A/N: For the people who have inquired...I am feeling better, thanks :) When I finished SMH, TYF and Snapshots all in a couple weeks, I was feeling really lost because this is the first time in two years I haven't had a story to work on. So I was bummed and being all poor me about it. But God gave me the inspiration I was looking for and I've got some new stuff in the works, enough to keep me busy for the next couple months at least. Thanks for all the support, I hope you know you guys make any bad day ten times better! ~ Love always, Aliyah :)
PS. Really sorry guys, I'm super behind on responding to PMs right now, but I promise I'm not ignoring any of you. I should have some extra free time this week so I will try and get caught up on those. I always love hearing from you, thanks again for everything!
PPS. Apologies for the longest A/N ever! Just one more thing...I tried to do my research for the Jewish scene in this chapter, but again, please forgive me if I got anything wrong. I've never been to a Temple service before. It took so long to put this up because I wanted to make sure I tried to get it right.
ADR1989 (Ch 88) - I'm always so disappointed to see people's PM feature disabled :( But at least I can reply to you here :) lol...no worries, I'm just glad to hear from you. Trust me, vacation is much more fun! Always glad that people are STILL reading even after 90 chapters, wow! T&Z really have made a lot of progress. haha...well, I'm glad you enjoy the love scenes, that's totally the best I can do but I like them. I don't do details :P I know, Chaya's growing up so fast, it's crazy! I am so honoured to have my OCs accepted almost as well as the characters from the show, that's pretty cool. Thanks so much for reviewing, I really appreciate it!
jaena (Ch 88) - umm...wow, that's kind of awkward. Well...it's not for me to say how much time they spend in foreplay or exactly how they achieve pleasure. My job is just to gloss over the act itself and deal with the reactions. The love scenes in SMH are just a taste, I don't go into detail. Who knows how they get stuff accomplished? I never give a time period for the act happening, so there's room for a lot of interpretation/imagination.
ADR1989 (Ch 89) - I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter :) Yes! T&Z have waited so long for sex just to be about them without involving her memories. I agree that they totally deserve the peace.
Sarah (Ch 89) - Thanks :) I know, right? Time is just flying by, even though by 'flying' I mean it took us 153 chapters total to get here, lol :P Well, we're running out of chapters to read anyways, so I doubt you'll have time to miss her therapy sessions, but I'm glad you enjoyed them. Those are usually the ones I'm least confident about writing. haha...it's true, but every once in awhile Tony needs a wake-up call from someone other than Gibbs. I think turning the anniversary into a family thing gave them all a chance to attach new memories and feelings to the event. I wanted Matt to at least get a chance to explain, but I agree that Z is not at all comfortable knowing that someone outside her 'immediate family' is aware of what went on in Somalia. Oh boy...that is the question of the year! I can only hope that the 'no more kids' convo comes out good enough to live up to expectations. I guess we'll see. Oh, then I'm glad to hear you gave M&T a chance even before they proved themselves, that's good to know :) Thanks for reviewing Sarah! :)
Ziva sighed as she awoke Thursday morning and delayed opening her eyes for as long as possible. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept so well. Finally she gave into the gaze she felt fixed on her and blinked, smiling at her husband. He lay beside her with his head propped up on one hand and the other resting on his thigh, probably just itching to touch her.
"Hi."
She felt the smile go all the way to her eyes. "Good morning."
He gave into the urge and lifted a curl away from her face. "No nightmares?"
Surprise was reflected in her expression and Ziva shook her head. "Not even a tip."
Tony smirked. "Hint. You didn't wake up?"
"I think I would remember."
His grin grew wider. "So no reaction at all?"
Her happiness mirrored his. "Nothing. I just feel...cherished."
Tony swallowed and kissed her. "You are that. Does this mean...?"
He didn't know quite how to ask, but Ziva understood what he was getting at. Taking his face in her hands, she stroked the shadow of stubble on his cheeks. "I think it means that as far as intimacy is concerned, it is just you and me now. I make no promises, but I can hope."
After that Tony couldn't seem to stop kissing her and Ziva had no intention of preventing him as she rolled onto her back and felt his weight come to rest on her and his hands slide under the sheet covering her to explore her bare skin. They were rushed getting ready for work and taking Chaya to daycare, but Tony and Ziva looked so happy when they walked into the bullpen holding hands that Gibbs couldn't summon the anger to headslap either one of them. He wondered and hoped that maybe the couple had finally found the normal that worked for them.
NCIS
Halfway through the day Tim answered his phone and encountered a very distraught Abby. "Timmy!" she wailed. "They're going to take my puppy!"
McGee rubbed his face. Oh boy. "Honey, I know you're really upset right now but can you just calm down a little and tell me what happened?"
She sniffed. "They called Timmy, just now. It's been five months and they want to take him back!" At that she burst into tears and McGee glanced helplessly at his teammates, all of whom seemed concerned.
"Abbs, I'll be home in," he checked with Gibbs, "twenty minutes, okay? It's almost lunch time anyways. Yeah, I promise. I love you." McGee hung up and Gibbs stared.
"Well?"
Tim sighed. "I think she forgot Sammy isn't hers to keep."
"Crap," Tony muttered and Gibbs drank some more coffee.
McGee shook his head. "This is the worst possible time for them to take him back. That puppy is all that's keeping her entertained until the baby comes."
Gibbs shrugged. "Ask for more time."
He made a face. "I don't think that's an option. He goes to another family after this for a year and then takes the guide dog training."
"It cannot hurt to make a few calls," Ziva suggested.
McGee nodded and stood to go. "I'll try to be back in an hour Boss."
Gibbs waved him away and Tim started scrolling through his contacts looking for the name of the lady in charge of the puppy raising program. He'd talk to her on Bluetooth. Nothing right now trumped getting home to his wife. Less than half an hour later he stood in the livingroom with a pregnant crying Goth in his arms. He rubbed her back soothingly and whispered soft words into her neck for awhile until her tears subsided.
Brushing back the hair that had escaped her pigtails, Tim gave Abby a half-smile. "I talked to Laura Walker. She agreed to give us another week under the circumstances. They're going to come get Sammy next Wednesday." Her bottom lip quivered and he led her to the couch. "You knew this would happen eventually, right?"
She sighed and picked up the puppy, letting him lick her tears. "Yes. But I lost track of time - five months already? It doesn't seem like we've had him that long and," Abby's voice grew quiet, "I want to keep him Tim."
McGee kissed her. "I know you do babe. I wish that was an option."
"Only if he fails the training, and that's a year and a half away. But I can't even wish that because he'll make a great guide dog and I love him. I want him to succeed."
"That's what love is," Tim mused, holding her against his side. "Wanting what's best for someone even if it means you miss out."
Abby fondled Sammy's ears. "I'm going to miss him."
Tim smiled. "Me too. He kind of grows on you."
They sat there for an entire hour and when McGee left, his wife was curled up on the couch with Sammy, fast asleep, one arm around the puppy that in six days would no longer be hers.
NCIS
On a suggestion from her husband, Celeste took a break Monday afternoon from the new book she was editing and drove herself to Abby and McGee's. She wasn't entirely certain about showing up without warning, but they'd been doing better since the post-wedding party the team threw, so she decided to chance it. Celeste rang the doorbell twice before Abby answered, looking surprised. "Hello Abby," she smiled, "may I come in?"
The dark-haired woman stood back. "Sure." She wasn't really sure what came next. "Do you want a drink?"
Celeste nodded. "Tea would be nice. I could make it, if you show me where everything is."
Abby tilted her head. "That would be helpful. The kettle is under the cutlery drawers and bending over is..." she gestured to her bump.
"Impossible," Celeste guessed, chuckling.
"Pretty much." Abby sat in one of the table chairs and gave directions and Sammy kept them occupied while the water boiled and Celeste fixed her tea. Once she joined Abby, the girl shrugged. "Okay, what gives?"
Celeste stirred her tea. "Pardon?"
Abby raised her eyebrows. "Why are you here?"
"Because you're on maternity leave and Jethro thought you might like company. Unless you're not bored."
Abby made a face. "I passed bored about two days ago. Now I'm really, really done being pregnant and I just want to get back to my lab."
"Tami's not going to take your place," Celeste commented and Abby frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Setting her mug down, Celeste thought about her words carefully. "Everyone loves you Abby. Why do you seem so insecure about something so obvious?"
Abby's expression darkened. "Insecure?"
Celeste sighed and held out a few fingers. "Like you're afraid. Afraid of losing your place in Jethro's heart, afraid Tami might do a good job and you won't be needed anymore, even afraid something might draw Tim's attention from you." She'd heard through the grapevine about last month's blow up over a misunderstanding.
The fight went out of Abby and she shrugged one shoulder. "I guess there's some things you never grow out of." Celeste tilted her head to the side, listening carefully. Abby wrinkled her nose. "Let's move to the couch."
After retrieving Bert and giving him a comforting squeeze, Abby unexpectedly offered Celeste to hold Sammy. Gratefully accepting the gift, Celeste sat cross-legged with the puppy in her lap, eyes closed in bliss as she scratched behind his ears and under his chin in one particular spot. She waited while the girl gathered her courage.
"I was eight when my brother was born," she began at last. "I was Daddy's little girl, but from that day on I always knew my mom loved Luca more than me. The summer I turned fourteen, my best friend drowned in the river. That's when it really started, this niggling fear inside me that something would always take away the people I loved the most." Abby swallowed. "Luca and I lost our parents a few years ago - my dad first, then my mom. And the last thing I said to her is something I can never take back." She blinked back the moisture in her eyes. "That's the story."
Compassion filled Celeste. "I'm so sorry for your losses Abby."
"Yeah, me too." She squeezed Bert and fingered his ear. "Kate died. Paula. Jenny. Ziva almost. Tony's car blew up. I never know if I'm going to get them back. So I'm clingy with them for the time I have."
"That's understandable," Celeste agreed, "but no matter what this team goes through, I hope you know nothing will change their love for you. You're daughter, sister, wife, friend. Irreplaceable, unforgettable, unique in the best way. Try to hold onto that next time the fear comes calling."
Abby looked at Celeste with new eyes and a definite respect that hadn't always been there before. "Thank you."
Celeste smiled. "Anytime Abby, I'll be here." It was another clear step towards her goal.
NCIS
Saturday morning Ziva stood in front of the mirror and stared at an image she had not seen in years. Her hair was french braided and covered with a scarf. She wore a pretty but plain, light gray shirt with sleeves that covered her wrists, and a tasteful navy blue skirt, finished off with pantyhose and simple dress shoes. Fussing with her skirt, Ziva turned from the mirror to face her husband. "I have gone to shul my whole life," she blurted, "why am I nervous now?"
Tony leaned back on his hands, assuming a casual pose to combat her tense stance. "It's kind of like going to a family reunion when you haven't seen your family in years. It's familiar, because they're family and you know them, but awkward too because it's been a long time and you wonder if anyone is going to judge you for not coming sooner." Ziva's shoulders sagged and he stood to take her hands. "Are you sure you don't want me to come?"
Ziva pulled away and started pacing slowly. "Yes. No. I do not know." She met his eyes. "I think this first time I should go alone, I need to remember what it is like. But I wonder if I would do better with you there." She shrugged. "I would miss your presence, and your support."
"Then I'll come," he offered for the tenth time since she announced yesterday that she was going to the morning Shabbat service.
Biting her lip, Ziva stared out the window and then sighed. "Please." She hurried down the hall to get Chaya from the nursery. Luckily for them she had just eaten and would sleep through most of the service. Even though many synagogues had no problem with mothers breastfeeding as long as they were discreet and kept themselves covered, that was not something she was ready to face on her first day back.
Tony dressed in a dark suit and tie, unlike his gray work suit which was more business and less dressy. He fixed his hair, slid his feet into shoes and went downstairs where Ziva was kneeling down and buckling Chaya into the carseat. It was strange to see her like that, as if she'd suddenly shifted cultures. The last time he'd seen her with her hair covered was a couple years ago when they had to go into a mosque to ask questions and Ziva was trying not to offend anyone.
She was quiet on the drive, only speaking to give him directions on where to turn. They arrived at a huge building done in yellowish stone, with many small windows. The first level was almost square, but on top of that sat a large dome with large, intricately designed stained glass windows. The architecture was amazing and Tony kept trying to get a better look at it while they waited at the lights. There was more than one entrance, but it was clear which was the main one. Several stone steps led up to three separate tall wooden doors under stone archways. Ziva stared at the temple out the car window as they parked. Tony got Chaya's seat out and reached for Ziva's hand. Her skin was clammy and he smiled easily, squeezing her hand gently.
"Relax Zi, you've done this before."
Ziva swallowed and nodded, then looked at him with wide eyes. "Tony, you will have to wear a yamaka."
He made a face. "A what?"
Her hand fluttered as she explained. "It is a little round cap Jewish men wear on top of their heads, as a symbol of their humility before God."
"But I'm not Jewish," Tony pointed out.
"It is a sign of respect. Even visitors are asked to wear one."
He raised their linked hands and kissed her fingers. "It's okay honey, I'll wear it. Don't worry so much."
She snorted. "I will tell you the same thing should we ever darken the door of a cathedral."
Tony cleared his throat. "Ahh...I see your point. For that I would need Abby. She makes church much less scary."
Ziva smiled. "Perhaps we will go one day then. Chaya should learn the heritages both of her parents come from."
"Let's start with one Zi, she's not even half a year old yet."
Their familiar banter helped to calm her a little and she was able to offer a sincere smile to the man who greeted them. "Bruchim ha-baim," he said. "Welcome."
The Hebrew settled her even more and Ziva nodded. "Shabbat Shalom." She took the siddur that was offered, explaining it to Tony as they made their way in.
"This is a prayer book, we will read from it many times during this morning's service." Ziva flipped through it, starting at what Tony would consider the back of the book, though it was the front. "It is written in Hebrew and English, so you will not feel out of place like a fish."
He chuckled. "Like a fish out of water. As long as I have you with me, I'm sure I'll get along fine." Tony picked up a black yamaka before they entered the sanctuary and Ziva showed him how to put it on properly. Then they found a couple empty seats. He was glad this was the kind of synagogue that allowed men and women to sit together. Especially on his first exposure to a temple service, but also at any other time, Tony didn't like the idea of being separated from his wife and daughter.
There was a lot of visiting going on while people waited for service to start and it gave Tony the opportunity to look around. Ziva took him on a verbal tour, pointing out all the important things. "All synagogues are built facing Jerusalem." She gestured to the front of the room. "The Ark is where the Torah scrolls are kept, they are all handwritten by a Hebrew scribe, a sofer. Those words above the Ark say 'Know Before Whom You Stand', and above them are tablets with the first two words of each of the Ten Commandments on them. That small silver dome hanging down is the eternal light, in memory of the original in the first Temple that was always burning." She looked at the stand holding aloft seven candles. "Surely you have seen a Menorah before Tony?"
"Yeah, that's about as Jewish as I get." Ziva made a face and he resolved not to make any jokes while they were there. He only did it because he was nervous too. But his wife seemed to be getting more at home the longer they sat in a building like so many she had been in before, and he was glad to see it, even if he felt out of place. "Please, keep going."
She didn't look convinced of his interest, but pressed on in her explanation. "The platform in the center is called the bima, and the service is led from the reading desk. Some services can be four hours in total, but I think this one is roughly two and a half hours."
The length of time gave Tony a bit of a pause, the Catholic Mass was roughly an hour in length. He had a feeling this would be an experience unlike any he'd ever had before. Just as he was about to ask another question, the rabbi moved to the bima and faced the congregation. "Shabbat Shalom to all of you. Good Shabbice and good morning. Let us begin."
The service started with a selection of morning blessings and the singing of Hebrew poetry rejoicing in the attributes of G-d, then a call to prayer. They were done in a mixture of Hebrew and English, and Ziva translated anything he didn't understand. Then came the Shema, which even Tony had heard before, though he couldn't put his finger on where. The people recited it together. "Hear O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One."
That was followed by the Amidah, a standing prayer that included nineteen blessings, some repeated by the reader and some by the whole congregation. Tony followed along in the prayer book. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole world is full of His glory!"
Then it was time for the reading of the Torah. The congregation sang a Psalm while the Ark was opened and a scroll taken from inside. The rabbi carried it in a procession around the room while the singing continued, finally returning to the bima and the reading desk. The cover was taken off, the large scrolls unrolled and the correct section, one out of fifty-two that was read each week of the year until they ran out and started over again, revealed. People were called up one at a time to read a portion using the yad, a hand shaped pointer, to follow along with and Ziva leaned over to whisper to him.
"It is a great honour to be asked to read from the Torah." With all the ceremony, Tony could understand. He could feel the tradition and reverence that filled the room.
Blessings and readings took a good portion of time, then there were prayers for the community and the congregation, and finally the Torah scroll was returned to the Ark with the singing of another Psalm. Next came the rabbi's sermon. Tony had prepared himself to be bored and not understand much, but contrary to his expectations, it was an amusing reflection on that morning's Torah reading interwoven with events that had been going on in the city recently. It ended with a lesson that anyone, Jewish or not, could take an apply in their own lives and homes.
The service concluded with an important prayer affirming their commitment in the unity of God and their belief in His omnipotence. The Kaddish was read by those in mourning and then they were released with a blessing. "May the Lord bless and keep you. May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look kindly upon you and give you peace. Shabbat Shalom everyone."
Ziva sat quietly for a moment, just absorbing the wondrous feeling of being among her people again and in this familiar place of faith. Then she joined her husband and daughter out in the main hall for the Kiddush, a sanctification of the day. A blessing was said over the wine, pieces of bread eaten, and light refreshments served. It was meant as a time to greet family and friends but since this was Tony's introduction to a synagogue and Ziva's first visit in years, they left quietly, wishing anyone in their path 'Shabbat Shalom', a peaceful Sabbath. The words felt strange coming off Tony's tongue but he had promised to support Ziva in this and he was determined to have her back in her return to her roots, just as he had it in all other aspects of life.
They got out to the car and right then Chaya woke up and started crying, acting as if they'd ignored her hunger for the past hour. Ziva got her out and spoke softly to her in Hebrew, then settled in the passenger seat to nurse her baby. Tony got in on his side and watched her with their daughter. "So," he asked after awhile, "what did you think?"
Ziva looked up and smiled, brushing her fingers gently over Chaya's ringlets. "It felt like coming home Tony. I do not want to forget that feeling."
He ran his fingers down her cheek. "I'm proud of you babe. Going back took a lot of courage. Whatever steps you have to take from here, remember that I'll always be right by your side."
She leaned over to kiss him. "Thank you my love. That is one of the most precious out of all the gifts you have given me this year. I love you."
Tony winked. "Ani ohev atach. You're my heart Zi. There's nothing better than that."
NCIS
The following Wednesday Tim came into work and found three small wrapped present on his desk. The screen saver scrolling across his computer read, 'Happy Birthday Probie!', leaving little doubt as to the culprit. He smiled. "Thanks guys."
Tony looked up. "I expect a similar gesture tomorrow." At first the guys had been dismayed to learn their birthdays were only a day apart, but over the years they'd come to accept and even embrace it.
Ziva leaned her head on her hands. "Are you going to open them?"
McGee sat down and picked the one he assumed was from Ziva. Inside he found a Chocolaholic's Choice cupcake. "So you do not have to eat Abby's." She smiled slightly. "I am taking her two after work today."
"Thanks Ziva." He hoped the dessert would cheer up his wife. She'd been awfully mopey the last couple days, not that he could blame her.
Next was a DVD from Tony and an envelope of one dollar bills. Tim raised an eyebrow. "The movie has a lot of cool computer stuff. And the money is your NutterButter stash. Don't say I never gave you anything."
McGee chuckled. "Nice Tony, I appreciate that."
The last present was a small envelope with a bow on it and inside Tim found a gift card for his favourite video game store. He looked up in surprise at the names of the givers. "Boss?"
Gibbs strode in with his coffee. "Celeste's idea." He paused. "Happy Birthday," and with that the day began, but Tim couldn't remember the last time something so little had made him smile that much.
Using comp time the way Tony and Ziva had been, McGee left in early afternoon so he could be with Abby when the volunteers came to get Sammy. He watched her slowly gather up all his toys, bowls, treats, food, leash and little blue jacket - everything that had come with him in April and all that had been added since. Finally she sat down on the floor with her back against the wall and just held him. McGee joined her and they talked very little, but when the doorbell rang he was the one who led the puppy away after Abby gave him one last kiss.
Tim scratched under Sammy's chin. "Be good buddy, make Abby proud okay? We're gonna miss you around here." He closed the door and looked around, surprised to see that his wife had moved. She walked slowly down the stairs and smiled bravely.
"Happy Birthday Tim." In her hands was some gaming accessories for his computer and a new jazz record. She shrugged. "If you do decide to keep writing after Abandoned, you might need something to help you get in the creative mood."
He kissed her. "Thanks Abbs, these are awesome. I can't wait to try them out."
She waved him away. "Go play, I'll start dinner."
Though she was trying to hide it, the sorrow flowed off of her in waves. Tim set everything down on the couch and followed her into the kitchen, snaking his arms gently around her. "Nah, I think I'll say here with you and the baby. I wouldn't want to miss anything."
Abby blinked back more tears and leaned her head on his shoulder. "I love you."
"Always," he murmured, kissing her.
They might've stayed that way longer but there was a knock at the door and it was Tony and Ziva and Abby suddenly felt like dessert before supper. They let her hold and feed Chaya before Ziva and Abby sent Tony upstairs with McGee to show him again how diaper changing was done. By the time they left Abby's smile had returned and Tim considered the evening a success. Just a few more days and she would have all the distraction she could handle, they both would.
NCIS
Thursday morning Ziva walked into the nursery after her shower and found Tony playing peek-a-boo with Chaya. She was laying on the change table in just her diaper and he was leaning close to her face, with part of a receiving blanket draped over her eyes. "Where's Chaya?" he asked in a sing-song voice. Tony lifted the blanket and rubbed noses with his baby while she giggled. "There she is!"
Ziva chuckled. "Are you two having fun?"
He nodded in the affirmative. "Hard not to with this one around."
She linked her fingers behind his back and leaned up to kiss him. "Happy birthday ahuvi."
Tony's grin bloomed. "You remembered!"
Ziva rolled her eyes. "You have only been telling me every day for two weeks." She touched his cheek. "But I would not have forgotten."
"Did you get me a present?" he asked hopefully. From the back pocket of her jeans came two cards - one a gift certificate to MovieWorld and the other a sparkly blue laminated one that simply said 'Redeem Your Points'. He looked confused. "What is this?"
Ziva smiled. "You have enough extra points and may cash them in for whatever you like."
His eyes gleamed and he gave her the elevator look of his gaze sweeping up and down her body. "Anything?"
She smirked. "Anything. Then you give it back and I will let you know when it is full again."
Tony kissed her deeply, keeping one hand on Chaya. Ever since she learned to roll over there were no guarantees she'd stay put. "I think I like this game." Ziva traded him places to get the baby dressed and swatted his rear as he left the room. Then she turned her attention to dressing their daughter.
All through the day Tony received gifts and well-wishes and he was feeling suitably special by the time they got home. Minutes after they walked in the house, Ziva looked over at her husband. "We are having company."
His ears perked up and he settled Chaya on his hip. "Oh yeah? Team coming over?"
Before she could answer there was a knock on the door and when Tony opened it, Adrian, Brent, Mark, Jordan and Darien spilled in. "Happy birthday man!" "Getting old Big D?" "You made it another year!" "Just like fine wine, right? Get better with age?" "Bet you wish we weren't too old for Spring Break, huh?" and other similar sentiments filled the air while Tony looked questioningly at Ziva. Adrian answered for her.
"We thought we'd bring the party to you this time."
"And we wanted to meet the gorgeous wife you can't spend more than a few hours away from," Brent added, bowing playfully at Ziva.
"What about this little lady?" Mark asked, reaching for Chaya. She started to cry and turned her face into Tony's shoulder, confused by all the commotion. Tony kissed her head and rubbed her back, cradling her against his chest. Mark, a dad himself, felt terrible. "I didn't mean to scare her," he said apologetically.
"Just give her a couple minutes," Tony advised. "We usually don't have this many people over at the same time. I bet you'll all be best friends by the time you leave."
"We brought pizza," Jordan piped up, holding the boxes high.
"And soda," Brent added.
"Then let's get this party started," Tony grinned. "Try to agree on a movie, okay boys?" He walked over to Ziva.
"You realize you just let my frat brothers invade, right?"
Ziva kissed him, drawing wolf whistles from the guys. "If you do not have fun without us, I had to find another way to make this day memorable."
"You've succeeded," he assured her, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "Thank you babe." He leaned closer to whisper to her. "And I can think of a few other ways too, for later." She blushed and shook her head, knowing there were people watching.
"Get a room!" Jordan hollered. "Later though." He held up a DVD case. "The Fast and the Furious brother!"
"Nice." Tony joined them and a few minutes later Ziva brought over paper plates, napkins and bowls of chips. Despite her plan to stay out of the way, Tony kept her by his side with an arm around her waist the whole time.
After about an hour Chaya had warmed up to the guys and since Mark was closest, he received the benefit of her attention. She turned her head and batted her eyelashes at him, laughing when he kissed her hand and cuddling back up to her daddy when she occasionally got shy. "You're gonna have your hands full with this one Tony," Mark commented. "Five months old and flirting already."
Tony sighed. "If she's anything like her mother I'm going to need a guard dog and a bigger gun."
Ziva elbowed him and Tony let out a very unmanly squeal before handing his daughter to Mark. By the end of the evening all five guys were doing everything they could to make Chaya laugh and she thoroughly enjoyed the attention. Tony loved having his friends there but was ready to be alone with his girls. Grinning, he held up the baby and sniffed her bum, making a face. "Okay, who's volunteering to change diapers?"
Eyes widened and Adrian lifted his hands. "I limit contact with diapers to photoshoots."
Brent checked his watch. "Oh, look at the time! I think I better...y'know."
Mark laughed and slapped Tony's shoulder. "You're on your own man. My diaper changing days are over."
Jordan nodded at Ziva. "Thanks for having us. But I suddenly remembered this...thing I have to get to. Bye." Darien merely shook his head and beat a hasty retreat with the others.
When the door closed Tony laughed and Ziva took Chaya, raising an eyebrow. "There is nothing in her diaper."
He put his arm around her shoulders. "No, but it's the best way to clear a room."
She smirked. "Trying to get me alone DiNozzo?"
Tony appeared shocked. "I don't know what you're talking about. I think it's time for Chaya's bath." Then he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "But if dessert is an option later, I sure won't pass it up." Her eyes twinkled and Tony had the feeling he just might be getting lucky tonight. What a great way to end his birthday.