It had been almost a week since Ziva had relapsed and she had continued to get stronger ever since that surgery. Her doctor was happy to send her home as long as she didn't go to work and she rested as much as possible. When Gibbs had come by that morning, Ziva had excitedly told him what the doctor had said and Gibbs had promised to return the next day to pick her up. He had also organised for Tony to stay over and spend the days with Ziva so that she wouldn't be lonely while he and McGee were at work. Jack had promised to stay a few more days to help Ziva get around at home since she only had to wait three days before she was allowed to return to work on desk duty.
This had originally annoyed Ziva since she knew that McGee was still on desk duty for another week and a half. She felt bad for making Tony and Gibbs do all the field work on their own, but she also knew that she didn't have a choice. She was just glad to be able to go back to work. While Ziva had been thinking, Doctor Smith had come in with the release forms for Ziva to sign. She happily agreed to come back in two days for a checkup.
"Are you ready to go Ziva?" asked Gibbs.
"Of course I am. Let's go!" exclaimed Ziva excitedly.
Gibbs helped her to the car and drove to his house. Tony was already there, waiting for his new girlfriend to get there so they could watch a movie together. He had picked out one that he knew she would like, since it had Johnny Depp in it and he knew that she loved the guy.
"Is Tony at your house?"
"Yes. He wants to watch a movie with you. He said that you'll like the lead actor."
"Who is it?" Ziva's eyes lit up at the thought of spending more time with Tony.
"I don't know. Tony wants to surprise you."
"Ooh, I can't wait to find out."
Gibbs smiled at his friend and then looked back at the road. He was just pulling into the driveways when his phone rang. The caller ID said that it was Vance on other end of the phone so Gibbs answered it as he collected Ziva's bags and headed into the house behind her.
Once inside the house, Ziva turned around to look for her boss. He was on the phone still and put her bags down on the floor next to a coffee table.
"Ziva!" exclaimed Tony. He pulled her into a gentle hug as she smiled happily.
Ziva melted into the hug and only pulled away when Gibbs called her.
"Ziva, I have to go into the office. My dad's here as well as Tony if you need anything at all. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you need it. I'll get my dad to take your bags upstairs. You'll be using Kelly's room since it's full of stuffed toys and I know you love them."
"Okay, thanks Gibbs."
Ziva wandered off to the lounge room once Gibbs had headed into the kitchen. She was happy that she was safe and that everyone cared about her, but she felt like she was being a burden to everyone. She wanted to go back to her apartment and look after herself so that everyone could move on with their lives. She had always looked after herself so being injured and alone was nothing new. She knew that she could look after herself and get better, but she was scared to tell Gibbs. She didn't want him to worry anymore.
"What's up Ziva?" asked Gibbs as he walked through the lounge room.
"Oh, nothing Gibbs. I was just thinking."
"Don't lie to me Ziva."
"It's...nothing. It doesn't matter. I can't do it anyway."
"Do what?"
"I want to go home Gibbs," sighed Ziva.
"I know you do sweetie but it's only for three days Ziva. It'll fly by. I promise."
Ziva gave her boss a smile and then curled up on the couch next to Tony, resting her head on his chest. Tony put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a one armed hug. He knew that she was feeling like a burden, and he also knew that Gibbs and Jack were loving the fact that they had to look after her. Tony was determined to make Ziva see that she wasn't a burden, and he had a really good idea of how to do just that.
