A/N: Sorry, meant to put this on the last chapter. Almost everyone asked about the pronunciation of 'Chaya'. To be honest, I don't know. I'm not even sure I want to know because I keep waffling between what I want it to sound like. So I'll let everyone decide how they want to pronounce it. Lame, I know, but that's as good as it gets. Thanks for all the reviews, you guys are fabulous! :)

Cierra - you're my newest non-signed in reviewer. I would LOVE to be able to reply to your comments, any chance of you getting an account or signing in so I can? Thanks so much for the periodic reviews you've been doing as you read, it means a lot. ~Aliyah

Abby was in their bathroom at the quaint little B&B on the second last day of their honeymoon, doing her hair when she suddenly felt something and stopped. It gave her a pause but as soon as she figured out what it was, she squealed and dropped her brush. "Timmy, come here!"

McGee raced in from the bedroom. "Abbs? What's wrong?"She had both hands pressed against her abdomen, but the look on her face was awe, not pain.

She felt it again and flung her arms around him "I think I just felt the baby move Tim."

He pulled back. "Really? You did?"

Abby twirled around in a circle. "Yes! I did and it's..." she stopped and frowned. "It's a weird feeling."

Remembering what Gibbs said, about his turn probably still being a months away, McGee was a little jealous. "Like what?" he asked, not wanting to be completely left out.

Abby bit her lip. "You're going to laugh."

He took her hands. "I won't babe, I promise."

"Well," she searched for another descriptions but couldn't find anything, "it kind of feels like there's a goldfish swimming around in there."

McGee bit his lip so as not to break his promise. "A baby goldfish, huh?"

"Tim!" she shoved his shoulder when she saw he was teasing. Then her eyes lit up. "Ooh! I have to tell Gibbs! Where's my phone?"

While McGee would've preferred not to think of his boss at all on his honeymoon, he knew it was different for Abby. "You left it in your jacket last night."

Giddy with happiness, Abby dashed out of the bedroom and grabbed her phone, sending off as much as she could fit in one text. It was expensive outside of the States. Then she returned to McGee and squeezed him tightly. "I can't wait until you can feel it too!"

He hugged her back. "Me too Abbs, me too."

NCIS

It was barely six am when Tony was jerked from sleep by a nightmare that disappeared the second he opened his eyes. Feeling groggy - it had been an incredibly emotional night, though not altogether late - he rubbed his face and slowly untangled himself from Ziva without waking her.

Tony realized he was far too unsettled to go back to sleep and decided an hour at the gym might do him good. Twenty minutes later he let himself into the NCIS training gym and started stretching. Even though running wasn't his forte anymore, Tony still chose to warm up with two miles on the treadmill. He began slowly but increased the pace steadily, anger and oxygen fueling his muscles.

Scenes from the night before played over and over in his head and all Tony wanted to do was purge the images. His run barely put a dent in what he was feeling, so he returned to the mats and worked weights until his arms shook and his legs threatened to give out.

Then he strapped on gloves and went to the punching bag in the corner. Tony knew he wasn't as good as Ziva, but he'd taken boxing lessons once upon a time and was familiar with the basics. He threw some light punches and bounced on the balls of his feet, getting reacquainted with the motion and finding his rhythm.

But practice quickly became real, a new picture or face or scar dancing before his eyes on the bag with each punch and jab. Tony was breathing hard, jaw clenched and dripping with sweat when Gibbs found him shortly after seven, led by a concerned text from Ziva when she woke up without him and the gnawing feeling in his gut when Tony's car was in the parking lot but the agent himself was nowhere to be found.

It took Tony too long to notice the older man and when he finally did, there was no expression on his face, only a darkness in his eyes that Gibbs knew all too well. He stared at his agent for a long moment, then took a sip of his coffee. "You broke Rule #1."

The pulled Tony up short. "I haven't-"

Gibbs cut him off. "Your wife's Rule #1." He was slightly amused that Ziva had started her own list but he approved too because after all, everyone needed a code they could live by.

Tony let his arms hand down by his side. "I didn't want to worry her."

Gibbs raised an eyebrow. "She's worried now."

He breathed out hard. "Yeah. I wasn't really up to pretending this morning and Zi...she knows me too well. She'd see it in my eyes. I can't hide anything from her anymore."

Gibbs grunted. "Probably best."

"No!" Tony asserted, tearing off his gloves and throwing them to the floor. "It's not best! I'm so angry today that I can't see straight. I didn't want Ziva to see that in me."

Gibbs walked closer and slapped the back of Tony's head hard enough to sting. His eyes came up and he looked ready for a fight no matter who the opponent was. "Deal with it."

"I tried!" Tony yelled, pacing in a tight circle. "I've been here for an hour and it's not helping." His voice dropped and he suddenly looked so vulnerable Gibbs almost wanted to hug the younger man. Tony's words were choked. "Did you ever see her after...the camp Boss?"

Gibbs had tried to forget Ziva laying face down on a hospital bed, naked to her waist while doctors worked to clean and stitch the worst cuts on her back and salve the other wounds because it was all they could do. He stood in the shadows and watched, a silent guardian because he knew Ziva wouldn't want any of them to see her so weak but he couldn't stay away. It had been hard enough to convince Tony to let his partner get checked out alone when all he wanted to do was be with her, but the man felt guilty enough already , he didn't need to see this.

A female nurse came in to give Ziva a sponge bath and get rid of the worst of the dirt and grime, but she had to wear the same stained, dirty clothes that smelled of sweat and desert. Gibbs had determined to get her something to change into as soon as they got home. That moment was hours away however and all he'd wanted right then was to know his agent was alive. He passed a hand over his eyes and nodded once.

"I saw her."

"So...you know what they did." Tony wasn't sure how he felt about that - relieved to share the burden or frustrated and jealous that he was the last to see her scars.

"I know what I saw," Gibbs corrected. "Mostly the damage to her back. The rest I can guess at."

Tony shook his head. "I don't know how to handle what they did. I thought I knew, but to actually see the extent of what she went through..." he clutched his head. "I can't...I can't stop thinking about it."

Gibbs sighed. "Three truths DiNozzo." Tony looked up, hoping beyond hope for something to hold onto. "Ziva is alive. She's safe. She loves you. And after Somalia there isn't anything the two of you can't get through if you do it together."

Tony forced a smile. "That's four."

Gibbs glared for the normalcy of it and growled. "You're late. Be at your desk in ten minutes or Matt's paperwork becomes yours."

Taking a deep breath and releasing it, Tony felt his body relax as tension flowed from him. Eight and a half minutes later he was showered and dressed. He sat at his desk for less than two minutes, long enough for Gibbs to walk in and notice, before grabbing his phone and retreating to the alcove by the stairs. He pressed speed dial #2 for Ziva and waited.

Her voice came on the line seconds later. "Tony?" He could hear the concern and closed his eyes, trying to sound normal.

"Hey Zi, sorry I forgot to say goodbye." He winced at the almost lie. "I didn't want to wake you."

She was quiet for too long. "I would rather you did. I have all day to sleep." Ziva bit her lip and pictured his tortured gaze from looking at her scars last night. "You are not okay."

Tony swallowed hard and ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm...working on it."

Ziva didn't know how to make it easier for him. She laid her hand over her stomach. "Does it help that I love you?"

He sighed and chuckled a little. "It doesn't hurt." All he wanted to do was hold her, but he had to be at work. The team was too short handed for him to take a personal day. "I love you Ziva. Take is easy, okay?"

She felt sadness gather in her chest. "This will not be easy Tony. Not now, maybe not ever." It was clear she was talking about them, not her pregnancy.

"Ziva," Tony said seriously, "you're alive and you're here. That alone is worth any amount of effort it takes to make this work." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not going anywhere sweetheart, but sometimes I just need space to think."

Ziva blinked back tears, knowing that he often thought the wrong things when he was alone. "As long as you come home to me when you are done thinking."

"Trust me Zi," he smiled for the first time, "it'll be the highlight of my day. I love you."

Her smile was faint. "We love you too." They didn't say goodbye out of long habit. Neither wanted those to be the last words they heard.

Tony flipped his phone closed and took a few minutes to compose himself before returning to the bullpen. Ziva was right, he wasn't okay but he would be, just as soon as he held her in his arms tonight. Right now, that was all that mattered, and all he had to do was survive until then.

NCIS

At the house Ziva clutched the cellphone to her chest and wiped away tears that had fallen while they talked. "Ima is sad today Tatelah," she said softly. "Daddy is trying so hard, but I wish he did not have to hurt so much." The baby moved and Ziva got up to take a shower. Any more sleep would be impossible for awhile.

Three hours later however, a nap looked incredibly enticing, and being that she was already downstairs, wearing her American flag shirt from Abby and light cargo pants, Ziva got comfortable one the couch. She curled up around a throw pillow and let the bliss of dreamless sleep carry her away.

It was early afternoon before she woke to a gentle, persistent knocking on the door. Rubbing her eyes, Ziva pushed herself up and walked slowly over to see who it was. Surprised, she unlocked the door. "Grace, I was not expecting you."

The older woman smiled. "I know, I'm sorry. But I just made cookies and I wanted to share them while they were still warm." She shrugged one shoulder. "Besides, I had such a good time yesterday, I hoped you wouldn't mind another visit."

"Of course not. But I hope Tony is not bribing you to come over."

"Not at all dear," Grace reassured her. She stepped inside and indicated the bag she carried. "Actually, I thought we might start our lessons today."

"Lessons?" Ziva was confused. "I do not understand."

"Oh," Grace paused, "I thought he would've told you. Tony knew you'd be getting bored without anything to do, so he asked me to teach you something. Have you ever done knitting or crocheting?"

Ziva sat down. "There was never time for such things when I was growing up."

Grace tilted her head. "Would you like to learn now?"

Ziva caressed her bump. "It would be nice to make a blanket for my baby."

"Crochet then, that would be perfect. The ripple stitch is my specialty. I've made them for all my grandchildren." She set a plate on the coffeetable. "Let's have cookies first, then we'll start."

Ziva picked up a warm, gooey cookie and bit into it. "Mmm. Dessert first, I like that idea."

NCIS

Tony finally made it home shortly before eight, kept late because of the case they'd caught. He walked in the door and took off his coat, careful not to drip water on the floor. It had started pouring a couple hours ago and there was no end in sight. "Hi babe, sorry I'm late."

Ziva was on the couch, her legs tucked under her, steadily working with a crochet hook and yarn on a rippled strip already several inches long. The Sound of Music played in the background, but Ziva's focus was entirely on her project. He chuckled. "Let me guess, Grace came by?"

She looked up and smiled. "Thank you for asking her to do this. Once I figured out how the stitch worked, it was not hard." Ziva held up her progress so far. "It will be a blanket for the baby. If I stay pregnant long enough, I may be able to finish it."

Tony leaned down and kissed her forehead, then sat beside her, smiling even as his stomach clenched at the though of the baby coming early. "That's my ninja, good at everything."

Ziva set her yarn aside and gave him her full attention, searching his face for any of last night's ghosts that might still be haunting him. "I think you need a hug," she said at last.

"Yeah." Tony touched her lips, her cheek, staring at her like she still might be a figment of his imagination. "I do."

She wrapped her arms around his neck almost too tightly, but Tony didn't mind. His arms encircled her back and for the longest time they just held each other. When Tony finally felt okay to let her go, he leaned back and smiled. "Should I make popcorn?"

Her brow furrowed. "Did you eat?"

He shrugged. "Sort of."

"I can heat something up," Ziva offered, starting to get up.

Tony put his hand on her shoulder. "Or you can stay there and work on your blanket and I'll find something." He didn't want her to have to wait on him all the time. Ziva would never be the typical suburban housewife and for that he was glad.

Ten minutes later he returned with microwaved meat pies and a pile of peas and carrots. They sat on the couch together and watched the rest of Ziva's movie. It was nice and relaxing, just the break they needed after last night. Tony only hoped they could have a few more days like this before the next dose of reality hit.

NCIS

Gibbs showed up at Celeste's house after work that night, the first time he'd seen her all week. She greeted him with a hug, as natural as the days when they were married and she would welcome him home with a smile and a hug. Not a word was said about how long it had been - they'd both seen a busy week that started with Monday and ran full speed ahead with no stops. It wasn't just one of them to blame and even if that was the case, they had an unspoken agreement not to hold any grudges this time around.

He held her close for a moment, then showed her the bottle of bourbon in his hand, Tony's gift for helping move Ziva's things. "Brought my own."

Celeste rolled her eyes. "Are things that bad?"

Gibbs moved around her to enter the kitchen. "I need a drink."

"Almost always before we talk," she observed, leaning against the counter as he poured a glass and looked ath er questioningly. She declined the offer and waited for him to start.

He opened his phone and showed her the text from Abby. Gibbs, Gibbs, Gibbs, guess what? I felt my baby move today. Weirdest and coolest thing ever, McGee's jealous. Love - Abby and Baby. Gibbs tucked the phone back in his pocket. "Got that at five am this morning."

Celeste bit her lip, hiding a smile. "At least you know she's happy."

Gibbs snorted. "It's Abby. If she isn't happy we have a problem."

Celeste cocked her head to the side. "So you're happy for her, but it's brought back some memories. Am I close?"

He ran a hand over his hair. "I can't seem to forget."

She frowned. "Forget what?"

Gibbs sighed. "Anything about my little girl. All it takes is a word or a look or a moment and the memories are so real I'm not sure she's gone." He curled his fingers into fists. "I close my eyes and everything is there. I can still remember how she smelled fresh from a bath and the feeling of her arms around my neck for one last goodbye hug." Gibbs' pained gaze met hers. "And I'm not sure what's worse - remembering or forgetting."

Celeste put her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry Jethro. I wish I understood how hard this is for you."

He shook his head. "No, you don't. Don't wish you knew that kind of pain Les, because once it's there it never goes away."

"I wasn't," she said softly, trying to explain. "But I'd like to be able to share the burden with you." Celeste stroked her fingers over his cheek. "It's so heavy to carry all alone."

Gibbs slid his fingers into hers. "I'm not alone."

"No," she agreed, leading him into the livingroom to sit and settling facing him. "You very well might be stuck with me now Jethro." He played with her fingers but didn't say more. She let him get halfway through his drink before speaking again. "Do you want to talk about her? I'll listen if you need to share."

Gibbs thought about it, going back to the first time he felt Kelly kick inside her mom. But he didn't dare dwell on those memories. It was so easy to drown in them. "Not tonight," he forced the words out while she watched. Silence rested between them until Gibbs slouched down and closed his eyes, picking another topic. "Tony and Ziva are already dealing with reality. The honeymoon phase didn't last long."

Celeste leaned her head on one hand, going with the subject shift. "It couldn't, not with them. Ziva's baggage has to be unpacked first and they need to learn to live with it before they get to have a break." She saw how tired her ex-husband looked and feathered her fingers through his hair. He cared about them all so much, she wondered if his team could see the way they mattered to him. "How bad is it?"

He heaved a sigh. "They did a lot of damage to her physically in Africa. Tony just saw the whole of it yesterday. He was pretty messed up this morning."

She gave him a knowing look. "Did you talk him down?"

Gibbs shrugged. "Tried to give him an out, but Ziva is the best medicine for him and he had thirteen hours without her today."

"But he got to go home to her," Celeste reminded him.

"Yeah," Gibbs agreed. "And every time that happens it's going to help a little more. But it's still a long road."

She waited until he looked at her. "Don't borrow trouble Jethro. Tony and Ziva have made it this far, I don't think they have it in them to quit." Celeste examined his eyes. "Now, do you want me to stay or do you need some space?"

Gibbs shook his head. "Can't think anymore. Stay Les."

"Glad to," she smiled, linking their hands again.

They passed the evening without another word, but just to be with her was all he really needed. Even when Celeste reached for a book and Gibbs got his current project out of the box and started working with his knife, the contentment he found in her presence didn't lessen. If Ziva kept Tony's darkness away, then Celeste was the light in his world. Tonight her company was his greatest comfort.