Chapter Twelve

Ziva walked into the apartment building with Tony behind her. She was jumpy still but slowly getting better. She walked up the stairs and instead of going to her apartment she went to the one next to hers. She knocked on the door and leaned against the wall so she could see everything as she waited.

Tony watched her worried. He hated the creep for doing this to her. Ziva didn't do anything to deserve it. She was over there to help save innocent lives and ended up getting hurt. Tony wished he could go back in time to where he was with Ziva. He was supposed to be able to take care of her. He wanted to.

Ziva looked at Tony for a second then followed her neighbor into their apartment.

Tony slowly followed unsure if Ziva wanted him to. He was glad he did when he saw Ziva picking up a little baby from a crib. He watched her as she smiled and kissed her son's head. It was good to see Ziva loved the child even though he was the kid of someone who hurt her. Tony smiled watching how gentle Ziva was with him. How sweet and caring her movements were. The ninja who he knew was strong, and rarely ever gentle was now the gentlest human being in the world.

Ziva picked up the little car seat her son was in and thanked her neighbor before following Tony out. "I need to get the bottle formula from my apartment before we go."

Tony nodded and followed Ziva into her apartment.

Ziva set the car seat on the small table. "Can you make sure he's okay while I get it?" She asked.

Tony nodded. "Sure." He walked to the car seat. Inside was Ziva's son. He was awake and completely calm. "Hi there." Tony said smiling. He gently took the small hand in his and watched as Conner watched him with big baby blue eyes.

Ziva glanced over her shoulder and saw how gentle Tony was. She smiled and grabbed the baby formula and put it inside the diaper bag. She put a few diapers in and a small toy. Then she put it over her shoulder and walked over. "Ready to go?"

Tony nodded. "I'll carry him for you." He offered.

Ziva shook her head. "No. I can carry him." She grabbed the car seat and waited for Tony to go in front of her before following.

When they got back Ziva kept Conner close to her. She walked behind her desk putting his car seat next to her chair then picked him up and held him.

Abby walked over. "He's adorable Ziva." She commented.

Ziva smiled. "Thanks Abs." She kissed the soft spot on top of her son's head.

Tony sat at his desk and watched Ziva with a smile.

Gibbs glanced at Tony and smiled to himself. DiNozzo was back. He old grin was appearing onto his face slowly. Gibbs worked smiling knowing his team was going to be okay again.

McGee walked over to Ziva and flinched back slightly.

She looked up at McGee and smiled a little. "Sorry."

McGee smiled and backed up a little, "its okay. I should've walked slower."

Ziva looked at Conner who was staring at McGee and Abby with wide eyes. He started to reach a hand towards Abby but stopped and quickly pulled his hand back.

Ziva chuckled softly. "He's a little shy sometimes."

Abby smiled. "Its cute." She looked at Conner's baby blue eyes. "Can I hold him?"

Ziva looked at Conner then Abby. Slowly she nodded. "Sure." Gently she passed Conner into the Goth's arms.

Conner looked up at Abby with the still big blue eyes.

Tony walked over trying not to scare Ziva.

Ziva looked up as he walked over and smiled. She was getting used to Tony again. Gibbs she knew was safe. But it would take time for her to begin trusting men again. Gibbs was the only one she would trust for now. "I think Conner is everyone's little friend now."

"You mean favorite?" Tony grinned charmingly.

Ziva chuckled softly. "yes."

Tony looked at Ziva. She was already beginning to look like the Ziva she was before she left. In the back of his mind he was glad she returned. And knew if she never did, he'd find a way to join her.

Ziva smiled and looked back at Conner who was blowing spit bubbles. She got his blanket and gently wiped the spit that was running down his cheek towards Abby's arm.

Abby laughed. "He's so cute!"

McGee smiled in agreement. "He is."

Ziva nodded and watched Conner. She was unaware of the Senior Field Agent that was watching her. The exact agent that was falling in love with her more and more.