Thursday night they were back to normal and into the second time of Chaya sleeping six hours. Though he should've been taking advantage of the chance to sleep, Tony couldn't settle and his thoughts refused to shut off. Probably because of Tuesday but more likely just because he kept track of the weeks whether he wanted to or not, Tony was thinking about the timing.

Laying in bed watching his wife sleep, he knew that under normal circumstances they'd be looking forward to her six week appointment tomorrow and if all went well, they'd be trying to have sex for the first time that night. But this was the farthest thing from normal circumstances and it was beyond frustrating that they were nowhere close to being able to try new things when it came to intimacy, let alone actually having sex.

Reminding himself again that sex wasn't everything, that just being here with Ziva was something he should've never gotten, Tony tried to push the thoughts away. But it was a long time before he was able to fall asleep, and when he did, the dreams that haunted his restless mind were close to nightmares because he wanted so badly for them to be real.

NCIS

Ziva showed up for her six week check up inexplicably nervous. She sat in the exam room with Chaya, trying to focus her energy on something besides the impending exam. Mandy entered the room and closed the door, sympathy in her expression. "Let's get the worst stuff over with first."

Ziva made a jerky motion with her head that might've been a nod and slowly took off her jeans and underwear. Mandy had her lie down and did a thorough physical exam, being as gentle as possible. Starting with the external stuff, she felt Ziva's belly and asked about any tenderness, also checking that her uterus had shrunk properly. Then the doctor moved to the end of the table.

She explained every move she made, warning Ziva ahead of time, aware of what her reflexes looked like when she was caught off guard. The speculum examination was one of the worst parts and Ziva had to fight very hard to stay in the present, when the sensation of having something unnatural pushed inside her reminded her far too much of what they had done in the desert.

Mandy kept up a running commentary during the procedure as she checked to make sure the bruises and tiny tears from delivering the baby had healed. Once the speculum was removed, she used her fingers to make sure Ziva's cervix had closed and check her ovaries. Ziva remained stoic but very tense throughout and was extremely relieved when she was allowed to redress.

Knowing enough to realize her patient would not voluntarily get completely naked, Mandy did the breast exam afterwards, on the lookout for any lumps, tenderness, redness or cracks that might need to be addressed. Aside from the mandatory inquiries, she tried not to ask any unnecessary questions until Ziva was fully clothed again. Starting with the basic stuff, she leaned against the counter.

"How are you feeling physically? Any discomfort or discharge?"

Making a face, Ziva shook her head. "The discharge stopped a couple weeks ago. And I feel almost back to normal."

"Almost?" the doctor questioned.

Ziva rolled her eyes. "As much as I can be at this point. The exercise will help."

"Alright." Mandy checked her clipboard. "Breastfeeding still going okay?"

The woman nodded. "I am enjoying it. We started giving Chaya a bottle at four weeks, so Tony could have a turn. He looks forward to the feedings as much as our daughter does."

Dr. Meyers chuckled. "Tony seems like a very hands-on dad, I'm not surprised that he's so excited to try something new with her."

"Yes," Ziva said softly, "he is a very good father."

"I'm sure. He was awfully anxious to meet your baby, I remember. Now," Mandy raised an eyebrow, "I'm warning you so I don't get any dirty looks or bruises later - I have to take some blood for testing."

Ziva straightened her shoulders and stared straight ahead, her lips compressed into a thin line. Finally she nodded once and waited while Mandy got the necessary supplies. The doctor tried to keep her mind off the process, well aware of how her patient felt about needles, and within a couple of minutes she had the vials she needed and began marking down what she wanted them checked for on the sheet, while Ziva held gauze against the inside of her arm.

Once that was taken care of, Dr. Meyers went back to her list. "Any problems with post-partum depression? Feelings unusually tired or sad all the time, overwhelmed, anything like that?"

Ziva answered in the negative. "There were a few times in the early days when my emotions were very confused, and when Tony went back to work, but nothing ongoing."

"Glad to hear it." The last thing her patient needed was something else to fight. She took a blood pressure reading and made Ziva get on the scale, frown when she read the number. "How are you eating Ziva?"

Ziva shrugged. "Normal. Better now that Chaya is sleeping longer at night. I remember my meals easier when I am not napping all day."

Mandy didn't look happy. "You're below your original weight from our first appointment. That concerns me."

Ziva pulled up one knee. "I did not try to lose weight Mandy, it just came off." She was thoughtful for a minute. "I know it is not ideal, I have not been this light since high school."

"We'll have to work on that," the doctor decided. "And on that note, I'm clearing you for light exercise, but I'm going to repeat that - light exercise only Ziva, gentle stuff. It takes three months before the pregnancy hormones fully leave your body, so until then you are more susceptible to injury." She handed Ziva a small pamphlet. "Try doing these exercises often during the day. Your body went through a lot between pregnancy and delivery, Kegels will help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and get things back to normal more quickly." Mandy sat down on a stool and regarded the other woman seriously. "Is there any sign of your cycle coming back?"

Ziva laughed. "I have not had my period in over a year."

"Well, it could last four to six months with breastfeeding, but I'll write you a prescription for a low dose of birth control though, just in case."

Ziva took the piece of paper but saw no need to fill it. What was the point if she could not get pregnant again? "Are we done?"

The doctor snorted. "Don't you wish. You know what the purpose of this appointment is." Ziva sighed and crossed her legs. "In case you want to know, you are fully healed inside, so should you be ready to try having sex, it's now safe. The scar tissue and other damage to your uterus is still present, that hasn't changed, but it shouldn't interfere with lovemaking in any way. I don't want you to rush into anything," Mandy cautioned, even though Ziva's expression made that comment unnecessary.

"Keep in mind that some women don't feel like having sex for months after giving birth, even those without the trauma you've faced. So don't worry if you don't feel up to it in the near future. Wait until you feel ready, okay?" The look in her patient's eyes was so close to fear and Mandy's tone softened. "I see no reason why you should feel pain Ziva. If that's what's holding you back, I want to ease your mind. And remember that breastfeeding can leave you dry, so keep some lubricant handy in case that day comes, okay?"

Ziva shrugged, nowhere near ready to have this conversation or think in terms of imminent intimacy. Mandy shook her head. "Fine, be stubborn, but remember that sex is supposed to be fun Ziva, it's okay to think about your own pleasure and Tony's too. Don't let that have been stolen from you as well." The woman nodded and stood and Mandy let her go, wishing her healing didn't have to be so hard.

Now officially allowed to be more active, Ziva found a community pool and registered herself and Chaya for a mom and baby swim class that ran Tuesdays and Thursdays. Her next stop was a baby store for Chaya's first swimsuit, which resembled her own full body one, except that it was done in different shades of purple and yellow, designed to keep the baby warm in water, not to hide anything. She bought it a bit big, hoping it would last Chaya for a couple months or more. Then they went to the park for a walk and Ziva planned the first thing she would do tomorrow with her newly issued freedom.

NCIS

Girl's Night had been switched to Friday because Ziva called Abby on Wednesday and cancelled and after a brief explanation from Tony at work the next day, she understood why. Because evening ran into Chaya's cluster feedings now, Ziva took the baby with her. She noticed that Tony was quiet when she left, but assumed he was put out because he'd miss the chance to give Chaya a bottle. It never occurred to her that he knew what today was as well and was struggling with it almost as much as she was. As soon as the door closed behind Ziva, Tony took himself down to the basement and got ready to start putting up drywall. It was hard work, just what he needed to pour out his frustration on. He was dripping with sweat and covered in dust by the time McGee showed up an hour later, having waited long enough for a phone call that never came.

Sensing the mood once he got downstairs, McGee silently took his place beside Tony and began doing his part. Gibbs appeared minutes later with a coffee in hand, citing his reason as the need to supervise them to make sure things were done right. But he pitched in too and they got a good amount done before Abby's text to all three of their phones that suggested they make themselves scarce. The reminder jerked them back to reality and they hurried to clean up and leave.

Tony was still in a black mood and left Ziva a note on the door - Gone for a run. At least that would explain his physical state. He did run, out of their neighbourhood and pushing himself past the usual two miles that was his limit. Upon his return, Tony went straight upstairs for a shower, leaving Ziva perplexed when he barely acknowledged her presence. She finally shrugged and chalked it up to having told him if he came home sweaty she wouldn't kiss him until he was clean, but it seemed to be more than that somehow.

She fed Chaya in the nursery and heard the water shut off but Tony never came in to read them a story. Her brow furrowed and she kissed the baby's head before putting her in the crib, murmuring that Daddy loved her, he was just tired. Then her temper flared and Ziva knew with absolute certainty that she would not become one of those mothers who always made excuses for dads who disappointed.

Stalking into their room, she found Tony laying on the bed and crossed her arms. "If you are angry with me you should not take it out on Chaya." He looked at her without comprehending and Ziva's gaze narrowed. "We waited for you. No diaper change, no story. You should at least go say goodnight."

His eyes darkened when her words registered and Tony left without a word to go to the nursery. She heard him over the monitor apologizing to Chaya, could visualize the tender expression on his face as he brushed his large hand over her soft hair. Knowing he would take care of it, she went to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

He came back several minutes later and leaned against the doorframe. "I'm sorry."

Ziva barely glanced at him. "For what?"

Tony sighed. "For being selfish." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I wasn't thinking about you guys, just about the stuff in my head. It won't happen again." She nodded curtly and he realized he'd lost a lot of ground by his actions. He crossed his arms. "Why do you think I'm mad at you?"

She brushed past him. "You did not give me a reason to believe otherwise."

They couldn't go to bed like this. Tony put his hand on her arm, stopping her. "I'm not mad at you."

Ziva turned around, her expression guarded. "Who then?"

Tony gave her a look. "Six weeks Zi, it's just the situation I'm frustrated with."

Her shoulders fell. "I do not know how many more times I can apologize."

Taking a step closer, he lifted her chin. "I don't want another 'I'm sorry' Zi. I don't want promises you can't keep. I don't like being honest like this because I don't want you to feel guilty or bad about things you can't control. But I think it's better to say something than be thinking all this and keeping it from each other. Just...cut me a little slack, okay?"

Ziva dropped her arms and sighed. "Light exercise. Fully healed. No reason I should feel pain. And it does not change a thing." Her gaze was heavy and sad. "I still cannot forget."

Tony wanted to say he didn't need her to forget, that he wanted her to trust him in spite of the memories, but it seemed like enough honesty for one night and he pulled her reluctant form into his arms. Cupping her face in his hands, Tony swallowed. "I want you to know that I will be gentle, that I will stop no matter what we're doing if that's what you need. I don't love you more or less because of what we can or cannot do, I just love you, no strings or conditions attached." He kissed her lips softly. "Goodnight Ziva."

Leaving her standing there trying to absorb his promise, Tony got into bed. Ziva followed after awhile and stayed on her own side, mind clouded with thoughts. If that was a glimpse inside her husband's heart, she had no idea how she'd be able to handle seeing everything. Sometimes his tenderness made her want to cry. How was she supposed to give him even a fraction of what he was giving her?

NCIS

Ziva was gone when Tony woke up, surprised that he hadn't noticed her leave. He tried to think, but couldn't remember even hearing Chaya cry for her middle of the night feeding. He'd slept hard, probably due to the emotional and physical energy he'd put out the night before.

Checking the clock, Tony realized Chaya would be hungry in a few minutes and got up to warm her bottle the way he'd seen Ziva do it. Testing it on his wrist, Tony decided the temperature was fine and went to check on his baby. Peeking in her room, he found Chaya laying there, her wide eyes staring at the crib mirror they'd added a few days ago.

"Just you and me this morning princess," Tony said, leaning over the side. "Who's that beautiful girl in the mirror? That big girl can't be my baby, can it?" Chaya looked towards his voice and her lips curved up at the corners. Tony stared at her. "Did you just smile at Daddy princess?" She stuck her fingers in her mouth and made a grunting noise. He chuckled. "Okay, I get the message, you're ready for breakfast."

Lifting her up, Tony took her to the rocking chair and Chaya latched onto the bottle, sucking and swallowing steadily as she stared at a point on the wall. He bent to kiss her head. "I love you Chaya, I can't believe how fast you're growing." He rocked back and forth slowly, more than happy to spend this time with his daughter. But in the back of his mind Tony was wondering where Ziva had gone and when she'd be coming back.

NCIS

Ziva tried three gyms that morning before she found one that met all her criteria - pool, hot tub and babysitting service. She signed up for a month, knowing that as soon as she was back to work she'd be returning to Ops, but this would do for now. A slow jog on the treadmill began her workout and then Ziva spent half an hour in the pool, determined not to push things her first day back, but anxious to be active again. When she finished, Ziva talked to Beth Merry, who ran the on-site childcare, to find out how everything worked.

It was ten-thirty before Ziva made it home and she could see the relief in Tony's eyes when she walked in. He eyed her damp hair with a smile. "Couldn't wait huh?"

"I have waited months for this," she replied, reaching for a banana. "How was Chaya?"

"Good. I could really get used to this routine, I like feeding her."

Ziva looked down at her chest and made a face. "My turn next. I am going to grab a shower before she wakes up."

He kissed her. "Okay."

Tony was holding Chaya when Ziva came out of the bathroom and he looked up. "Gonna show Mommy your new trick princess?"

Ziva was curious and walked over to sit with them. She leaned down to kiss Chaya and rub noses with her. "Boker tov tatelah. At tov L'Papa?" Good morning darling. Were you good for Daddy? The baby wiggled in Tony's arms and repeated the same facial expression she'd given her father earlier. Ziva drew in her breath. "She is smiling Tony." Slipping her hands under the baby, Ziva held her close. "I think that is worth everything, yes?"

Tony grinned. "Definitely."

NCIS

In early afternoon Tony called Adrian and the guys and proposed a pick-up basketball game, just for an excuse to spend a couple hours out in the sun, sweating and working hard. When he offered for her to come along and watch, Ziva gave him a lazy smile with a look in her eyes perhaps imagining her husband shirtless and showing off, but finally shook her head and stood to kiss his cheek.

"I will let you go without me. I might crimp your style."

Tony snorted. "The term is 'cramp' Zi. And it's probably a good thing you stay here." She raised a warning eyebrow and he shrugged. "What? You think anyone would be able to keep their mind on the game with you sitting on the grass looking all hot and sexy in shorts and that shirt? Not a chance babe."

Ziva placed Chaya in her bassinet and took Tony's face between her hands, kissing him lightly. "You are very good for my confidence."

His arms came around her back, reluctant to let her move out of his space. "This is only the beginning."

That sounded like he was planning something but Ziva didn't bother asking because he probably wouldn't tell her anyways. And that was okay, sometimes it was best if she didn't know what was going through his head until he was ready to explain his logic. She said goodbye and pushed him gently out the door because he looked rather frozen to the spot, suddenly uncertain whether or not he actually wanted to leave the house today. Smirking, Ziva closed the door and picked up the phone. She had plans to attend to.

NCIS

Tony came home later than he'd planned because someone brought extra equipment in their trunk and basketball became football which turned into an intense competition of ultimate frisbee. He was completely worn out but couldn't stop grinning, reminded once again how much he enjoyed sports and missed being physically active in a way that didn't include chasing down suspects with guns.

Ziva greeted him at the door, took one look at him and ordered him to shower and dress nicely before he came downstairs. Puzzled, he held up his hands in surrender and did as asked, going dressy casual in a shirt and slacks but no tie or jacket. Abby and McGee sat on the couch when he returned with Sammy wandering around and sniffing things as he looked for the human that was more his size, and Tony eyed them suspiciously before kissing his wife properly.

"Gonna tell me what's going on?"

It was then that he noticed she'd changed from her earlier outfit to a pair of form fitting capris, a fancy shirt and more jewellery than she usually wore. Ziva smiled. "Abby and McGee have come to babysit. We are going out."

His eyes widened. "On a date?"

Her gaze laughed at him and she bit her lip to keep from smiling any wider. "Yes Tony, on a date. I do believe I owe you one." She brushed her hand down his chest. "My undivided attention for a whole evening, remember?"

Her words brought back to mind the conversation they'd had two weeks ago about how many extra points he was racking up and Tony grinned. "I do now. I just didn't think I'd be getting lucky so soon." The room froze at his statement and Tony wished that his mouth would check with his brain before spouting out something that would cause a reaction. He cleared his throat. "Lucky enough to be spending the evening out with my beautiful wife, that is."

Ziva's eyes locked with his, the look there thanking him for amending the meaning to save them all from a potentially embarrassing and awkward moment. She slipped her fingers between his and glanced at Abby. "Any questions?"

She shook her pigtails. "I've got cellphone numbers and this notebook full of information, plus everything you told me about what to expect, I think we'll be fine. Go have fun!"

"Oh, we will Abs," Tony grinned, "thanks."

They left the house hand in hand and Ziva gave Tony the keys. He seemed surprised and she chuckled. "It is a man thing, yes? To want to drive? Unless you would like me too..."

She left the question hanging and Tony followed her around the car to open the door for her. "Nope, I'm good." He got in on his side and put the keys in the ignition. "So, where to?"

Their destination was a quiet, intimate restaurant and their table sat in front of a window, looking out over the water. The couple accepted menus and gave their responsible drink orders, since Ziva still had to nurse again that night and Tony was driving, and then she handed him a single red rose with a sprig of baby's breath in a little plastic tube. He accepted it but looked a little confused, so Ziva elaborated.

"It is customary to bring flowers when you ask someone on a date, is it not?"

"Yeah," Tony said, staring at the rose before laying it in front of his plate. "But I don't think anyone's ever gotten me flowers before."

"It is just one flower," Ziva commented.

A grin spread over his face. "Thanks Zi."

They enjoyed their meals, sharing as always - Ziva trying a few bites of his perfectly done steak and encouraging him to have a couple of the carrots off her plate to go with his mashed potatoes, while she cut her chicken breast into small pieces and ate them one at a time. He held her hand across the table whenever possible and they managed to have an entire conversation without mentioning work, the team or their baby daughter. Not that those were bad topics, but tonight was special and it was all about them.

Soft music drifted through the restaurant as they took turns eating the white chocolate cheesecake with real whipped cream that had been recommended for dessert. When she put down her fork, Tony held out his hand and Ziva followed him to the dance floor. The last time they'd done this she was eight months pregnant and in short sleeves for the first time. Tonight the soft, thin material of her gauzy green and gold shirt drifted past her wrists, but Tony thought she looked beautiful no matter what.

Pulling her close, he slid one arm around her waist and wrapped his fingers around her left hand, while the other came to rest on his shoulder. They stared into each other's eyes and the rest of the world faded away until it was just them, moving in perfect rhythm and harmony, anticipating what moves were coming next, with Ziva following Tony's lead as if she'd been doing it her whole life. Several songs later her hands were linked behind his neck and Tony's head was bent next to hers, breathing in her curls as Ziva's soft breaths warmed his skin. Of all the ends he'd imagined to this night, he couldn't have come up with one that was better than his wife in his arms and the peace in his heart. Today was a good day.

NCIS

Sunday morning again found Ziva off to the gym, but this time she told Tony before she left. Shortly after a lunch of salad and sandwiches, they received an unexpected visitor. Tony opened the door and made a face. "Dude, I just saw you yesterday, you're smothering me."

Adrian laughed. "You think I came to see you DiNozzo? I'm here for the lovely ladies in your life." He stepped inside and smiled at Ziva.

"Adrian, are you going to make this a habit?"

His eyes widened. "What? You don't want to see me either? I come bearing presents." He held up another envelope and album.

Ziva's face lit up. "Baby pictures?"

"And your pregnancy pictures too, remember?"

Tony's eyes met his wife's and they both thought back to the Sunday before Chaya was born. Adrian had rearranged the livingroom furniture and requested that they change into black and white clothes - Ziva in a black tank top and white yoga capris, Tony wearing a white t-shirt and black jeans. He had Tony stand with his back to the wall beside the piano and put Ziva in front of him, leaning back against his chest.

"Tony, slide your hands around Ziva's belly and Ziva, put your hands over his. Now both of you look down, that's it." He snapped a few pictures. "Okay, now look out the window. Pick a point and fix your eyes on it. Beautiful."

Adrian changed the settings on his camera and went back to giving orders. "Okay Ziva, turn and face Tony and Tony, take her hands and just stare into her eyes." That wasn't a problem and Adrian almost felt like he was intruding. He cleared his throat. "Guys." No response. He rolled his eyes. "Hey lovebirds, focus for a minute, will you?"

They snapped out of it and looked at him. "Better. Now Ziva, can you roll your shirt up so I can get some belly shots?" Ziva froze and Tony started stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. Adrian looked between them. "Did I say the wrong thing?"

Tony whispered something to Ziva and she shook her head, but he held her gaze and finally she sighed and inched the shirt up until it was just under her bra. A fleeting thought made Adrian wonder if there was a modesty issue that came from Ziva's culture, but he decided not to draw any extra attention to what was already uncomfortable for her.

"Tony, lean down and kiss her bump." He did, smiling at Ziva first. Adrian could've sworn she was blushing but couldn't figure out why. "Can you guys sit down? That's right. Ziva, get comfortable and Tony, put your arm around her. Perfect." Adrian kept taking pictures. "Alright, left hands on Ziva's belly so I can see your rings. Nice." Tony picked up Ziva's hand after, kissing her ring finger and Adrian captured that too.

He had them pose several different ways and then got some of Ziva by herself, bathed in the light from the window, head bent and hair covering her face as her hand caressed her belly. Adrian grinned, they were going to look great in black and white.

"Hello," Adrian called, "earth to Tony and Ziva! Geez, where'd I lose you guys to?"

The couple didn't say, but both remembered what a beautiful and intimate afternoon that had been, even with Adrian there. It had given Tony a chance to touch Ziva and Ziva a way to see his love in action. She shook her head and focused on Adrian. "Sorry."

"Y'know, it' s kind of awkward when you guys do that, look at each other like no one else is in the room."

"You're just jealous," Tony grinned.

"Weirded out is more like it. But anyhow, here they are." He made to sit down, then stopped and just handed everything to Tony. "Actually, I think I'll leave you to look through them alone, there's only so much of those loaded looks I can handle."

Tony shook his hand. "Thanks man, I appreciate it."

Adrian stuck his hands in his pockets. "You know what you did for me back then Tony, no favour is too big."

"We've gotta be even by now Ade, it was a long time ago."

"Yeah, well, my memory's longer than most. You kids have fun." He left and Ziva looked at her husband.

"It must have been significant, whatever you did for him," she commented.

Tony shrugged. "One of the few times in my life when I wasn't thinking about myself."

Ziva tugged him towards the couch and opened the album, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "Then I am proud of you for being a good friend."

The pregnancy pictures had turned out gorgeous and Adrian had printed most of them off in black and white. Ziva ran her finger over the one of Tony kissing her bump and tried not to blush remembering how private that moment had felt. Partway through the album, pregnancy pictures became newborn pictures and the parents ooh'd and ahh'd over their adorable baby girl. Tony stared at the one of Chaya sleeping against his chest as he rubbed her back, naked except for the diaper that was covered by his hand.

"I'm really glad we did this Zi," he told her, his voice husky.

She looked at him. "Baby pictures or something else?"

Tony tapped her rings. "Getting married. I don't know what it would be like if I wasn't her dad, if we weren't together and I was still trying to find a way to get into your life."

She trailed her fingers over his hand, catching the solemn mood. "Do you think you would have eventually given up?"

He put his arm around her and Ziva curled into his side. "I don't know Zi, I want to say no, but it probably would've depended on how hard you pushed me away. I can't imagine being on the outside, watching you try to do this by yourself and not be allowed to help."

She nodded slowly. "I do not know what would have happened, so I am glad the choice is already made." Ziva kissed his jaw and glanced towards the wedding album. "I had hoped never to have to tell her how she was conceived. But when Chaya sees those pictures and realizes that not all mothers are pregnant at their weddings, and when she is old enough to figure out that her birthday is three weeks after our anniversary...she will know there is something we are not telling her."

Tony squeezed her hand. "We don't have to tell Chaya what happened, just that we did things in a different order than most parents. It's not a lie."

"No," Ziva sighed, "but I fear her questions just the same. I will keep the real truth from her at all costs."

"I know," Tony said heavily, not wanting to think of the burden his daughter would carry knowing what was done to her mom.

They sat in the stillness for awhile before Ziva sat up. "We need frames."

Tony frowned. "Frames."

She rolled her eyes. "For our pictures. I want to put them up all over the house. I want everyone who comes in to see our family everywhere."

They spent Chaya's next feeding sorting through the enlarged pictures to see how many needed frames and then looked at the pile from Abby. They took all the CDs and their own camera's memory card, which held Chaya's birth pictures, with them when they left and stood for more than an hour in front of two picture kiosks at the mall, printing off the memories they wanted framed. Then they went in search of frames, which was a tedious process that Tony left mostly to his wife, giving his opinion only if it was asked for.

Once their collection was complete, they picked up ice cream and a movie and returned home in time for supper. They watched the movie between Chaya's cluster feeds and after her bedtime routine was followed. Once their baby was fast asleep in her crib, Ziva spread out pictures and frames in the livingroom and on the diningroom table, eager to display them.

Tony helped and carried the pile around the house as they found homes for each one. Finally Ziva stood back and looked around. "Now it is perfect." Tony slid his arms around her waist and kissed her. He couldn't agree more.

A/N: Hey all! Hope you're still enjoying the story, thanks for sticking around. Since I've had some comments about the pace of the story, I just wanted to clarify - as much as I'd love to speed the process up and have them get to okay now, I feel like I'd be cheating the characters out of everything they've worked so hard for up to this point. So T&Z will start working on intimacy stuff in the 70s chapters, but it will be a SLOW process. Unfortunately there is no rushing this healing.

And on another note, I know there's been a distinct lack of A&M, but it's only because I am fully out of ideas for integrating them into this story, minus the handful of scenes I already have for them later on. If anyone has any suggestions or things you would like to see with A&M, I'm open to hearing them. Thanks again for everything, you guys are fantastic! ~ Love, Aliyah.