Abby and McGee dragged themselves in the door of their house mid-Saturday morning, exhausted from the long flight and the time different. Suitcases were dropped unceremoniously in the livingroom, clothes were peeled off as they walked upstairs, and showers taken in an only semi-conscious state. Then they crawled into bed, settled their heads on pillows and almost immediately fell into a deep, restful sleep.

NCIS

It was his first opportunity to sleep late all week and Tony was taking full advantage of it. Ziva too, he decided, since she hadn't shown any signs of waking. Or perhaps she usually stayed in bed this long now and he just wasn't around to notice. He rolled over to lay on his back and tucked one arm under his head.

For once Tony felt perfectly content. Last night had been peaceful and today was a beautiful, sunny April morning that for right now held lots of promise. He couldn't think of much else, given their current limitations, that could make today any better. Then Ziva turned on her side and smiled at him and Tony's heart skipped a beat. Scratch that, it just got better.

He faced her and threaded his fingers into her hair, a grin claiming his lips. "Mornin' beautiful."

She blinked sleepily. "Are you still going to be saying that in fifty years?"

"If we're still here in fifty years, absolutely," he confirmed. Tony fingered a piece of brown hair. "Think your hair will just be really grey or go completely white?"

Ziva raised one horrified eyebrow. "Definitely not. Once it starts to change colour, I will dye it until I am too old to care."

He inched closer. "Ah, but those beautiful brown eyes will never change, and I'll wake up every morning just to see our love reflected in them."

Ziva tilted her chin up, enjoying the firm press of his lips on her mouth. She flattened her palm against his chest. "I think we need to find a distraction," she murmured as a warning, but Tony wasn't interested.

"What if you're my distraction?" he countered, leaning in to kiss her again, longer this time.

She allowed it, but finally broke away, her eyes narrowing. "Tony..."

He sat up and chuckled. "Okay, okay, I get the message." He traced her nose, the outline of her lips, her face from ear to jaw, appreciating her reaction to his touch. "How about breakfast in bed? My treat?"

Ziva smiled and rested back against the pillow, looking quite pleased. "If you are sure you want to spoil me." It seemed she approved of the idea.

Tony stared into her eyes. "I am."

Reaching for a book on her nightstand, Ziva settled back to read while her husband went downstairs. Not in a rush, Tony took his time preparing food, even snagging one of the more alive looking blooms from her Wednesday bouquet to decorate the tray. He carried everything carefully back upstairs and nudged their bedroom door open with his foot.

"Today," he began in a cheesy, fake French accent, "ze chef has prepared scrambled eggs au fromage, sausage and bacon, fresh squeezed orange juice, and nice crisp toast." Tony set the tray over her lap and looked up expectantly. "Is everything to ze lady's liking?"

She could not help a smile. "Oui monsieur," Ziva replied in flawless French, "est tres magnifique. Bravo, et merci."

"Anything for my best girl," Tony intoned and Ziva eyed him suspiciously.

"Best?" she questioned.

"Well..." Tony held out his hands, "you're my only girl right now. But I have to say Zi, you may fall out of favour after this one comes along." He patted her belly fondly and picked up a fork.

"But I will always be your first favourite, yes?" Ziva asked, sounding insecure.

He kissed her quickly lest he be tempted to devote more attention to her full pink lips. "Always and forever Zi, no exceptions. You're it for me, no one could ever take your place."

Satisfied, she accepted the declaration and took a piece of toast, gazing at it intently. "How did you know I like grape jam the best?"

Tony tucked her hair back and made a face. "Uh...three months of sharing breakfast with you every Sunday?" It wasn't too difficult a detail to pick up on.

She sniffed, not sure why that was suddenly so significant. "Thank you."

He observed her carefully, wondering at the emotion in her voice. "Alright, so remember the details, I'll keep that in mind." Tony's face brightened hopefully. "Do I get extra points for that? Maybe I can save them up for kisses or dates or something."

Ziva averted her eyes. "I will start a list."

"Good," he nodded, beginning with the eggs.

When they were finished, Tony picked up the flower and slid it behind Ziva's ear, enjoying her shy smile and the way she looked bathed in sunshine. Ziva let him have his moment before she started to laugh. "Tony, you are quoting Mr. and Mrs. Smith!" she blurted, finding it sweet and amusing all at once.

"Technically I didn't say anything," he pointed out. "But yeah, maybe I was paraphrasing a little. Looks like someone's been paying attention."

"It is good to appreciate what is important to those you care about, yes?"

Tony nodded slowly and thought about it. "Totally. Mind you, I'm still working on The Sound of Music, but one day I'll figure it out."

Ziva tilted her head to the side. "You watch it for me Tony, that is enough."

Right then and there Tony decided that someday he was going to build Ziva a dance studio, or at least somewhere she could practice. And he'd take her horseback riding and dance with her in the rain. He wanted his wife to know that he'd been paying attention to almost every word she'd said over the past six years. And everything she loved he was determined to care about to, and do it with her if possible.

Whatever he did, it would never be enough to show her how grateful he was that she loved him. That thought caused him to lean forward and give Ziva a surprise kiss. She hadn't expected it, but instead of questioning him, she just smiled and Tony wondered if she knew that his heart flipped over every time she looked at him like that.

Finally he moved the tray to the floor and flopped back down on the bed beside her. "What do you want to do today Zee-vah?"

Ziva reached over and ran her fingers through his hair so softly that Tony almost forgot the question. Maybe they could just stay in bed all day. Someday they would, but the timing wasn't right yet. "I should probably finish unpacking," she said after some thought. "It has been a week and a half and my things cannot stay in boxes forever." Her hands moved to her bump. "I will not have time once the baby comes."

"We," he corrected. "I'm game."

She shook her head. "You are in charge of hanging pictures, if you do not mind. It is a guy job, yes?"

Tony's eyes lit with interest. "Anything that lets me play with a drill is a guy job. You decide where and I'll get to work."

For some reason it didn't seem so important to get changed out of pyjamas and they walked into the spare room without even a thought about it. Tony plunked a box on the bed, Ziva read the label and then began sorting things into piles to go to different rooms. They worked steadily for a couple hours with Ziva unpacking and Tony playing errand boy. Then a break to shower and change was in order.

When Tony walked back into the room and saw Ziva in just a regular t-shirt and capris, with bare feet for the first time in months, he wanted to hug her tight and kiss her breathless. But he settled for a huge grin instead. He felt like this was a step forward, a way for Ziva to show him that she trusted him more now. She wasn't covering up the scars any longer and Tony felt honoured.

Once all the boxes were taken care of, the couple wandered slowly around their house and Ziva marked all the places she wanted pictures hung with masking tape. Then she made soup for lunch while Tony started working. The very last thing put up was the 'Welcome to Our Home' plaque from Ducky. It went on the front door and made them both feel so proud.

This house was truly their home how and would only become more when a baby slept upstairs and the years slipped slowly past. After that however, Ziva was in desperate need of a nap and Tony decided to join her. Cuddled up behind his wife on their bed, Tony closed his eyes and couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday.

NCIS

Sleeping in was starting to become a regular thing on weekends and by Sunday Tony was pretty sure he could get used to it. Opening his eyes to see Ziva curled up beside him would never get old. It was remarkable how quickly she'd grown comfortable sharing the bed with him and sleeping close together. Any step forward was something to celebrate.

He smiled and lifted a piece of hair away from her face. She was so beautiful. The shadows under her eyes caught his attention and he frowned. Yes, she was beautiful, but it seemed like every day the pregnancy took more and more out of her. Ziva still insisted on showering in the morning, but they lasted three minutes max and he'd started washing her hair separately after she finished.

Tony wanted their baby to be healthy as much as Ziva did, but it was hard to watch her get worse. She napped at least three times a day now and he wondered if he only noticed because he was around. Likely she would downplay it if he was working and only saw her early in the morning and at night.

As if she could sense his gaze on her, and ninja skills made it very possible, Ziva opened her eyes to look at him. "Is something wrong?"

Tony realized the worry was still etched on his face and he smiled, pushing it back so she couldn't see. "Nah Zi, I was just thinking."

She nodded and closed her eyes again. Tony kissed her cheek and snuggled close, but a few moments later decided to get up. He made his way to the spacious spare room which, now that the boxes were gone and Ziva had directed its rearranging, doubled as an office.

Sitting down in front of his laptop, Tony brought up Google and started doing some end of pregnancy research and finding out what he should expect after she gave birth. Some of the information caused him to grimace, other made him glad he hadn't eaten yet and a little was just too much information. He was better educated but still mildly grossed out when he concluded that he knew enough and started playing a game instead.

Tony got so into attacking martians with lasers that he didn't notice Ziva get up. Nor did his Ziva-sense go off when she paused in the doorway to watch him with a small smile on her face before moving quietly away. What did finally get his attention was the sound of the piano.

Instantly he shut down his game and crept to the top of the stairs. Notes poured from the instrument and Tony wished he could find a way to watch her as well as listen. The familiar tune of 'Hush Little Baby' soon reached his ears and he was even more surprised when Ziva added her voice to the music.

He'd never actually heard her sing, though there had been rumours of an undercover Mossad operation he was sorry he'd missed. The rich velvety tone of her smooth alto voice drew him and Tony knew he could listen to her all day. But the words were not the ones he remembered, neither were they in English. Either she'd found a Hebrew copy or was translating as she played, but he didn't think anything had ever sounded so beautiful.

Slowly, stealthily, Tony slid down one step at a time until he could see Ziva around the wall. She turned the page and started 'Twinkle, Twinkle' but soon changed from lullabies to a complicated piece he recognized - she'd been teaching it to him back before their friendship broke.

The memory brought a lump to his throat and Tony swallowed hard, willing away the tears that pricked at his eyes as he left the stairs and inched towards her. Ziva had hers closed and was completely wrapped up in playing, her fingers graceful and swift as they moved over the black and white keys. Tony got to the couch and said her name softly, repeating it twice before she jerked towards him, pulling her hands into her lap and abruptly ending the song.

"Don't stop on my account," Tony protested, wondering at her sudden shyness.

Her eyes flickered around the room. "I did not know I had an audience."

Tony sat on the arm of the couch facing her. "I didn't want to interrupt. That was...really good Zi. Were you singing for the baby?"

Ziva touched her bump lightly. "I think she likes the music. I can feel her moving much stronger when I play."

"That last piece...y'know, I never did get the hang of it." He looked at her hopefully. "Will you teach me?"

Sliding down the bench, she patted the spot beside her and smiled. "Come sit Tony. I would be happy to show you again."

The memories were heavy for both of them as she placed his hands where she wanted them and demonstrated the first section. Tony watched her movements carefully and did his best to copy them. It was just another example of time with Ziva that he wanted to cherish.

NCIS

Later in the evening while Tony was absorbed in a movie, the phone rang. The sound startled him and he jumped up, grabbing it off the holder. "DiNozzo Movie Hotline, what's your question?" A female voice shrieked his name and Tony winced, holding the receiver away from his ear. "Abs, you're back! How as the honeymoon? Oh wait, don't answer that yet. Let me put Ziva on first."

He called up the stairs. "Zi? Abby's on the phone, can you grab the extension? It's probably easier if she talks to both of us at the same time."

Ziva left the nursery where she was reorganizing baby clothes and got the other phone. "Hello Abby."

"Ziva!" Abby crowed. "How are you? How's the baby? Do you and Tony like being married?"

She chuckled. "I am tired, but good. The baby is fine." Ziva paused and smiled. "Tony, do we like being married?"

His voice was a little rougher than intended. "Oh yeah, definitely."

Abby giggled and then was suddenly serious. "Is my lab okay?" She'd never been away this long. She had no idea how she was going to survive two months of maternity leave.

Tony laughed softly. "Don't worry Abs. Tami hasn't broken, burned or blown anything up yet. Bert makes a good supervisor and I think Matt might have a crush on your assistant."

Abby frowned. "I'm still mad at him."

"One strike and he's out, huh?"

"It's been months Tony, he should know better by now."

"In his defense-" Tony began, but Abby refused to listen.

"I don't want to like him Tony, he's messing with our family dynamic." She stuck her lip out. "I miss Ziva."

Ziva smiled. "Thank you Abby. It is nice to be missed. There is a time when you would not have said that." Suddenly she changed the subject. "Now, tell us about your trip. Did you have a good honeymoon? Where did McGee take you?"

Abby's sparkle returned. "Ireland! And it was gorgeous. Cool most days and it rained some of the time, but the castles and the sights were amazing and everyone is right in what they say - it's so green! I think I need a new, celtic themed tattoo!"

"We had a great time," Tim put in, hoping to distract his wife from the topic of additional body art. "You and Ziva should go sometime Tony."

"McGoo! You're here too!" he exclaimed. "Survived the whole week without your computer?"

McGee chuckled. "I had other things to keep me busy."

"Stop right there!" the other man warned. "I don't want to know anything else. Please remember that you are married to my little sister."

"Tony," Ziva said pointedly, "do not let your mind in the sewer."

All three burst out laughing at her but Tony recovered first. "It's gutter Zi, and the saying is 'get your mind out of it'."

"Oh." Ziva shrugged and moved on. "How are you feeling Abby?"

"Craving grapes and fried chicken," McGee answered for her, thinking of their week. "Do you know how hard it is to find real Southern style fried chicken in Ireland?"

"Want to know something exciting?" Abby interrupted.

"We're all ears," Tony declared.

"I felt the baby move for the first time on Friday!" she squealed. "Weirdest. Feeling. Ever!" she said emphatically. "What did you think Ziva?"

"It scared me," Ziva answered honestly. "That was when I knew this was real and I was going to have a baby that I was not even sure I could care for." She smiled, remembering. "Tony was so disappointed that he could not feel it too."

"So was Tim," Abby agreed. "How long before you could feel the baby from the outside Tony?"

The moment flashed into his memory and he grinned. "Coolest moment ever except for hearing her heartbeat," he said, then realized he hadn't answered the question. He frowned. "It was after that case where the suspect went after Ziva in Interrogation. Uh...what were you Zi, twenty-one weeks?"

"Twenty-two," she corrected, impressed that he had been keeping track even then.

Abby sighed. "That's almost a month away!"

"It will go fast Abby. You will get to August and wonder where the time has gone."

"Yeah, that's what my midwives said, but...I'm not very patient."

"Never would've guessed," McGee said dryly and they heard what sounded like a punch to the shoulder.

"So did you guys just call to catch up?" Tony ventured. It was never safe to guess with Abby. Especially pregnant Abby. He wondered if it was ironic that a happy go lucky Goth was more scary than his slightly deadly, former Mossad assassin while pregnant.

"No, we were actually wondering what you guys were doing tomorrow night. Abby is in team withdrawal and we never did have you guys over for a tour and TV shows."

"Oh yeah." Tony recalled the tentative plans that had been made at their long ago dinner and shrugged. "I don't think we had plans tomorrow, did we Zi?"

"I may be able to find room in my stuffed social calendar," she joked. "These days it is an event if I leave the house."

"Okay," McGee nodded, making a note in his phone. "Want to say seven, depending on when Gibbs lets us out?" He groaned. "I bet I have a three foot high stack of paperwork on my desk to deal with."

"Nope. Made the newbie do it," Tony announced. "Good practice for him. You can start with a clean slate if you promise never to leave me alone with Gibbs and Collins for that long ever again."

"Uhh..."McGee hesitated, "since we'll both be taking paternity leave in the next five months, can we call it even?"

Tony had forgotten about that part and he was thrilled at the prospect of days and days alone with Ziva and their baby and no work to worry about. He sighed dramatically. "Okay, but only this once."

Tim coughed a little. "I guess that depends. Good, so we'll see you guys tomorrow after work."

"Have a great night!" Abby chimed in and they hung up.

Tony noticed Ziva was unusually quiet. "Zi?" he asked.

"I think I will take a bath," she said in monotone, "and then it is bedtime. Enjoy your movie Tony."

She shut the phone off before he could say anything and he ran back through their conversation with Abby and McGee, trying to find what might have affected her. When nothing came up he shrugged and leaned back on the couch, maybe it was just a pregnancy mood thing. But his gut disagreed and Tony couldn't shake the feeling that there was something she wasn't telling him. He found it very hard to concentrate on the TV after that.

A/N: Apologies if I got any of my details about Ireland wrong. I've never been. Thanks for reading :)