Hey guys! Okayyy here's an update! Sorry! We're super busy! The insane polar-opposite schedules of ours make it hard for us, but we're trying. :) SO stick with us, pleasee!
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"Ow!" Tony shouted as he dropped another box down onto the floor, "McGoo! Watch where you're going!"
McGee, who too had a box, growled at Tony, "You're standing in the middle of the doorway...where else am I supposed to go?" He demanded.
"You could have asked me to move instead of running that damn box into the back of me!" Tony snarled. They had been working on moving into Tony and Ziva's new townhouse for pretty much the entire day, starting at 800h. Currently, it was 1400h.
And Tony had gotten pretty annoyed.
It was springtime in DC, April to be exact, and the weather was unpredictable. Just last week it was around forty outside, but today it was around seventy.
And that annoyed Tony.
Extremely.
"You could both move or you'll both be out of jobs by the end of the day." Gibbs barked from behind them, heaving two boxes, one stacked on top of the other, into the townhouse.
"Right..." Tony started as he started moving forwards, nearly tripping over the rug on the ground, "Damn it McGee!" He shouted, "Way to McTrip me!" McGee had rammed his box into Tony's back as he tried to move out of Gibbs' way.
"I didn't mean to!" McGee protested.
Tony narrowed his eyes at him as they managed to move out of Gibbs' way, Gibbs crossing the floor and entering the kitchen.
Tony heard a laugh from behind him and he dropped the box he was carrying on the floor as he turned around, letting his frown turn up into a grin as he watched his wife lean up against the doorway of the townhouse, resting her hands on her growing belly, "Don't laugh at me. Just because you can't help..."
"You are very stressed, yes?"
He sighed, "Extremely, can I take a break?"
She waddled over to him, and Tony had to admit one thing...the bigger she got the more she waddled, and somehow, Tony found that extremely sexy. Also considering how she stopped buying maternity clothes at the end of her eighth month of pregnancy and started wearing Tony's clothes instead.
"You know, I wish that you'd just pop that kid out..." He grinned as he lowered his mouth to her ear, placing his hands lightly on her hips as his lips brushed her ear, "It's been a while..." He drawled out, seductively.
She grinned, "Yes, it has...and it will be even longer if you do not help unpack."
Tony chuckled and pecked her on the lips, "Right. I'm getting on that."
She just continued to stare at him, "I will get you boys something to drink."
Tony grinned as he let go of her, "Don't work yourself too hard."
She just flashed him a smile as she started away and into the kitchen, where Gibbs was exiting, "Hey." he caught her arm gently and she spun around towards him as Tony exited the townhouse, McGee following close behind.
"Yes, Gibbs?"
"You working yourself?" He questioned, glancing down at her belly before looking back into her chocolate brown eyes, piercing her with his icy blue ones.
"No." She shook her head, "I am merely getting you, Tony, and McGee some water. They are working incredibly hard."
Gibbs just let go of her and then started into the kitchen, grabbing one of the cups from the cabinet he had already finished unpacking. He got some water from the sink, gulped it down, and then wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt. He let out an 'ah' and then put the cup down, "Mission accomplished."
"What about Tony and McGee?" She questioned as he started out of the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway and turned to look at her.
"They're grown men with two legs that aren't broken. They can get it themselves." Ziva let her mouth drop open as he started out of the kitchen and out of the townhouse completely.
"I'm taking that box."
"No, I'm taking it. That box's much too big for you, little probster."
Tim rolled his eyes, "Tony." he firmly said, "I have been working out."
Tony looked up and down his body and then laughed, "Yeah, with what? Chopsticks?" He grabbed the pencil from the end of the moving truck, next to the pad of paper and clipboard and clenched it in his fist, making an exasperated look, puffing his cheeks so that they were red and then slowly pulling it up. He made grunting noises as he did so, "One..." he let out with a deep breath and then started again, "Two...I don't think I can..." He let out a deep breath, "Make it..."
McGee sighed and rolled his eyes again, "Tony, come on. You know I'm stronger than that."
Tony returned to normal and dropped the pencil.
"Fine." He looked at him, "But....I'm still taking this box." he pointed to the box and McGee just stared at him.
"Tony, I'm taking the box."
"No." Gibbs spoke up, "I'm taking the box. Move."
The two quickly split as Gibbs effortlessly picked up the box before starting back towards the townhouse, "Aw hell." Gibbs muttered as he realized who was walking out of the townhouse, "Hey, DiNozzo 1!" He shouted over his shoulder and Tony poked his head around the open door of the moving truck.
"Yeah?"
Their eyes locked, "Deal with it." Gibbs broke the lock as he started towards the house again, box in hand.
"What?" Tony demanded, furrowing his eyes together before he realized what Gibbs was talking about.
Ziva had one glass of water in each hand and was waddling towards them at a rather slow pace. Tony groaned, "Damn it." He muttered under his breath as he started towards his wife, "Ziva, what the hell are you doing? I thought I told you to rest!"
"You did." She smiled, "Does not mean I have to listen to everything you say."
"You're gonna hurt yourself." He commented and she rolled her eyes.
"Am not. Now take a water." She pecked him on the cheek, smiling.
Tony took the water reluctantly, knowing that she wasn't going to move and get some rest unless he took the water. He took a big gulp, drowning it instantly. He looked towards the townhouse, McGee walking into the front door.
Tony grinned, "Come on, let's go." He tugged gently on her arm.
"Where?"
"Uh...to make out?" He questioned, as if she had asked something stupid.
She laughed and rubbed his stomach, grinning up at him, "You want me to rest, yet you want me to make out with you."
"Well...yeah." He grinned, "Basically. Making out is different from walking."
"I use more breath." She smiled, laughing as she leaned up close to his lips, "Later..." She grinned, "Besides..." She shoved her belly slightly into Tony's hips, "It cannot lead to anything more. We are..." her lips were just centimeters from his, and she could feel his hot breath on hers, "...prohibited."
"I can find a way." He all but whispered.
"Hmmm really?"
He brushed his nose up against hers, "Google..."
She laughed and smacked his cheek, lightly, snapping him out of her trance, "Or you can wait a couple more weeks." She smiled seductively over her shoulder as she started to waddle back towards the house.
Tony groaned and ran a hand through his hair, "Damn it, Ziva, what do you do to me?"
"No, boss, you're gonna get stuck!" Tony whined. Now, it was around dinner time and they were still having trouble getting the television through the doorway.
"Well hell, DiNozzo, you got the damn thing in..."
"It's not in the door!" He protested.
"You got it into your last apartment, right?" Tony paused and then nodded, "And out?" He nodded again, and Gibbs nodded as well, "Then there should be no problem in getting this damn TV set through the door!"
"Right." Tony muttered, "We've been at this for hours."
"This is the last thing. We unpacked most of your stuff, except for the box that was labeled 'clothes' and the 'confidential...McGee if you open this, I will dismember your body'." McGee rolled his eyes from the other side of the TV.
Gibbs looked up at Tony, as if he was demanding an explanation. Tony laughed, "Well...they're kinda...toys...."
"And they're more for you and Ziva than for Bailey." Gibbs finished.
Tony grinned, "I like toys."
"I like working on my boat. Which I can't do if we don't get this TV through the damn door!" Gibbs shouted as he shifted his weight, "On the count of three."
"One." Tony and McGee looked at each other.
"Two..."
"Wait." Tony stopped and Gibbs sighed, relaxing.
"This better be good." He growled.
"You're not gonna....break my TV, right?"
Gibbs growled and rolled his eyes, "Three!"
"No, Tony, he did not bolt up your TV." Ziva rolled her eyes.
"Screw, Ziva, it's screw up your TV. And I can see that." He gestured towards the new TV that Gibbs was hanging on the wall.
"Then do not complain!"
"I'm just complaining cause it's taking us way too long to do this."
"We are done..." She softly said, taking a step or two towards him and placing one hand on each of his arms, "...relax." She rubbed his forearms, "Relax." She repeated. He nodded slowly as Gibbs and McGee looked at each other, nodding as Gibbs wiped his hands clean on his pants.
"Uh...so we're just gonna leave now." McGee spoke up and Tony broke his gaze with Ziva and looked at his boss instead.
"Right...thanks."
"See you at work tomorrow." McGee nodded, "And Ziva?"
She looked from her husband to the junior agent, "Yes?" She questioned.
"Get some rest. And make sure that guy-" He pointed to Tony, "-Doesn't freak out too much. The TV's fine."
"That's not what I'm worried about." Tony muttered, his eyes fixed on Ziva's again.
Ziva just stared at him, "Be on time, DiNozzo." Gibbs mentioned as he started towards the door, "And that means you, Tony, not Ziva. She-"
"Needs her rest." Tony commented, still fixated on Ziva, "I know."
"Good." Gibbs nodded, "Goodnight."
"Night." Tony nodded, wrapping his arms around Ziva's waist and pulling her closer to him.
The two quietly and quickly left the house, Tony grinning as the door shut, "So we're finally alone." He commented after waiting a couple of minutes of silence.
"Yes." She nodded, "We are."
"So what do you want to do first? And please tell me it involves resting. Cause you definitely need it."
Ziva smiled, "A movie sounds excellent at the moment. On our new flat screen TV, yes?"
Tony grinned, "I love that thing. And I love that you love that thing."
She patted him on the cheek before pecking him lightly on the lips, "I am going to go and get changed, and then we will watch a movie, yes?" She questioned and he nodded, "You pick whatever you want."
"Okay..." He let go of her and she started waddling back towards the stairs and up to the bedroom. He paused before breaking out into a grin, "How 'bout a porno?"
"Sweetheart?" Tony called as he dumped the popcorn into the bowl. The sweet smell of the kernels and the butter wafted up to his nose and he smiled. He loved popcorn.
Just as much as he loved his wife.
She had gone upstairs around an hour ago to get changed, and about thirty minutes into her departure, he had started to get worried. However, when he started up the stairs to check on her, and heard the water running in the shower, he let his heart relax before starting back down the stairs.
Whistling to himself, he started out of the kitchen, popcorn bowl in hand, and set it down on the coffee table, moving towards his brand new TV.
He grinned at it, letting his arms spread wide, "May all angels come down from heaven!"
"Well she is right here." He whipped around and his grin grew wider as he looked at his wife, standing in the hallway, next to the couch, her hands resting on her belly, a brush in one hand and dressed in his sweats and one of his t-shirts. Her dark brown, wet locks tumbled down one shoulder as she smiled sweetly at him.
"Oh yes she is." He smiled, "I was just about the put the movie in. I made some popcorn." He gestured to the bowl on the table.
She looked at it and then back at her husband, "James Bond?" She questioned, tilting her head and he shook his head.
"Okay, as much as I don't want to watch this..." He pulled the DVD off of the table and held it up, shaking it gently towards her. She broke out into a hug grin and Tony stuttered, trying to find the words.
"Say it." She dared him, teasingly.
"S..." He started again, but then droned off.
"It is not hard. Just three simple words." She shrugged, "Or are you afraid to say it?" She raised an eyebrow and his head snapped up.
"Sound of Music!" he finally said, taking in a deep breath and exhaling slowly.
She smiled and nodded, "Hmph." She said, contently before taking her seat on the ground, her legs going in opposite directions.
"Why are you sitting like that?" He questioned, "On the floor?"
"It is more comfortable. Takes pressure off of my body, yet on the floor I can have as much space as I need."
He just stared at her, "Well I guess that makes sense." He shrugged, popping the DVD into the DVD player and then grabbing the popcorn bowl and sitting down next to her before carefully wrapping his arms around her waist, scooting her forward, gently, and moving behind her. She leaned up against his chest as he leaned up against the couch and she smiled as he pressed a kiss against the side of her head.
"Mmm...this is nice."
He nodded, "It is." He whispered into her ear, his lips tickling the skin there.
As the movie started, Ziva lifted the brush up to her hair, pulling gently at it, slowly, all the way to the end. Tony watched her, slowly, through the darkness, the colors from the TV screen dancing on her face.
He wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her belly with one thumb, gently moving the shirt up so that he was touching bare flesh.
She smelled amazing, so clean, pure, and so...Ziva. He breathed her in, deeply, closing his eyes and reminiscing in her scent. He felt the brush bristles up against his skin and he immediately stopped, opening up his eyes and taking the brush from her, wrapping his fingers around her tiny ones.
"Tony I can..."
"Shh..." He whispered, wrapping his arms tighter around her, careful not to put too much pressure on her belly, "Let me."
And so she did, releasing her fingers one by one from the brush.
Once it was in his grip, he continued her strokes, leaning back slightly when he made it to the back of her hair. As he pulled the wet curls, they became straight, but when he let go, they rebounded back into their natural form, causing Tony to smile slightly.
He continued, slowly, around her head and then back, smiling as she started quietly singing the songs as Julie Andrews did. He knew that she didn't think that he could hear her, but he definitely could.
Not that he was ever going to say anything about it, though.
If it had been about five years ago, he would have made fun of her for singing along.
Actually, that was a lie.
He wouldn't be sitting here, watching this movie, with her in his arms, his hand over her pregnant belly.
The pregnant belly that contained his child.
Subconsciously, he moved his thumb over her belly as he finished brushing her hair, kissing the crown of her head, "Mmm...Tony?" He heard her question softly and he looked at her, setting the brush down onto the ground next to him.
She reached over and grabbed a piece of popcorn out of the bowl, plopping it into her mouth as he wrapped both of his arms around her, holding her tightly to him, "Yeah, sweetcheeks?"
"I..." She watched as the seven children marched down the steps, on the television, with eyes that looked as if she was mesmerized, "I...am ready for Bailey."
He smiled and pressed a kiss up against the side of her head, "Been ready all my life." He teased and he knew she was rolling her eyes.
"No you have not." She laughed, hitting his thigh lightly with her fist before returning her hands so that they were on top of his.
"Caught me there." He grinned before resting his head on her shoulder, the cold, wetness of her hair soothing against his face.
Midway through the movie, Tony felt Ziva shift rather uncomfortably in his grip, "You okay?" He questioned and she nodded.
"Yes." She agreed, after taking in and breathing out a breath, "I am just...tired."
"You wanna move to the bed?"
"No." She admitted, "This is more comfortable."
He shrugged, "Anywhere with you in my arms is comfortable to me."
He watched the sides of her mouth tug up into a small smile before sinking further in his embrace.
She fell asleep nearly minutes later, snoring lightly but looking content and relaxed for once. Tony rubbed his hand back and forth over her belly, feeling Bailey kick inside of her from time to time. He smiled slightly as he watched her face, and he realized one thing.
Deep, in the back of his mind, he knew he was lying to himself.
He had been ready for this moment all his life.
It just took this one to make him realize it.
Tony eventually realized just how much he hated the Sound of Music.
He was nearly disgusted by it as he turned off the television, wanting nothing more to go back to his bed and fall asleep.
It was definitely more comfortable than the floor he was sitting on now.
Cold, hard...well...hardwood.
But he knew that Ziva wanted to stay here, on the floor.
For her, it was 'more comfortable'.
He leaned back up against the couch and slowly drifted to sleep, thinking happy thoughts about his and Ziva's future life with Bailey in an attempt to fall asleep and forget about the uncomfortable position he was in at the moment.
And, rubbing her stomach with his hand, that was exactly what he did.
He fell asleep.
"Woman in labor, room 24 C, needs immediate assistance for giving birth, ASAP!" One nurse shouted as she hurried down the hall.
Tony took in a deep breath, feeling the sweat drip down his face as he moved into the room where Ziva was laying on the bed, breathing heavily, her chest moving up and down in a..well..labored fashion. As if she had just run a marathon.
He took her hand in his, "Ziva, Zi, honey." She just tightened her grip on his hand, "You're gonna be okay." she squeezed her eyes tightly together.
It was obvious she was in pain.
He put his hand on top of theirs, rubbing the skin there. Her response was her gripping onto his hand tighter, if that was even possible.
"Ziva..." She let out a scream, as if she was getting murdered, her legs shifting towards her and then back. A nurse hurried in, followed by several other doctors.
"Mrs. DiNozzo, you're gonna have to listen to me. Listen to me." One of the doctors said, "Take in deep breaths and push. Let out the breaths slowly, as you push." He placed a hand on her knee, in an attempt to hold her still. He looked down and then stopped, "Oh dear."
"What?" Tony demanded.
He looked up at him, "She's bleeding profusely." He admitted, "Too much for a baby to be born. She's losing way too much blood."
"Well what the hell are you doing?" Tony demanded, "Get that damn baby out of her!"
"It is not that simple, sir! She is losing too much blood! If she does not give it her all and get this baby born, she will die of blood loss."
Tony felt the world stop.
She will die.
He didn't know what to think as the doctor hurried around the bed.
The rest was a blur to Tony; he didn't honestly know what was happening. All he could see was Ziva, her face scrunched up in complete agony, screaming at the top of her lungs, in pain. She let a lone tear escape past her eyelid that seemed to be sealed shut. Her breathing was ragged and he could have sworn that his hand had already lost all feeling from her squeezing it so tightly. He knew that it was already purple.
"She's almost there, just a couple more good pushes, Mrs. DiNozzo."
Ziva breathed heavily, opening her eyes just slightly, "I..." She breathed, "Can't..."
"She's losing too much blood!" One doctor shouted at the nurse, as he handled the baby that was covered in the red substance.
"Tony..." She breathed, trying desperately to keep her eyes open as she looked up at him. He felt the tears come to his eyes as he looked down at her, grasping her cold, blue hands in his, "I...am sorry..." She breathed out, a tear slipping down her face once more, "I love...you..."
And Tony watched as her eyes closed, one final time.
He woke with a start, a thin layer of cold sweat covering his body, his eyes wide with fear as he looked around. It was only then that he realized that he was still on the ground, Ziva's alive body in his arms.
He nearly let out a sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair before wrapping his arms tighter around her, pressing a gentle kiss up against the side of her head.
"Oh god, Ziva..." He breathed, "Oh...god..." He whispered, running his hands through her locks. She just continued to rest there, leaning back up against him, letting his arms tighten around her.
His heart was beating uncontrollably in his chest; he couldn't believe he actually had a dream that his wife...the love of his life...had just died in child birth.
He couldn't think of a time that he had had a more scary dream.
Well, besides the dream he had after he had met Gibbs for the first time.
That one was definitely scary.
But this one...it hurt him all over.
He shifted his arms around her and took in a deep sigh, "Ziva..." he heard himself subconsciously breathe out, "Please no." He pleaded, closing his eyes tightly and resting his chin on her shoulder, burying his head into her hair that sat on her shoulders; it was still slightly damp, "Stay strong." he whispered, "Fight like the ninja I know you are. You always will be. You've got passion. Use it." He whispered, rubbing his thumb slowly over her baby bump as he stared through the darkness at the moonlight that threatened to shine through the closed blinds of their new living room.
It was at that moment, the ticking of the analog clock making Tony discover just how quickly she could die and just how fast time was.
And it was then that Tony realized something; he wasn't going to get any sleep tonight.
Ziva David Dinozzo knew that something was wrong when she woke up in the morning and Tony's arms weren't around her. And she was on the floor. And it was 1030h and Tony hadn't woken her up and she didn't smell the remnants of his breakfast in the air.
"Shit." She suddenly heard from upstairs and she struggled to get to her feet, "Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit." Tony came hurrying down the stairs, his collar all the way up, his tie undone, his shirt untucked, his shoes untied.
What was more apparant, however, were the dark circles under his eyes and the bloodlines that were shot through his eyes. His hair was a mess, and Ziva had never seen him in such an awful state. If he hadn't sworn himself off of drinking for her, she would have believed that he had been out drinking last night and had an awful hangover.
He stopped when he saw her at the foot of the stairs, his eyes growing wide as if he'd never seen her before in his life.
Or that he didn't believe that she was actually there.
"Ziva." He breathed, finally, "Ziva, Ziva..." he ran towards her, and she barely had time to do anything as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, kissing the side of her head multiple times.
"Tony..." She started, confused, "What's wrong? What's going on? Why are you not at work? It is almost 1100h. Surely Gibbs will not be happy."
"I couldn't get the shower to work. The water just wouldn't come out." He admitted.
She pulled back, kept her hands on her arms, and then furrowed her eyebrows together, "Are you okay?"
She visibily saw him gulp, "I...stay safe." He finally said, "I have to go to work." He started away, and Ziva kept her hands on his as long as she could.
"Tony..."
"Ziva. Stay safe." He reiterated, "Please."
"Oh, Tony?" She questioned as he started out of the door. He paused and turned around.
"Ziva?"
"You are going to work...dressed like that?"
He looked down at his outfit and shrugged, "I don't see anything wrong."
She carefully walked over to him and pulled on his collar and tie, fixing it up and tucking his shirt in, running her hands through his hair to make sure it was perfect before pressing a kiss up against his lips.
"You need to take my car." Tony softly said.
"Why?" She questioned as she watched him press the keys into her hands, "Oh yes...my car is in the shop."
"I'll drive you to work, and then you can take the car home from there."
"But...I am..." She wrapped her arms around her belly.
Tony carefully leaned down and placed a kiss on her belly, "You'll be fine. You too Bailey." He whispered, rubbing it more gently and caring than Ziva had ever seen before.
She placed her hand on his head as he listened to her stomach, her mind racing.
What was wrong with Tony?
The car ride to NCIS was way too silent for Ziva's liking; she tried to start conversation, but Tony either completely ignored her or answered in a monotone 'yes' or 'no'.
Ziva also had to make sure that Tony stayed awake, for he almost hit the car in the lane next to him several times this morning due to his drifting off and not paying attention. Several times she had to take the wheel from him and steer so that the car would actually stay between the two lines.
Tony didn't really get too...thrilled...when that happened.
But it saved her and Bailey's life, not to mention her husbands.
Finally approaching the NCIS building, Ziva watched as Tony stumbled out of the car, throwing his backpack carelessly over his shoulder before letting it fall and drag on the floor next to him.
Ziva watched as he ran into the elevator doors before realizing that they weren't just gonna 'open' for him and then press the 'up' button. Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair, pushing the strands out of her face before heaving herself out of the car and making her way around to the driver's side of the car where the door was still open and the keys were in the ignition.
She furrowed her eyebrows together as she got into the car, after adjusting the seat, and thought to herself. He didn't even say goodbye...he just...left.
Something was troubling Tony DiNozzo, and she planned on figuring it out.
The car behind her beeped at her, causing her to jump slightly, and she sped out of the parking lot, her hands barely making it to the wheel due to her nine month pregnant belly.
That was something else that troubled her...she didn't understand why Tony let her drive.
Normally he didn't want her to even drive his car, no matter if her car was in the shop or not, but he really didn't want her to drive lately because of the safety risks for her and Bailey.
What happened last night?
She thought that she remembered it perfectly; they had been watching the Sound of Music, and Julie Andrews had just finished singing 'My Favorite Things' before she had nodded off to sleep with Tony's arms wrapped around her.
Did they get a night time visitor?
Something pissed him off, that was for sure, she just didn't know what.
And that troubled her.
Deeply.
She pulled up to a stop light and kept her eyes focused on an object in front of her, trying to figure out Tony's actions. Was it something she said? She replayed the events from the past day in her head and she searched for the answer.
Everything had been nearly perfect yesterday, besides Tony's freak out about McGee nearly breaking the television set. But she thought that for sure he had gotten over that. And besides, she knew that even Tony wouldn't act this way if it was because of the television.
Again, a horn honked behind her and she shoved her foot down on the accelerator.
The only logical explanation was that Tony dreamed something awful last night and was stressing immensely over it. But what?
What could possibly get him worked up like that?
Lost in her thoughts, Ziva didn't notice that the light in front of her turned from green to yellow. She continued down the street, but passed the line several seconds after the light turned to red. The light of the other lane had already turned green, and the next thing she knew, the passenger side of the car was nothing but scrap metal as another car smashed into Tony's Mustang. The airbags deployed as Ziva wrapped her arms around her belly, praying for the best and waiting to lose consciousness.
"You're late Di-whoa." Gibbs stopped in the middle of the bullpen, coffee cup in hand as he stared at his senior field agent.
"I know." Tony yawned, throwing his backpack lazily behind his desk as he scratched his stubble, slowly moving towards his chair, "Rough night." He admitted as he slumped in his chair.
"Well I can see that." Gibbs smirked just slightly but instantly let it drop.
"Something happen with Ziva?" McGee piped up, concern evident on his face as he stared at Tony from his desk.
"Ziva's fine." Tony mumbled, "For now..." He admitted, under his breath.
Gibbs, unknown to Tony, heard it and raised an eyebrow as he took a sip of coffee, "So. Get to work. Extra paperwork, you're late."
"I know that, boss." Tony growled as he watched him pass by him and out of the bullpen.
McGee and Tony sat in awkward silence for a couple more seconds before McGee spoke up, "So...how's Ziva?"
"Fine." Tony said, not looking up from his paper. McGee knew he wasn't actually working though, he was just pretending that he was working to make Gibbs happy. It was clear that something was on his mind and it was troubling him.
"So....you wanna talk about it?"
"Talk about what, McChatter? Because obviously you have a lot to talk about today! Maybe you should go and see Abby, talk to her about whatever it is you want to talk to me about, because I sure as hell don't want to listen." Tony responded, slamming his pen down on the desk and all but glaring at the junior field agent.
McGee opened and closed his mouth several times before he spoke, "Something either happened with Ziva or-"
"It was a dream." He admitted, finally.
"About what?"
"None of your business, McPeak!"
Tim put his hands up in defense, "Just trying to help."
"I know you are." He sighed, "Fine...she and Bailey...died...in....child birth." He sighed.
"Oh...Tony...I'm sorry, I didn't-" Tony put a hand up.
"You didn't know."
"Just like you didn't know your wife just got into a car accident?" Gibbs questioned from behind Tony.
His heart skipped a beat and he stood up quickly, turning around so fast that he nearly tripped over his own feet, "What?" He questioned, after gulping.
"On 2nd and Main." Gibbs nodded, "Your car's totaled."
"What happened?" He questioned, trying to keep his cool as he geared up.
"She ran a red light, a car hit her on the passenger side."
"Ziva?"
"In one piece; didn't even lose consciousness."
"And Bailey?"
Gibbs just stared at him, "Right." Tony admitted, "Stupid question. If Ziva's okay, Bailey's okay. And you wouldn't be this calm if they weren't okay."
"Local LEO's need you to go out there...the car's registered under your name."
"Right." Tony nodded, and then turned to McGee, "Car?"
"Coming right up." McGee nodded, sighing as he pulled up the database. This wasn't what Tony needed, not after that dream, and Ziva giving birth in a matter of weeks...or was it days?
"Ah... Downtown PD, my favorite." Tony sarcastically said, rolling his eyes as he stepped out of the government issued Charger, Gibbs quickly behind him. Ziva stood talking to the police while the paramedics checked her over, "She looks okay." Tony muttered to Gibbs, who just nodded.
"She does."
"But..." Tony let his eyes scan over the wreck, focusing on his car, "What?!" He questioned, stopping mid-step, "That's my car!" He pointed towards it, "What is this?!"
"Tony!" he heard Ziva shout and he moved his eyes over to lock with his wife's.
"Ziva!" He smiled, trying to muster up enough energy to jog towards her. He did and then wrapped his arms around her tightly, kissing her forehead, "You're okay, right?"
She nodded, slowly, "I am."
"But...look at my car!" He whined, "That took me forever to find!"
"I am sorry. " She admitted, looking down at her toes, "I did not mean to...I just...wanted to know..." She looked up at him and stared him deep in the eyes, "...what is troubling you?"
He sighed and stared her deep into her chocolate brown eyes. He'd have to tell her soon enough...he might as well tell her now rather than later. He took in a deep breath and his mind raced before he uttered one phrase, "I had a-" He started, but then stopped as an officer came over to them.
"Sir, are you the owner of the Mustang?"
He sighed and let his eyes unlock from Ziva's, "Yeah, that'd be me."
"Well then I need your insurance, license, and registration for the vehicle..." Tony sighed and then pressed a kiss up against her lips, quickly, rubbing his thumb over her belly before whispering to her.
"I'll be back, just...stay safe. Go and stay with Gibbs." He squeezed her shoulder once before following the police officer towards his cop car, "Oh goody, this reminds me of the good old days back when I was in PD." He rolled his eyes before joining the cop to sign papers and receive the ticket that he knew was gonna cost them a fortune. And with a baby that looked ready to burst out of Ziva any second now, he knew that finances were in a tight crunch.
Ziva moved towards Gibbs, sighing as she stared into his icy blue eyes, "I am-" She started, but Gibbs stopped her by wrapping his arms around her, rubbing her back.
"You okay?" She paused before nodding, slowly.
"Good. He's worried about you."
She pulled back and stared into his eyes, "It is not me that he should be worried about." She whispered and Gibbs just looked at her as she wrapped her arms around her stomach and watched Tony sign papers.
Her mind still raced.
What was bugging him?
If Ziva heard 'are you sure you're okay?' one more time, she was going to scream.
She walked into their new town house and put the keys on the counter before walking into the living room, Tony following close behind. The truth was, that she wasn't okay.
Physically, she was fine. A little shaken up, and slightly worried about Bailey, but otherwise, completely fine.
But mentally, she was worried about Tony, worried about his car and how hurt he was that it was now...ruined, and worried about the money factor that she was sure would come up in the near future.
She waddled into the living room and sat down on the couch, rubbing her belly as she did so. Tony followed, sat down beside her and kissed her temple.
"Are you-"
"Anthony DiNozzo." She glared at him, and now had one finger up in the air, signaling him not to speak, "If you ask me that one more time, I am going to kill you."
He smiled, but quickly let it fade, "I was just gonna ask if you were hungry, Zi." He said.
She sighed, closed her eyes and shook her head, "No, I am fine." She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his lips, "Thank you."
He ran a hand through his hair, "Well, it's almost 8."
"I am going to take a bath." Ziva said, standing from the couch, "Order a pizza, and when I am done, we can watch James Bond, yes?" Tony looked up at her with his tired eyes and half smiled.
"Sure, Zi." He said.
She ran her hand over his face and touched his nose before smiling at him again, waddling slowly up the stairs as she made her way to the bathroom.
If there was one thing she loved about their new house, it was the huge jacuzzi tub. She let a satisfied sigh escape her lips as she turned on the warm water, and then the cold, finding the perfect temperature before stripping her clothes. As soon as the tub finished filling, she carefully stepped in, and sinked way into the water. It was warm, but not too warm, because she knew that an elevated temperature from hot water could be bad for the baby.
She let the water soak deep into her skin as she sat and thought about the events earlier today. She still had no idea what was bothering Tony so much, or what could be bothering Tony so much. She moved her arms so they were around her belly. She smiled, looking through the soapy water at it.
She was going to get to meet Bailey very soon.
Frankly, she was ready. Having back pains and having to waddle everywhere, not to mention not being able to work was killing her.
She lost her smile as a small pain ran through her stomach, causing her to close her eyes tight. And then, she realized something. This was just the beginning. She swallowed the lump in her throat.
She had to be strong for herself and Bailey during child birth, and that wasn't something she thought she was ready to do. She became lost in her thoughts, and only came out of them when she heard Tony walk in. She jumped just slightly and turned to look at him, a look of concern on his face.
"Hey." He said softly, "Are you okay? You've been up here for an hour. Now I know you women love baths but-" He stopped when he saw her face. He got down on his knees so that he was eye level with her, "Why are you crying? What's wrong?"
Surprised, she brought her left hand up and wiped the tears away. She didn't even know she was crying. "I am fine." She said softly. Tony walked behind her and put his arms down her arms, resting his chin on her shoulders.
"What's wrong, Ziva? Are you in pain?"
She leaned her head against his, "No." She said softly, but her mind screamed at her.
I will be.
She swallowed, "I am worried about you." Tony kissed her neck gently and moved his hands so that they were touching her bare belly under the now cold water.
"You don't need to be worrying about me." He replied, his lips vibrating against his skin as he spoke.
"Tony." She said, her voice breaking just slightly, "What is wrong?"
"I just..." He stopped, he didn't really want her to know about his dream.
Not now.
He kissed her neck again and spoke into it, finally deciding the words to say, "I'm worried about you and Bailey."
"I am too." She admitted, but the words escaped her lips before she had time to think about it. He now was looking directly at her face, tears brimmed her eyes again.
"What?" He asked. "Ziva..." He said softly, moving his hands from her belly and to her face, the cold water running down his hands and arms, "You're going to be fine. You and Bailey." He leaned up closer to her and placed a soft kiss on her lips, "I promise." She turned more in the tub and ran her wet hand through his hair and down his face, cupping his cheek.
"Are you sure you are okay?"
He nodded, "I'm fine, sweetheart. Just...didn't sleep good last night."
She let a small smile form on her lips, "Perhaps we will sleep in the bed tonight?"
He chuckled, "Yeah, that'd be nice." He kissed her forehead and stood up. "Come on, get out of there before you catch a cold." He walked over to the box that contained their towels and unfolded one, holding it out for her. She smiled up at him and stood, stepping out of the tub and into his arms. He wrapped the towel around her and kissed her again, "You both will be fine." He said softly. She smiled only slightly and nodded, placing another kiss on his lips. "Pizza's gettin' cold."
"I will be down in a minute." She said.
He kissed her again and left the bathroom as the water drained from the tub.
He walked down the stairs, sat down on the couch and stared at the repeating menu of the James Bond DVD.
He wasn't going to sleep good tonight either.
Or...not until Bailey was born.
Tony sat at his desk a week later, holding his head up with his hand. He really didn't think it would hold itself up.
Over the last week, he'd gotten maybe 15 hours of sleep.
It wasn't good for his health, and he knew that, but he couldn't get that dream out of his head.
The constant worry of something happening to his precious baby girl, or his more than amazing wife ate him from the inside. He wondered if all new dad's worried about his wife and baby the way he was.
He honestly didn't know how one couldn't.
Looking down at his watch, he groaned when he realized that it was only 1030h.
A hour and a half before he could go and check on Ziva on his lunch break.
Ziva told him that it was unnecessary, for the drive to their new house was 20 minutes further away than their old apartment, which resulted in about 5 minutes he had to "check" on her. She assured him that if she needed him for any reason, she'd call.
But he didn't care.
He ran a hand through his hair and was slightly startled when Gibbs blew the squad room, heading directly for his desk.
"Grab your gear, we've got a dead petty officer."
Tony sighed, probably louder than he should have. But honestly, he didn't want to be at work. He wanted to be at home, with his pregnant wife. He was checking his cell phone about every 2 minutes, making sure that he didn't miss a call from Ziva.
Bailey was going tobe there soon.
He gulped at the thought as he, Gibbs and McGee got onto the elevator. It started to descend and McGee spoke first, "Where we going, boss?"
"Faulkner, Maryland."
Tony snapped his head up, staring at the back of Jethro's head.
They had been to Faulkner before, and Tony knew it was at least an hour away, and even with Gibbs driving, there was 30 minutes or more of traffic.
That was too far to be away from Ziva.
He checked his phone again.
About 1500h, Ziva sat on the couch, flipping channels on the television. She was unconsciously rubbing her belly, as if Bailey were a genie and was just going to appear. She really didn't want to watch Judge Joe, or any of the "court dramas", Jerry Springer, Oprah, or Maury, for those talk shows were on everyday, accompanied with soap operas, which Ziva really hated.
Frustrated, she turned the television off and waddled over to the book shelf, pulling one of her favorites out. A sharp pain crossed her stomach and she closed her eyes, pressing her lips together, waiting on it to pass.
And, as usual, it did.
She was just about to sit down when she heard the mail truck pass their house, slamming the mail box door closed. She smiled.
Fresh air would do her good.
As she walked out of the front door, she had to stop, for another pain, sharper this time, caused her to lean over, one hand on her stomach, the other supporting her weight on her knee.
She took a deep breath and continued her path to the mailbox.
And then...something happened.
"Ow." She said to herself, leaning over in pain again.
One of her neighbors, Ashley Bullock, walked over to Ziva, a look of concern on her face. "Mrs. DiNozzo? Are you okay?"
"I need...to go to the hospital. My water just broke." Ziva said, and then yelped in pain again. Ziva made it to her mini, and opened the drivers side door. Ashley rushed over to her, stopping her from sitting in the car.
"Oh no honey, you're not driving yourself. Come on, you lay down in the backseat of my car. I'll take you."
"I need-ow!" She said again, and didn't have time-or she didn't feel up to arguing with her new neighbor, so she got into the back seat and lay down, hugging her belly. "Tony." She breathed.
"Hang on honey, I'll get you there." Ashley said, and then Ziva moaned in pain again.
"Tony. I need Tony."
"Where is he?"
"Work." Ziva managed to say. She inhaled deeply, trying to labor her breathing, but she couldn't seem to calm herself down. She needed Tony. "I want my husband." She mumbled quietly.
"We'll call him." Ashley said, and then finally pulled into the hospital parking lot. She left Ziva in the car as she rushed to the lobby and got a wheel chair, hurrying back over to the car. She helped Ziva in the chair, and Ziva held her stomach, her eyes closed as she yelped in pain. Once inside, the nurse took over and Ashley squatted down to Ziva. "You're going to be fine, Mrs. DiNozzo."
"Ton-ow!"
"Ziva?" Nick asked, and then squatted down, looking up in her face.
"Nick." Ziva said, putting one hand on his shoulder.
"When did the contractions start?" Nick asked, and then checked her pulse.
Ziva breathed, "20 minuets ago."
"Alright, we need to get you to delivery, and fast." He stood to his full form, "Where is Tony?"
"Call him. Please. I need..." She stopped, "Want him here."
"We're gonna call him, just take deep breaths, okay? Nurse, please take her to delivery 2." The nurse, Samantha, nodded and wheeled Ziva down the hall. Nick walked back over to the desk and flipped open his cell phone, searching for Tony's name before hitting the green button. "Tony. What's up man?"
Tony let the camera hang around his neck at the crime scene as he walked away from the group, "Nick! How are you dude?"
"I'm fine, you need to get to the hospital."
Tony lost his smile, "What's wrong?"
Gibbs, McGee, Ducky and Palmer heard the panic in his voice and it caught their attention, "DiNozzo?" Gibbs said, walking closer to his senior feild agent.
"I'll be right there. Tell her to hold on, I'm coming." He slammed his cell phone shut, "Boss, I need the keys."
Gibbs put a hand on his shoulder, "Calm down, she's gonna be fine. You're not driving, you'll kill yourself." He turned back to the other three, "McGee, finish up here and ride back with Ducky. I'll call you and get an update. Have Agent Balboa's team take over." McGee nodded.
"On it."
"Boss I have to go! Nick said she was going-"
"Tony." Gibbs said, both of his hands on the agents shoulders now, "Calm. Down. Go sit in the passenger seat and put on your seat belt." Tony obeyed and quickly moved to the other side of the car.
"Damn it. Why did we have to go to damn Faulkner today? Couldn't we just stay in the bull pen like we've been doing all week? Of course this would happen to me!" Gibbs let a small smile form on his lips.
He recognized the craziness Tony was demonstrating right now. It reminded him of something.
Himself.
He smiled at the memory. When Kelly was on her way, he almost had a heart attack. He looked at his senior field agent, and saw that his left leg was bouncing up and down with impatience. "Hold on, Ziva." Gibbs heard him say.
"DiNozzo." Gibbs said, as he sped through traffic, changing lanes like there was no tomorrow. Tony turned and looked at him, and Gibbs saw the panic and worry in his eyes, "They're going to be fine. We're going to make it."
Tony sighed and returned to looking out of the window.
"I hope so." He whispered.
"Where is Tony?" Ziva said, louder this time. Now, she had machines hooked up all around her, making various noises. The one next to her measured her contractions, and it was continuously making a high pitched beeping sound, and it was driving Ziva insane.
"She's 9 centimeters dilated." said Ziva's doctor, Richard Moore.
"Ziva, we're going to have to start pushing soon. This baby is coming fast."
"No, not without Tony!" Ziva yelled.
"Mrs. DiNozzo, your husband-"
"No!" She yelled, and even through the pain, her voice was stern. "I am not doing this without him!"
Richard was no idiot, he knew better than to argue with this patient. But he knew that if Tony wasn't there within 30 minutes, he'd miss the birth.
"Owww!" Ziva yelled, gripping the sheets with both hands.
"Ziva, I need you to breathe." Richard said, counting as he tried to calm her down.
Gibbs looked over at the passenger's seat again, now both of Tony's legs were bouncing up and down. "Boss I have to get there." He said impatiently.
"I know, DiNozzo. We're almost there."
"What if she's hurting?"
"Well, she probably is. She's gotta squeeze a watermelon out of something the size of a golf hole."
Suddenly, Tony was disgusted. "Nice boss. Nice."
When Gibbs finally pulled into the hospital parking lot, before he could even stop the car, Tony was out and running to the entrance. "Nick! Nick!" Tony called, spotting his friend walking down the hallway, "Where is she? Where's Ziva? Is she okay? How's Bailey?"
Nick put both hands on Tony's shoulders, just as Gibbs did earlier, "Tony, calm down. Ziva's fine, Bailey, I assume that's your baby girl?" Tony nodded in response, "She's not here yet."
Tony let out a huge sigh of relief. "Where is she?"
"This way."
Nick walked a little more down the long hallway and opened the door to Ziva's room, and Tony immediatley lost his smile when he heard Ziva moan in severe pain. "Ziva!" Tony said, his breathing still labored.
"Tony." When she saw him, tears flooded her eyes as he took both of her hands, holding them tightly. He leaned down and gave her a kiss, and brushed her hair out of her face, placing one hand on her forehead. "It hurts." She said softly. Tony closed his eyes, he hated to see her in pain.
"I know, Zi." He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You'll be fine. And so will Bailey." She managed to smile, but just for a second as another contraction came.
"Alright, Mr. DiNozzo, glad you could make it. We're about to have us a baby soon." Tony smiled at the thought and leaned down to his wife again, kissing her sweaty cheek and then whispering into her ear.
"I love you, Ziva DiNozzo."
She now had her eyes closed, and was slightly relaxed at that moment, her left hand was squeezing his tightly. "I love you too." She said.
Another hour passed, and it was now starting to get dark outside as Tony paced back and fourth. Something was wrong.
Something with Bailey or with Ziva, he didn't know.
The doctor told him, but it was all a blur to Tony, not to mention medical terms that he didn't understand. All that he knew was that the baby should've been here by now, and she wasn't. And then the doctor insisted that Tony leave the room. But of course, Tony refused.
He wouldn't leave for the world.
Gibbs, McGee, Abby, and Ducky were all out in the waiting room, waiting patiently for any kind of news anyone could offer.
Tony was still next to Ziva, their fingers intertwined, and Tony's was almost blue Ziva was squeezing it so hard. But he didn't care. "Alright Mrs. DiNozzo, here comes another contraction. "We're going to push on this one okay?"
Ziva did the only thing she could, nod.
Three counts to ten later, there was a newborn baby placed on Ziva's belly. Ziva let out a huge sigh of relief and Tony leaned down to her, "You did it, there she is." He said, and then kissed her forehead.
He was smiling from ear to ear, he couldn't help it.
"Dad, you want to cut the umbilical cord?"
Tony took a couple of steps and took the tool from the doctor, doing just as he said. He then walked back over to Ziva, who was crying tears of happiness as she stared at her.
"Alright Mom and Dad, we're going to take her away for just a few minutes, okay?"
The DiNozzo's nodded and the nurse took Bailey.
Tony sat in the chair one of the nurses provided for him and leaned in close to Ziva, his lips touching her cheek as he spoke, "She's here." He whispered, and Ziva let a small smile form on her lips. She ran a hand down his face and pulled him into a kiss.
"Go tell the others." She said.
"No, they can wait, I don't wanna leave you."
She smiled, "I am fine, Tony. I want them to know."
He sighed, "You sure?"
She pulled him into another kiss and he nodded, holding onto her hand as long as he could before walking out of her room and down the hall. All four stood when they spotted him, walking over to him quickly.
"Is she here?" Abby asked excitedly.
Tony couldn't hide his 10,000 watt DiNozzo smile anymore. "Yeah, she's here." Abby jumped on Tony for a death-gripping hug, causing a small chuckle from Tony.
"Yay!" She yelled, "I'm so happy for you guys!" When she finally let go, Gibbs, McGee, and Ducky all shook his hand, a smile on each of their faces, congratulating him.
"How's Ziva?" Gibbs asked.
"Ziva's great. She lost a litte more blood than she should've, but the doctor said that she'll be fine."
Ducky nodded, "It's not uncommon."
"Ziva wants to see all of you, but she's gotta get cleaned up and all. But come look at Bailey!"
Abby was the first to make it to the window, "She's got a headful of hair!"
Tony smiled, "Yeah."
When the nurse finished, she brought Bailey to the window and held her for the group to see, and they all 'awwwed' in unison.
"She's beautiful." Tony said.
Gibbs, McGee, Abby and Ducky all went into to see Ziva, but just briefly, because she was exhausted. They moved Ziva to a regular room, because, frankly, they needed the space in the delivery wing. Now, she was in a bigger bed, big enough for Tony to lay with her. They finally brought Bailey back to her parents, after all of the testing was complete.
Ziva held her in her arms, staring down at her new baby girl. She was a perfect shade of pink, with 10 fingers and 10 toes. Her head was full of dark brown, almost black hair. Tony put one arm around Ziva and the other under Ziva's arm, the one that was holding her.
"Wow."
Ziva looked up at him a smile on her face, "What?" She asked.
"I thought our wedding day was the happiest day of my life." He leaned down and kissed Bailey, "But this may knock that into second place."
Ziva handed Bailey to Tony and leaned onto his shoulder as they both stared at her. She was sound asleep, warm comfortable and happy in the blanket that the nurses wrapped her in. Tony continued to stare, much like her mother, she was gorgeous.
And soon, a soft snore was coming from Ziva's lips. Tony smiled down at her and then turned his attention to Bailey. He leaned over and put her in the 'rolling crib' the hospital provided, and then he carefully moved Ziva so that she was flat on the bed. He gave her a soft kiss on her lips and then wrapped his arms around her, a smile plastered on his face.
He was a husband, and now, he was a dad.
He didn't think he could be any happier.
It was his place in the world.