Rifiuto: Non Miriena

The paint cans rested on every available space in the room; spilled, antique dusted emerald paint was spread out over the black tarp laid down, and the laughter that filled the room as they painted made the early morning start worth it. As soon as Asher had woken up, Tim had suggested going to the store and picking out paint colors- but the boy stopped his father, telling him he knew exactly what color he wanted his room. Ziva had just shrugged.

"His favorite color is green."

And now, they were working on the walls in Asher's room, enjoying the family time together, as music played on the stereo Tim had set up, because Asher was insistent that they couldn't work without music. None of them noticed the knocking on the apartment door or the footsteps entering the small home. The only reason they knew anyone was here, was because Tim came into the kitchen to get something to drink only to find Gibbs standing in the living room. "Boss, what... how did you... what are you doing here?"

His boss held up a good-sized bag of takeout. "Ran into Fornell; said he saw you moving into the apartment and figured you might need some help. Tony's got a few of the guys from cybercrimes and also Cassidy's team helping." He glanced around. "Nice place. Sure it's big enough?" Tim took a sip of his water.

"For Ziva, Asher and I, of course." He bit his lip. "And... thank you, but you didn't need to-" Gibbs waved it away.

"No problem. You're one of my boys, Tim. And Ziva and Asher are yours, so they're mine too." It was then that Agent Paula Cassidy entered, carrying a box of kitchen supplies.

"Where did you guys-" Tim asked, watching as she set the box on the counter.

"We may have stopped and picked up a few things for you, McGee." She replied with a wink. Tim just stared at her, unsure of how to respond, before he gave her a nervous smile.

"Abba! Ima said that when we finish, we can go get Chi-" Everyone looked up as Asher rushed into the kitchen, a streak of green paint on his cheek. Gibbs was just as surprised as everyone else to hear Asher call Tim Abba, especially considering how shy and nervous he'd been when they first met. But obviously, both were getting used to each other, and had spent that last few days bonding as much as possible. Instantly, Asher's green eyes widened in surprise, and he looked around at all the people bringing things into the apartment, before quickly darting behind his father. "Abba, who are they?" Tim glanced down at his son, taking a deep breath before kneeling to his level, finally finding his voice.

"These, are my coworkers. They've come to help us move in." The boy nodded slowly, still not fully understanding, but trusting his father's words. "You've met Agent Gibbs and Agent DiNozzo and Ms. Scuito and Dr. Mallard and Mr. Palmer and Director Shepard." The boy nodded, and then whispered something to Tim, which made him smile. "Yes, the nice lady with the pretty red hair." After a moment, Tim stood, scooping the small boy into his arms and settling him on his hip as Gibbs disappeared and returned minutes later.

Even though Asher was eight, he was small for his age, weighing only about forty-three pounds- thanks in a big way to Ziva's genes; Tim had at first been worried that their son was sick, but Ziva let him know that the doctors had told her it was normal for a child of his height and build to be on the small side of the weight spectrum. The boy curled into his father's side, watching the strangers enter and exit the apartment, leaving boxes of various sizes and shapes in their wake. Tim glanced down at his son, and then, unsure of what possessed him, he pressed a kiss to Asher's temple, just as Ziva entered from the back of the apartment, brushing her bangs off her face.

"I sent Asher out here to get you, and then I find that he-" She stopped, surprised to find Gibbs and the others coming in and out. "Agent Gibbs, what... what are you all..." The silver-haired agent set down two trays of coffee in front of the family, removing two and handing one to his agent and one to the Mossad officer.

"They're here to help us, Ziva." Tim whispered, glancing at her. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Help... help us... help us move?" He nodded. "But..." She turned back to Gibbs. "But why?" The team leader shrugged.

"Because Tim is a part of our family, and you and Asher are Tim's family. And there's nothing we won't do for family." After a moment, Ziva accepted the coffee, taking a sip. She gave Gibbs a small smile.

"Toda." He nodded, as Paula Cassidy returned with Abby and Tony in tow, carrying boxes that were meant for the bedroom. Tim and Ziva had finished painting the master bedroom earlier in the day- a nice, beautiful Mint Green, that was more blues in hue than green, depending on the light in the room. It was a beautiful, calming color, that would help whisk the stress of the day away. And they had also found a nice bedroom set of deep, mahogany wood, that they'd bought the day before and had delivered earlier in the day. As for Asher's room, his furniture was made of nice, sturdy oak, a simple twin bed with dark green sheets and pillows.

"So, what do you have done so far?" Gibbs asked, as the couple shared a glance, unsure of what to say.

There were still lots of things to be put away, but the bigger pieces of furniture- the beds, bookcases, tables, and various other things needed for living in an apartment- were all assembled and set up, but Tim and Ziva could get it all settled to their liking the next day. Gibbs even gave Tim Monday and Tuesday off, allowing him time to help Ziva get their son settled and adjusted to this new life. Once done, dinner eaten and all big boxes and bags removed, the others left the small family, leaving behind wishes for sweet dreams and congratulations in their new home. As Tim finally shut the door behind him, he turned, to see Ziva sitting on the sofa, Asher curled up beside her with his head in her lap. She was gently stroking the boy's dark curls, humming a soft lullaby to him. Silently, he went to the sofa, leaning over it. "He's out cold, huh?"

She turned to him confused. "What?"

"Sound asleep." He clarified. "It's an expression." She nodded, glancing down at their son. When she looked up next, it was to him standing over her, arms out. "Here, give him to me." Gently, she sat the boy up and whispered something into his ear, guiding him towards his father. Once Tim had scooped his son up, Asher wrapped his small arms around his neck and nuzzled his head into his Abba's shoulder. Ziva followed behind, a small smile on her face as she watched Tim undress the boy and help him into his pajamas before tucking him into bed. Then, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to their son's head. He grabbed her hand on the way out, squeezing gently, giving her time to tell Asher goodnight.

"Laila Tov, my angel. Get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow." Gently, she brushed his hair away from his face before pressing a kiss to his forehead.

"Ima?"

"Hmm?"

"Are we a family now?" She swallowed, unsure of how to respond.