Gibbs showed up at Celeste's Monday night with a bouquet of roses. She met him at the door and her eyes lit up. "Oh Jethro, they're gorgeous! What's the occasion?"

He leaned in to kiss her, thinking it was a dangerously addictive habit. "There a rule that says I can't bring the cook flowers?"

Celeste smiled brightly and started towards the kitchen. "Not on my list. Now come sit down, it's almost ready."

Gibbs followed her and set the table, pouring drinks for both of them while Celeste got the plates ready. They'd no sooner been seated than Gibbs leaned back in his chair. "Talked to Abby and DiNozzo today."

She paused with her fork halfway to her mouth and winced. "Are they still in one piece?"

He snorted. "I didn't draw and quarter them if that's what you're asking. But I made it clear that you're off limits."

"My hero," Celeste said dryly, trying a bite of chicken and finding it moist and savoury. "Dare I ask what their reaction was?"

"DiNozzo was typical in his 'appease the hungry beast' attitude. Abby," he sighed, "is a whole different story." Gibbs looked at Celeste seriously. "Even I don't know what happened in her past to make her so possessive and protective of those she cares about and so insecure in the love others have for her. But it must've been something tragic for her to respond that way."

Celeste took a sip of wine. "That was practically a speech Jethro. What is it about Abby that makes her so special? You change for her."

He speared a few peas with his fork. "Don't know when she decided I needed a daughter, but then there she was every time I turned around, getting under my skin and crawling into my heart. She brought to life the part of me I thought was dead after I lost the girls. She taught me that I could love again Les, that I was still capable of giving love. That's why she'll always have my favour, even when she acts like a child instead of a grown adult."

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs," Celeste said in a tone of near reverence, "I believe you're human after all."

"Nah," he chuckled, "I wouldn't go that far. But I'll give her one night a week just the same. I want her to know she still has my love, that even you haven't changed that part."

Very little was said after that but Celeste was so busy absorbing what he'd already revealed to her that she barely noticed. And she liked the way he held her hand whenever he wasn't using it to eat. They retired to the livingroom with their drinks after the meal and Celeste barely let him sit down before turning those knowing eyes on him. He'd gotten even quieter than normal during dessert and that meant something was going on. It was her job to find out what and how she could make it better for him.

"You're awfully pensive tonight Jethro. What is it?"

"Do you know what I would give for just one more minute with Shannon and Kelly?"

Caught off guard at the change in subject, Celeste shook her head. "I can imagine just about anything."

He took a long swallow of bourbon. "And yet DiNozzo is at work every day away from his girls when he should be soaking in every moment of this precious time."

She faked a look of shock and put her hand to her chest. "Don't tell me Leroy Jethro Gibbs is going soft?" He glared and Celeste smile, scooting closer. "What are you going to do about it?"

Gibbs frowned. "What do you mean?"

She laughed. "You're his boss for goodness' sake! Find a way to help."

He looked straight ahead as if the idea had never occurred to him. "Huh."

Celeste settled in beside him with a satisfied smile. "You're welcome."

Gibbs put his arm around her. "You're good for me Les."

"Figure out a way to get Abby to like me and I won't charge you for the advice."

He reached over and tickled her, enjoying when she squirmed away. Swatting him, Celeste rolled her eyes and risked coming back. Being with him now, older and wiser for the second go around, was worth the challenge of being whatever he needed.

NCIS

"We've covered all the usual Ziva," Devon said partway into the session, "why don't you tell me what's bothering you?"

Ziva looked up from studying her baby's face. "I wish that Tony had not gone back to work. I do not..." she struggled to find the words, "...trust myself to be alone with her."

Devon frowned. "Why not?"

The woman got agitated. "What if I get angry? What if I hurt her? What if I do something wrong?" She crossed her arms tightly over her stomach. "At least with Tony Chaya is safe."

The therapist leaned forward. "I believe that you would fight to the death to protect your little girl Ziva. There had not been one second since you learned you were pregnant that you did not care for the child inside you. I can't think of a force in this world that would cause you to hurt her for any reason." She shook her head slowly. "Not even you."

Tears filled Ziva's eyes at her doctor's words. "But I am still afraid. I do not know how to do everything - how to be a mother and a wife and a friend. It is all too much!"

"Then let someone help you. Call your family and ask for what you need. Get out of the house and find other new moms who are going through the same things. Don't isolate yourself, don't think life has to revolve completely around your baby now. Take some time for you too."

They talked for awhile longer until Devon began to wind the session down. "I'd like for Tony to come with you next week Ziva, it would be good to talk with the two of you together."

Ziva nodded. "I will see what we can work out." Chaya started to stir and she hurried to the elevator. Tami and Matt were just leaving and she smiled but didn't stop to chat. Walking into the lab, she found the forensic scientist herself. "Hello Abby."

The girl whirled around. "Ziva!" Then she looked at the fussing baby. "What's wrong with her?"

Ziva smiled. "She is hungry. May I nurse her in your office?"

Abby nodded. "Sure. Can I come too?"

"I need a little time alone with my baby," Ziva tried to explain. "Maybe next time."

"Okay." There was something in her eyes that Abby couldn't decipher but she didn't seem alright.

Ziva settled in Abby's chair and got Chaya situated. She held the baby's hand and sighed. "This means as much to me as it does to you tatelah. There is no one in the world who can take you away." She kissed Chaya's fist. "What would Ima have done if Daddy did not decide I was worthy of love? How would I have taken care of you on my own?" Ziva watched her daughter's lips and chin move as she sucked and swallowed. "I am glad we do not have to think about that."

Abby had already left for lunch with her husband when Ziva and Chaya slipped quietly out of the lab. "Let us go see Daddy, hmm?" She walked into the squadroom carrying the diaper bag in the empty carseat and Chaya in her arms.

Tony's eyes lit up when he saw them. He stood to kiss his wife and reached for his baby. "Hi princess." He kissed her head and cradled her against his chest. "I'm glad you came to see me. It gets lonely here all day without you and Mommy." Tony met Ziva's eyes. "She just eat?"

Ziva nodded and bit her lip. "Would you mind changing her? I need to use the restroom."

Tony shook his head. "Not at all, go."

When Ziva left Tony opened the diaper bag with one hand and found the changing pad, wipes and a clean diaper. He put the pad on his desk and lay Chaya down. Making silly faces and talking to her like he would at home, Tony unzipped the baby's bright blue elephant sleeper and started maneuvering her legs out of the holes.

The team watched in mild amusement, finding it fascinating to observe the difference in Tony when he was with his daughter. With the dirty diaper tightly rolled and inside a small bag, he disposed of it, zipped Chaya back up and held her in front of him. Tony flashed a grin at the rest of the room. "And that's how it's done folks!"

Gibbs rolled his eyes and strode over to take possession of his granddaughter. Tony pouted until Ziva returned. "May I see you for a moment?"

Taking her hands, Tony led her to the alcove and silenced any words with a long kiss before wrapping her in a tight hug. Ziva clung to him briefly and then stepped back. "What was that for?"

He shrugged. "Looked like you needed it." Ziva looked very professional today - her hair braided away from her face, in pants and a nice top - but her appearance was only a thin veneer shielding her insecurities. Tony tugged the bottom of her braid. "What's up?"

Ziva slid her fingers between his. "Devon asked if you would come next week." Seeing him swallow, she put her hand over his heart. "I know it is not so easy for you to talk about things, but will you try just once?"

His hands framed her face and Tony captured her lips again and sighed. "Yeah, absolutely. Let's talk to Gibbs."

They stole a few precious moments together before returning to the bullpen where Chaya was getting fussed over by everyone. Seeing that she was on the verge of getting cranky, Ziva retrieved her daughter and started calming her before settling the baby in her carseat. Tony nodded at Gibbs and the older man met them by Ziva's desk.

"Boss, Ziva's shrink wants us both to come in for a few sessions. Can I get the time?"

Straight to the punch line with none of the bumbling around he used to do. Gibbs was impressed. He gave a curt nod. "Fine," and leaned in to kiss Ziva's cheek while glaring at Tony. "Back to work."

Tony sighed dramatically and took Ziva in his arms again. "See you tonight?"

She smiled and touched her lips to his cheek. "We will be waiting."

It was an hour and one rather forceful headslap later before Tony stopped staring longingly at the elevator doors where his family had last been seen. At the end of the day, Gibbs dropped a sheet on the desk detailing all of Tony's comp time. He pointed.

"Use this. Come in late, leave early, take a day or half day now and then. I'll only call for a case. Spend time with your girls DiNozzo and stop moping around my squadroom."

Gibbs stalked off before Tony could even thank him. Staring at the sheet, the new dad couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so much like hugging his boss. He was so excited to get home and show Ziva.

NCIS

Ziva only made it a few hours into the afternoon before she conceded that she really did need help, that maybe she couldn't do everything on her own yet. With Chaya crying in the background, Ziva picked up the phone and dialed the lab. "Abby?" she asked, hating the tremble in her voice, "I think I need someone to come."

Wishing she'd paid more attention when Ziva seemed off earlier, Abby promised that she'd have company in half an hour or less. Then she blew out a breath, swallowed her anger and pride and picked up the phone.

"Celeste Casey," the woman answered.

"Celeste?" she began. "Umm, hi, it's Abby Scuito."

"Abby," Celeste paused, unsure of how to handle the situation, "this is a surprise."

"I know," the girl agreed, "and I wouldn't be calling if I had any other options but you're the only one not at work right now. Can you help?"

'It depends' and 'shouldn't we talked about the elephant on the line first' came to mind but Celeste bit her tongue this time and just did the right thing. "What do you need?"

If Abby had expected any other answer, it didn't show. "Ziva needs some help. Chaya is crying and she's upset...can you go? Only for a couple hours, I'll try to get off early. She just needs somebody."

"I can be there in fifteen minutes. Anything else?"

Abby was quiet for awhile. "No." She sighed. "Thank you."

Celeste smiled. "You're Jethro's family Abby, all of you. How could I do anything less?" She hung up before the Goth could formulate a response, leaving Abby wondering if she had seriously misjudged the other woman. It looked like she was about to find out.

NCIS

The doorbell rang and Ziva answered it wearily. Celeste smiled sympathetically and followed the cries to the baby sitting in her bouncy seat. "What have you tried?"

"Everything!" Ziva threw her hands up. "She has been fed and changed. I have tried to play with her. I have held her. She is probably tired but she will not sleep and I do not know what else to do."

Celeste watched the baby for a moment and then began examining her hands closely. She moved to Chaya's feet and smiled, carefully unwinding a dark hair from her toes. Ziva's eyes widened and she looked to Celeste for an explanation as Chaya's cries lessened.

"I've picked up a lot of random facts over the years Ziva. A hair wrapped around baby fingers or toes can be quite painful, but it's something you'd hardly notice if you weren't looking for it." She lifted Chaya into her arms and walked towards the sliding doors and into the warm sunshine. A light breeze blew and Chaya seemed to settle right down.

Celeste moved towards the flower bed and looked back at Ziva. "These are beautiful. Did you and Tony do this?"

Ziva was still trying to work out what had just happened. "Yes, with the help of a lady we know. She has very good taste. I wanted bright flowers."

"The best kind," Celeste agreed, savouring the weight of the calming baby. When the little girl was completely relaxed, Celeste handed her back. "I think it's time for a nap." Ziva turned to go inside and Celeste put a hand on her shoulder. "You too Ziva, I'll stay downstairs in case I'm needed."

Ziva closed her eyes in relief. "Alright."

For a couple hours Celeste sat at the table with papers spread out around her and a purple pen in her hand to make corrections. A more rested Ziva appeared shortly before supper and offered tea. Celeste accepted and soon both woman sat holding a mug.

"Thank you," Ziva said finally. "It is easier when someone else is around."

"It always is," Celeste commented, sipping the brew. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," she replied, then looked down. "But I am not a very good mother if I do not know when my child is hurting."

Celeste reached over and squeezed her hand. "You are a wonderful mother. You knew when to ask for help. Sometimes that takes more strength than toughing it out alone."

Ziva nodded but said nothing more. The clock struck five and she glanced at the kitchen. "I am not sure what I can offer for supper. Salad maybe."

"That would be fine. Want some help?"

She thought about it. "You can slice the apples."

"Done."

They were just finishing putting everything together when Abby burst in. "I brought Chinese!" she announced. "All your favourites." Sammy made a beeline for the softly whirring swing as if he had a baby radar while she took in Ziva and Celeste working at the counter and bit her lip before dropping everything and rushing to hug the older woman. "Thank you," Abby whispered. Then she started unpacking everything. "Now comes the important decision ladies, what do we want to watch?"

NCIS

They were in the middle of a chick flick marathon when the guys got home - Tim had decided to follow Tony after hearing that Abby begged off early to go be with Ziva. She looked relaxed and happy, petting the puppy in her lap when they walked in, and Tony was grateful. He greeted her with a kiss. "Okay?"

Ziva smiled. "They have done a good job making me smile."

"That's what friends are for," he quipped, shooting Celeste and Abby his best 'thank you' grin. The guys helped themselves to the leftover takeout and joined their girls on the couch. Tony made a face. "10 Things I Hate About You, really? What are we, in high school now?"

Ziva looked at him in surprise. "Is that what you did in high school Tony?" she asked, pointing to the guy running around on the bleachers singing to one of the female soccer players.

His eyes widened. "What? I don't know what you're..." He trailed off and shook his head. "Never mind."

They finished the movie together and took turns cleaning up. Celeste excused herself shortly after and then Abby brought up the next phase of her plan. "We're going out Ziva," she declared.

Ziva frowned. "Out where?"

Abby shrugged. "Just out."

"But-" she began, cut off almost immediately.

"I think two men can handle one baby, it's like the movie only one less guy. Let's go."

Ziva looked to Tony for support but he shrugged. "Sorry honey, you know we can't argue with Abby."

Rolling her eyes, Ziva followed her friend out the door and Tony reached for his phone, glancing sideways at McGee. "I hope Gibbs doesn't have plans tonight, I really don't want to get on his bad side."

NCIS

The three men got quite a bit accomplished in two hours, thought they were still only scratching the surface of what needed to be done to fulfill Tony's vision. Abby's text gave them less than fifteen minutes to get cleaned up and conceal any evidence of their project. Gibbs had scarcely left when the girls returned and Tony and McGee tried to play it casual. The evening was pretty much wrapped up and Tony and Ziva said goodbye when Abby and McGee took their leave.

Tony stood behind his wife and slid his arms around her. "Guess what?"

She leaned back into him. "Hmm?"

He nuzzled his nose in her neck and grinned when he felt her squirm. "Gibbs is letting me use comp time so I don't have to be away from you guys so much."

Ziva spun around. "What does that mean?"

Tony kissed her. "Half days, days off, long weekends, going in late, leaving early." He punctuated each option with the gentle pressure of his lips on hers. "It means we can slowly get used to being apart instead of doing it all at once." Tony grinned. "And I've got enough time saved up to last months."

Ziva breathed a sigh of relief and rested in his embrace. "Thank you Gibbs."

Tony held her tighter. "I agree." He pulled back to look at her. "He said I was moping, can you believe that?"

Ziva brushed her lips over his. "Yes." She tapped his face lightly. "I have seen that look every time you say goodbye."

He fingered a curl. "Can we got to bed now?"

"If you want," Ziva said flippantly, heading towards the stairs, "but your daughter will be awake by the time you change."

Tony hurried after her. "In that case, I'll just spend some extra time kissing you. I don't want to miss my first chance to see her awake in ten hours."

Ziva glanced over her shoulder and smirked. "I am not sure if you have enough points for extra kisses."

He looked aghast. "But...I got you a Mother's Day present!"

She chuckled. "Hmm...very well."

They changed for bed and Tony trailed her into the bathroom, dropping small kisses on her neck and shoulders as she brushed her teeth. Exasperated, Ziva pushed him away. "Tony, you are distracting me!" The force of her glare was lessened by the toothpaste foam on her lips and the dripping toothbrush she pointed at him.

Tony grinned. "That's kind of the idea."

She rolled her eyes and Tony decided to be good for awhile. He finished his teeth while Ziva washed her face and then tagged after her when she returned to their room. A gentle push landed her back on the bed when she moved to face him and Tony lowered himself beside her, part of his weight resting on her body.

"Is this okay?" he asked.

Ziva's fear at being pinned was instinctual and for a moment she couldn't respond. Then she swallowed. "I am not sure."

He leaned forward to capture her lips. "Tell me to move," he whispered, but suddenly Ziva wasn't certain that's what she wanted. They were just getting into the next kiss when Chaya woke and started smacking her lips. But even Ziva didn't notice until she started crying.

Tony groaned when she moved him off of her and fought his desire for his wife until he could face her. No wonder they called it forbidden fruit - just a taste and he was hooked. Difficult didn't even come close to describing the challenge. Staying away from Ziva was more like the equivalent of impossible. He simply didn't know how.