
"Just spit it out already!"
"I think I have feelings for him this time! And last time I broke his heart! There is no way in hell he still loves me!" Ziva burst out laughing. "What is so funny about this? Ziva, come on! " Finally Ziva calmed down enough to speak.
"All I have to say is you'd be surprised. Go tell McGee exactly what you told me."
"I can't! Ziva, why do I get the feeling you're not telling me something…" Abby was eyeing her cautiously.
"I cannot tell you anything, Abby. Just this, you have 30 minutes to get to McGee's apartment and tell him exactly what you just told me." Abby didn't immediately move, she just looked at her best friend. "Seriously, Abby. You have nothing to worry about. Just go. Go now!" With that Abby stood up almost ran out the door. Smiling to herself, Ziva pulled out her phone and texted Tony.
'Be home in a few. Sent Abby to McGee's to tell him she loves him. XOXO' She barely made it out of the café before his response came,
'I'll be waiting. Love you sweetcheeks.' She smiled. She couldn't believe how wonderful her life was becoming. The family she always wanted, as unorthodox as they may be, and the love of the man of her dreams.
End
RenayD
A/N 2: Next chapter will be back to TIVA fluff. You may even find out what Tony has planned to surprise Ziva ;)