This is being written in collaboration with my talented friend nightchild78. We are having fun bouncing ideas off each other, and sharing in the excitement of watching this story unfold!
Special thanks to Rose Malmaison for making the image to go along with this fic!
Categories: NCIS/Torchwood
Rating: M
Characters: Tony DiNozzo, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Abby Sciuto, Tim McGee, Ziva David, Dr Donald Mallard, Jimmy Palmer / Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, Toshiko Sato, Owen Harper.
Pairings: Tony/Gibbs, Jack/Ianto, Tosh/Owen.
Warnings: Swearing, slash, Mpreg, explicit sexual situations.
Spoilers: Set during the 6th season of NCIS and after Children of Earth for Torchwood. Mentions of the episodes SWAK and Requiem for NCIS and for the episodes Cyberwoman, To the Last Man, Dead Man Walking, A Day In the Death, Exit Wounds as well as the whole of season 3 of Torchwood. Miracle Day never happened.
Disclaimer: We don't own these characters. We just like to play with them.
(Author's note: You'll notice that I spell "magick" with a "k" in this chapter. This is not an error. It is commonly spelled this way among witches. Indeed, there is a difference between "magick" and "magic". "Magic" is illusions, used for entertainment purposes, such as what you would see a magician do. "Magick" as witches use it is used to help manifest real change in a person's life. As I mention in this chapter, a "spell" is really the same thing as a prayer. Sometimes witches will use tools, such as candles and stones, in their spell work. But it's really not as strange as many people might believe it to be.)
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
"Abs...Abs, I know." Gibbs rubbed his forehead, trying to be patient and polite with Abby on the phone, while Abby was just being...trying. "Abby, it's not my fault you got called into work on a Sunday...Yes, I'll call you when we know... All right...I'm turning off my phone now." With that, Gibbs put his phone on silent, shoving it into his pocket.
Gibbs walked back into the bedroom, where Owen was telling Jack how to use the doppler on Tony. Since Ducky and Palmer couldn't be there to help out with Tony's ultrasound, Jack volunteered to do the honors.
"Abby again?" Tony asked, already suspecting the answer.
"Yep."Gibbs grinned, sitting down on the bed next to where Tony lie. Gazing down at his lover, he silently believed that this quiet gathering was for the best. They were about to learn the sex of the baby, and even though it was exciting, Gibbs sensed that Tony had recently become stressed and upset by Abby's intense personality. He was easily overwhelmed lately. For these reasons, Gibbs felt that just having Jack, Ianto, Owen and Tosh present was for the best. They had all proven to be calming presences, which was what Tony needed.
"Ready when you are," Owen said, standing at the machine.
Tony lifted his shirt, exposing his swollen stomach, then reached for the firm hand of his lover beside him.
"Okay, Tony. You know the drill," Jack said with a wink, squirting the gel onto Tony's tummy and running the doppler over it.
As they stared at the screen, Gibbs felt his heart catch in his throat as his saw the tiny life moving around. It was already starting to look like a baby, and he couldn't help remembering the first time he had seen Kelly's blurry form in the same kind of image years ago. Suddenly, everything felt so much more real. Looking down at Tony, Gibbs saw the younger man tear up, overwhelmed by the miracle. Jack appeared on the verge of crying himself, glancing up at the image of his great grandchild.
Owen looked over with a knowing smirk.
"Congratulations! It's a girl!" he declared.
Exchanging tearful glances, Tony and Gibbs shared a lingering kiss. Jack's eyes glistened with tears, and Ianto smiled, squeezing Jack's free arm supportively. Tosh clapped her hand over her mouth, supressing a squeal of delight.
"All right, Harkness. Keep that doppler on you grandson's tummy, and I'll explain how I can tell it's a girl," Owen said, trying to sound strict. But he was just as excited as everyone else.
After the ultrasound was over, everyone cleared out of the room, leaving only Tony and Gibbs. It wasn't long before Tony fell asleep, and Gibbs couldn't help but to admire the gorgeous man carrying his child.
The hormone shots had the pleasant effect of giving Tony beautifully soft, touchable skin. He really was glowing. Absolutely glowing!
The more Gibbs thought about it, the more he appreciated all that Tony was giving of himself for their child. It hadn't been easy, but he had finally come to accept that, because he's not a woman, he can't expect his pregnancy to be like a female pregnancy. He wasn't designed to carry a child, and doing so required everything of him, leaving him with little strength. The weakness hadn't passed. In fact, he only seemed to get weaker the farther along he got. And it was clear that, in spite of the undeniably positive effects of the therapy offered by Ducky and Owen, he often felt emotionally vulnerable and naked without medication to offer him stability. But he was determined to do whatever it took for his child. Dutifully enduring the daily injections, eating better and even coming to terms with his changing body.
Always devoted. Always loyal. Gibbs wondered how he could be so lucky. Placing a hand lovingly on Tony's belly, Gibbs silently swore that he, in turn, would devote the rest of his life to protecting Tony and their daughter.
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Tony wheeled himself into the bedroom, resisting the urge to slam the door. He didn't even bother turning on the lights. He just wanted to be alone. He wanted it quiet.
Once Tony's former colleagues had finished work, they all decided to come over. The news that he and Gibbs were having a daughter led to the inevitable questions:
Had they picked a name yet?
Isn't it interesting that two men could end up having a daughter together?
Could they have copies of the ultrasound photos?
It's not that Tony didn't appreciate them making time for him. He really did! He was glad that Ducky had chosen to move into the house during his pregnancy to help out. And he'd actually grown closer to McGee and Palmer. They had been surprisingly supportive.
Abby... well, Abby was Abby. She meant well. Tony knew this. But she was just too much for him sometimes. So hyperactive and overbearing. She couldn't grasp the simple concept of giving him personal space. If Gibbs hadn't stopped her, he had no doubt she would have followed him to the bedroom and clung to him like a limpet. And she was the main reason he wanted to be alone. He wasn't sure why he was so bothered by her. He used to like her...uniqueness. He found it quirky and amusing. But not anymore.
As for Ziva...no sign of her in months. He wondered why she'd been avoiding him. Maybe she was uncomfortable with his pregnancy. Maybe it freaked her out. That made sense. Most of the time, he felt like a freak.
It was strange. He loved his job! It had been his escape. His family. But now, there was something bittersweet about the memories of his years with NCIS. Something he couldn't place. A sorrow, hidden within joy, that made him want to cry. Something that had been lacking.
Wheeling over to the night stand, Tony opened a drawer and took out the pendant Gibbs had given him. A reminder that, yes, he was loved. He was safe. He was cared for. Holding the pendant to his chest, Tony started crying softly, when he heard Palmer's voice in the doorway.
"Tony? You all right?" the young ME assistant asked, switching on the light.
"Yeah," Tony lied, turning away and hoping Jimmy didn't see him wipe his tears. He was tired of being seen crying. Tired of looking weak and helpless.
"I know you said you need to be alone, but I didn't get a chance to tell you: I got you that cheesecake you wanted. Here." Palmer set the plate of cheesecake and a fork on Tony's night stand. "I brought you a slice."
"Thanks," Tony almost whispered, setting down the pendant and picking up the plate and fork.
"Nice pendant," Palmer observed, head tilting slightly as he observed the design. "Although it looks more like something designed for a woman."
"Well, I don't know if you've noticed, but I tend to do a lot of things usually designed for women," Tony replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"I didn't mean to criticize," Palmer defended himself . "I just never would have taken you for a follower of Bast."
"What?" Tony asked through a mouthful of cheesecake.
"Bast. The Egyptian cat goddess. I dated a witch in college, and Bast was one of her primary goddesses," Palmer explained.
"The pendant was a gift from Jethro," Tony clarified. "I don't know anything about Bast."
"She represents love, sex, fertility, childbirth, music -"
"W-wait! Did you just say 'fertility and childbirth'?" Tony asked, dropping his fork onto the plate.
Palmer nodded. "That's right."
"Oh wow..." Tony believed he was starting to piece things together. They had spent plenty of time over the last few months trying to figure out what could have possibily triggered his pregnancy. But it would have never ever occurred to him that it would be something as innocuous as the pendant. "Tell Jethro I need to see him...please?"
"Sure," Palmer nodded, slowly walking out of the room.
"Hey," Tony called once Palmer was at the doorway.
Palmer turned around. "Yeah?"
"Thanks for the cheesecakes and...just everything," Tony said softly.
"No problem. That's what friends are for," Palmer smiled, before hurrying to get Gibbs.
※
Gibbs walked in, taking a seat on the bed, watching fondly as Tony finished up his cheesecake. "Everything all right?"
"I...I think I may have found a lead on our case," Tony said, setting down his plate.
Gibbs raised a quizzical eyebrow. "We have a case?"
"Yeah," said Tony with a wink, pointing at his belly. "And it's getting bigger and bigger with every passing day."
"Oh, that case," Gibbs chuckled.
Tony picked up the pendant and held it up to Gibbs. "What did Shannon tell you about this?"
"Like I said, family heirloom," Gibbs answered with a shrug. Passed down for generations in her family. Always given to the eldest daughter on her 18th birthday. We were saving it for Kelly, but..."
Gibbs' voice trailed off, and he took hold of Tony's hand, pushing away the sadness which was threatening to overwhelm him and focusing instead on the beautiful man in front of him and the daughter he was pregnant with. Another chance. And he'd get it right this time.
"Do you know who the engraving on the pendant is of?" Tony asked, his thumbs running over the image.
Gibbs shook his head. "Nope."
"Bast," Tony told him. "From what Palmer told me earlier, an Egyptian goddess of, among other things, love, sex, fertility and child birth.
"And you think..."
"It's just an idea, but I think it merits further investigation. Don't you?"
Gibbs sat in silence for a moment, looking thoughtful before speaking up again.
"Yeah," he said thoughtfully, standing up and kissing Tony on the top of his head. "It probably does. I'll send the others home, and we'll figure this out together," he promised.
Did Shannon's family history tie into Tony's pregnancy? Somehow, the thought was comforting to Gibbs. And with Torchwood's help, he was confident they would get the answers they needed.
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"Oh, this is gorgeous! Absolutely exquisite!" Tosh gushed, examining the pendant from where she sat on the couch. Handing it back to Tony, she turned her attention to her laptop, ready to delve into the history of the heirloom. A list of Shannon's maternal ascendants, as far back as Gibbs could remember, was written on a piece of paper next to the laptop.
"Jethro, were you aware that there might be a possible history of witchcraft in Shannon's family?" Tosh asked.
Gibbs shook his head, both he and Tony looking a little uncertain. The mere idea that Shannon could have been involved in witchcraft seemed so far fetched.
"Well, before I begin, I should tell you that it's probably nothing to worry about," Tosh hurried to assure them, as if reading their thoughts. "What many people believe about witches is based on ignorance, misinformation and stereotypes. Most witches are not evil. They won't put curses on you or turn you into toads. They are spiritual people who value all life. In fact, one of the main rules they live by is 'harm none'. I'm telling you this to reassure you. From what you say, Shannon sounds like she was a lovely person! Coming from a family of witches won't change that at all!"
Gibbs and Tony looked at each other and nodded. A silent sign of acceptance at what they had been told.
"So, no Rosemary's Baby?" Tony joked
Tosh softly smiled at him and shook her head.
"As far as I know, there is no reason to believe in a fiendish influence at work here. There are definitely some magickal elements, that's for sure, but nothing negative nor dangerous."
Focusing on her task, it took Tosh awhile to get any useful information. During that time, Jack entertained Tony, Gibbs and Ducky with stories of his travels with the Doctor. Tony, in particular, held on to Jack's every word with a child-like wonder.
"All right! I've got something!" Tosh spoke up to get their attention, and the men all turned to her expectantly.
"Unfortunately, due to the ignorance I spoke of earlier, many witches choose to practice in private, for fear of their own safety. There's not much in the way of public record. However, I was able to trace the origin of the pendant. It was crafted in 1808, for Mrs. Mary O'Rourke, a seamstress from Boston, as a wedding present for her daughter, Sara. You might also find it of interest that Sara herself was a gifted artist and, upon her death, paintings of the goddesses Bast, Brigid and Hecate were found in her studio. Even Shannon's great grandmother Mildred crafted her own spell candles - think of a spell as a prayer, which is really what it is. The glass cases for these candles contained drawings of different goddesses, meant to invoke their various aspects."
Tosh took a breath. "In conclusion, though the information is spotty, I think it's safe to say that Shannon came from a family of eclectic witches. That is to say, witches who follow varying traditions. Egyptian, Celtic, Greek, and so on."
Tosh looked at Gibbs.
"If you were unaware of this history, it's possible that some of these practices have faded over time. But some traditions remain. Whether or not Shannon or her mother knew, that pendant was meant to invoke the goddess Bast. I suspect there is a lot of loving energy and good intentions attached to it."
"So, do you think the pendant had anything to do with me getting pregnant?" Tony asked. "I was wearing it the first time we... well...you know."
Tosh nodded in understanding, sparing Tony the trouble to having to elaborate.
"Yes, I think it probably did," she replied. "I'm sorry this is all the information I could find. But, from what we now know, I suspect there is some very powerful magick attached to that pendant."
"It's weird," Tony observed. "Not long ago, I would have dismissed this as New Age twaddles. But now? It's easy for me accept it as true."
"I know what you mean," Jack agreed. "Until recently, I dismissed anything of a spiritual or metaphysical nature as foolish superstition or alien activity in disguise. But I, too, have changed my perspective."
He cast a glance Ianto's way, and the pair exchanged knowing smiles.
As Gibbs reached for Tony's hand, the younger man suddenly yelped in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Gibbs asked, finally taking hold of Tony's hand. "You all right?"
Laughing breathlessly, Tony gave a wide eyed smile.
"I think the baby just kicked!"
Soon, everyone was gathered round Tony, excitedly chattering.
Gibbs placed his hand on Tony's belly, hoping he might feel a kick.
"Hey, sweet girl," he cooed. "This is your daddy. I want you to know that you are a very special girl, and you come from a very special family. And we all love you very much."
Gibbs was rewarded with a flutter beneath his hand. He looked up at Tony, who gave a wide eyed gasp. A reminder that, for all Tony had to endure for this baby, it was more than worth it!
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Ziva wasn't proud of herself. She knew that her reasons for not seeing, or even asking about Tony were childish and selfish, and she didn't even know why she felt the way she did.
She had never given much thought to settling down and having kids. She wasn't opposed to it. It just hadn't been a priority.
If asked, she would have denied it outright, but the truth was that as long as Tony had been as solitary and sentimentally inadequate as her, she had felt somehow normal. Whenever she came under the impression that her life style could be a failure, all she had had to do was to watch Tony goofing around and flitting from one girl to another to immediately feel reassured and "normal" again. She might be a misfit, but at least, she wasn't the only one and it was a sort of consolation.
But when her coworker - her very male coworker - suddenly ended up romantically involved with their boss and mentor, then pregnant with the said boss' child, jealousy got the better of her. Why did he get to be a mother? Why did he get the love of a good man, who would cherish and take care of him?
And yet she still wasn't even sure she wanted kids herself. She certainly didn't want to be with a much older man like Gibbs. But for some reason, the fact that Tony was about to become a parent, and she might never get that chance, really bothered her.
Ziva wanted to be happy for Tony and Gibbs. They obviously loved each other very much, and she didn't doubt they would both be good parents. She knew what a gift it was for Gibbs to have another chance at being a father. She also knew that the very fact that Tony was willing to put his body through this pregnancy was a good indication that he would be a loving, devoted parent.
It was just envy. Plain and simple. Envy that she wasn't even sure she had any right to feel. In any case, she didn't have the right to take it out on Tony and Gibbs.
Work wasn't even enjoyable anymore. The new temporary agents hired on to replace Gibbs and Tony were not people she would want to know under any circumstances. Never mind that they were replacing two men that, despite what she might have others believe, she was very fond of.
McGee was still friendly with her, but there was a tension. It's not like they could openly discuss Tony's situation at work, especially with the new agents listening in. Gibbs and Tony were off on a "secret mission", after all. But she could see he was disappointed in her. Despite their incessant bickering and teasing over the years. McGee had proven himself to be a loyal friend to Tony throughout his pregnancy.
Abby's disapproval was more blatant. Making a show of ignoring or disregarding Ziva whenever they had to be in a room together.
Abby's moods, Ziva could get used to. That's who Abby was. She didn't like it, but she was used to it.
McGee hurt more. They worked in close proximity, as a team. He was the only part of the team she knew and loved still remaining, and yet there was this wedge between them. A wedge that she had put there.
Despite her childish envy, Ziva was worried about Tony. She hadn't received much news on his status since before Gibbs left, but even then, she knew he was having problems.
Finally putting her selfishness aside, Ziva decided she should see Tony. But would he forgive her for the long absence? Would Gibbs forgive her? More importantly, what state would she find Tony in? She hoped he wasn't suffering too much.
Work complete, she saw McGee stand up and walk to the elevator. It was a little after 8:00. Still not terribly late. Maybe McGee was on his way to see Tony.
"McGee!" Ziva called. "Wait for me!"
McGee turned around expectantly, waiting for Ziva to gather her things and follow him into the elevator.
"Are you going to see Tony?" she asked quietly, once the doors slid closed.
"Yeah," McGee confirmed. "But I'm stopping to pick up a cheesecake for him first. That's his craving." McGee chuckled. "He'd eat an entire cheesecake in a sitting if he was left unsupervised."
Ziva couldn't help but to laugh as well , relieved that Tony's nausea had passed.
"Can I come with you?" she asked after a moment of hesitation just before the doors slid open.
McGee didn't answer immediately and they slowly walked out together in silence until they reached McGee's car.
Turning around to face Ziva, McGee stood there for a moment, looking at her thoughtfully, as if trying to assess her sincerity. Then a friendly smile finally blossomed on his lips.
"Of course you can."
※
Looking out the window, Ziva remembered the last time she'd been in McGee's car; following the Torchwood SUV to the house, until Jack apprehended them. Things were so different then. There was so much they didn't know or understand. It felt like a lifetime ago.
"How is he?" Ziva asked, her concern for Tony evident.
"Doing okay, I guess. Getting bigger." McGee grinned. "He'd kill me for saying this, but the baby bump is kind of adorable on him."
"How far along is he now?"
"Five months," McGee answered. "But he looks farther along then that. I thought it was weird, but Jack and Owen keep reminding us not to think of this as we would a female pregnancy."
"So, does this mean the baby will be born sooner?" Ziva wondered.
"Not according to Jack," McGee replied. "Apparently, he'll just be bigger by the time the baby is born."
"Poor Tony." Ziva laughed in spite of herself. She wasn't laughing out of cruelty. It was more out of sympathetic disbelief. She knew how proud her friend was of his athletic silhouette. Putting on weight was certainly not something he would take well.
"How is he otherwise?"
McGee sighed. "He's very weak. He can't get around on his own anymore. And he's tired all the time, even though he's always sleeping. This pregnancy hasn't been easy on him."
Fully aware of the way she had acted in recent months, Ziva could feel tears forming in her eyes as they pulled into the driveway. Tony was sacrificing so much of himself so selflessly for his child! It was truly admirable. Ziva felt sick to her stomach. Her guilt over her selfish behavior had worsened with this new knowledge.
Parking the car, McGee shot Ziva a smile. "But, on the plus side, his skin looks great!"
Ziva choked out a laugh as the two of them got out of the car and walked up to the house. "You notice that kind of thing?"
"I don't," McGee said with a shrug. "But Abby does. And believe me, she's watching him like an hawk these days. Sometimes, I think she's even worse than Gibbs."
He rang the doorbell and, moments later, Jack answered. Ziva wasn't intimidated by many people. But she couldn't help feeling a bit nervous under Jack's scrutinizing gaze.
"Ziva David. I have to say, I'm surprised to see you here," Jack commented.
"I'm surprised to be here," Ziva admitted awkwardly. "If you wish for me to leave - "
Jack's face softened into a smile. "Why don't we let Tony decide that," he said, ushering them inside.
Jack led them into the living room, where Tony, Gibbs, Ianto, Tosh and Owen were watching a movie. Tony was sitting on the couch, his feet up on an ottoman. A wheelchair, obviously meant for Tony, was parked next to where he sat. Gibbs sat close to Tony, hand massaging the younger man's belly. McGee was right. Tony was already quite large, his baby bump about the size of a basketball.
Tony looked frail, Ziva thought. Tired and frail. She was happy that he had so many people around to help him, because she had totally failed him, and she didn't know if she could ever make it up to him.
"Tony! You have visitors!" Jack called over the blare of the TV.
Ianto hit "mute" on the remote, and everyone turned to look at their guests. Upon seeing Ziva, they froze, staring at her in an uncomfortable silence. Her gaze was focused on Tony, whose face wore a wide eyed, indecipherable expression.
"Tony..." Ziva began sheepishly. "I -"
"Ziva," Tony interrupted her, his voice sounding as worn down as his body looked. For a second she was convinced that he would throw her out as she deserved to be after the way she had acted towards him.
But when Ziva looked up, it was to see Tony's eyes crinkled into a slightly wavering smile. It was far from the big grin she remembered, but it was already more than what she was entitled to expect.
"Come here, you," Tony welcomed, his arms outstretched.
Walking up to Tony, Ziva leaned over, hugging him. Tony's embrace felt so weak, like that of a small child. The hug was also a bit awkward, Ziva having to maneuver around Tony's prominent belly.
"Wow! You're so big!" Ziva exclaimed, before snapping her mouth shut in embarrassment a moment too late.
"Tony, I'm sorry -"
Tony just laughed. "Don't worry about it. I know I'm huge. I'll need my own zip code soon," he joked, patting the giant sphere.
"Nice to see you," Gibbs said softly, taking Ziva by the hand. And with those words, Ziva knew she was forgiven. Though it took some time, she finally came around to supporting them, and that's what's mattered.
In a gesture of friendship and trust, Gibbs placed Ziva's hand on Tony's stomach.
"Meet our daughter," he said. "I'm sure she'll want to say 'hello' soon."
Sure enough, moments later, with her hand sandwiched between the warmth of Gibbs' hand and Tony's tummy, Ziva gasped as she felt a flutter. It was a powerful moment, and she felt herself letting go of her misplaced envy, as she came to appreciate the miracle that had occurred.
With teary eyes, Ziva looked between Tony and Gibbs, and saw how truly happy they were. They had both been through so much hell in their lives, they deserved this miracle.
Looking around at the Torchwood team, Ziva no longer saw them as this strange, suspicious organization. They took Tony in, helping him through his pregnancy. Supporting both Tony and Gibbs all the while. A loving family. A family in which she could find her place.
In that profound moment, Ziva swore that she, too, would be the supportive family they needed during this beautiful, yet uncertain time.
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Something was off. Director Vance couldn't put his finger on what exactly, but there was something about the MCRT that was bothering him.
When he had announced the news of Gibbs and DiNozzo's requisition by the secret services, he had prepared himself to have to face a very upset team.
However, once past the initial shock, they had seemed to take the news surprisingly well. As if it wasn't such a big deal, but instead something perfectly normal.
Vance had noticed some kind of tension between Gibbs and David in the weeks before the mission, but he never expected her to react so indifferently to his departure.
McGee had seemed closer to Gibbs recently. And Vance knew he had a kind of brotherly bond with DiNozzo. Despite the teasing that went on between them, they cared for each other. Vance noticed this. There were a lot of things Vance noticed. It was hard to get anything past him, though he sometimes humored people into believing they could.
Vance had especially steeled himself in anticipation of Abby's reaction, but unexpectedly, nothing had happened. And Abby's reaction - or lack thereof - was what really got him suspicious. There were no shrines to the missing agents in her lab. No calendars counting the number of days they'd been gone. Music still blared loudly in the forensic scientist's lab. She was cheerful and efficient, as usual.
None of them had seemed very worried by their colleagues' untimely departure, and it was this unusual lack of reaction which was bugging Vance now.
Leaning over the railing of the gallery, he warily watched them chatting happily while they left the bullpen for the weekend. He pulled his phone out of this pocket and called his wife, informing her that he would be late. Once it was done, he came back to his office, grabbed his keys and briefcase then headed to the garage.
The joke had gone far enough, and he was determined to find out what was going on.