Author's Note: I had to remove some chapters to fix a few things. Everything should be good now.
"She is feisty," Dr. Kenneth commented to Tony.
Counting the days before they let Ziva wake up; she'd been in the hospital for fifteen days. Tony knew it was driving her crazy. But he was encouraged with her progress. Ziva had regained feeling in her legs - they just didn't work. She was like a marionette from the waist down. Dr. Kenneth had told them that is how it would be for the first several months while the nerves in her spine repaired themselves. Her brain was sending the signals to her legs but the swelling dampened those signals. It was just a matter of time to let them heal and Kenneth did warn that from time to time she would experience severe pain when the swelling flared up or the nerves were particularly active. He didn't want them to be afraid of it just manage it with the medication.
"Feisty?" Tony chuckled, "You are very diplomatic Doctor."
Kenneth grinned, "Part of the training. Anyway, I think if we keep her here another week she may tunnel out of her room with a spork."
"Don't doubt it," Tony nodded. "But she'd likely use the spork to assassinate the night guard before shimmying down the elevator shaft to freedom."
"Really?" Dr. Kenneth looked incredulous.
"Oh yeah," Tony glanced at her room door, "That is my wife."
"We are safer if I release her, aren't we?" Kenneth asked.
"Much," Tony answered.
Kenneth smiled and shook his head, "All right. She can have her release papers today. Oh, I gave her some information on rehab/assisted living facilities near here. I know some married couples prefer that arrangement when the injury is temporary, even if it is an extended recovery period, if one has to work. But I'd like to know if you two are going to go that route so I can set up the proper-"
"She is coming home with me," Tony stated flatly.
"Of course," Kenneth nodded. "She is going to need some time to get used to the way she has to get about now. I do recommend a nurse if you aren't able to stay with her these first few weeks. It usually takes two or three weeks for her to get the hang of everything. The time she has been here in the hospital hasn't really prepared her for the challenges she will face at home."
"I understand."
"Also," Kenneth continued, "she needs to be very careful getting around. This is not a time for a fall or accident. And I don't want her overexerting herself with physical therapy. I spoke with Sarge; ret Sergeant Hillsboro, her PT specialist, and told him I didn't want him to go overboard with her. He is used to dealing with difficult patients that feel sorry for themselves and sometimes he pushes a bit too hard. But with her injury; I don't want that. She needs rest and some fun."
"I'll see that she gets both," Tony commented.
"Oh," Kenneth smiled slyly, "Ziva did ask me about certain physical activity she wishes to engage in. I told her that would be fine as long as she stayed flat on her back and you did all the work."
For a moment Tony looked at Kenneth curiously then his eyes widened as it clicked, "Oh?"
"Don't worry," Kenneth winked, "You won't break her."
Tony was certain he blushed a bit, "Good to know. Did you get a chance to see the wheelchair?"
"The one Miss Scuito and Ziva designed, yes, it is amazing," Kenneth grabbed a file folder on the nurse's desk and let Tony see that he had the design specs."But it could take months for this design to be ready and Ziva might not need it, at least not for long by then."
"It is already built," Tony told him, "apparently her health insurance is that good and Abby has a way of convincing people to do things right now."
Kenneth gaped, "I have to say I am speechless. Is it just like the specs?"
"Just like the specs," Tony answered.
"Can I ask," Kenneth turned the specs to give Tony a better view, "Why the pocket under the seat? Seems too small to be a makeshift purse."
"It's for a gun," Tony smirked. "Ziva's addition but Abby thought it was brilliant. We are Federal Agents." Well, Tony thought, Ziva was technically still CIA. How was that going to work? They'd have to figure this out later.
"I never would have guessed that is what it was for," Kenneth laughed. "I have all her prescriptions ready and Ducky said he would do all her injections himself so we can cut down the time she has to come in for appointments. I am sure she will like that; but I still want to see her every few weeks. Otherwise, she is free to go."
"She is going to love to hear that. Thank you very much, Doctor," Tony shook his hand, "We appreciate all you've done."
Tony nearly skipped into Ziva's room. He could hardly believed she asked Dr. Kenneth about sex but he should have guessed she would. When he entered he saw her sitting up with the tray in front of her reading the pamphlets Dr. Kenneth was talking about with the assisted living facilities.
Tony snatched the pamphlet out of her hand and promptly scooped up the rest before dumping them in the trash, "Don't even."
Ziva turned to him opened her mouth then closed it, "Ok."
"So, Abby and Gibbs are heading over with your new wheels," Tony moved the tray and sat in front of her, "they are all tricked out just like you girls planned it. But I think Abby made them paint the thing bright pink."
Ziva's face was priceless. "Huh?"
"You know Abby; she thought pink was a happy color and would keep you cheered up!" Tony chirped exaggeratedly.
"You know I still have tricks with a paperclip," Ziva quickly popped her hand up in front of Tony and brandished a shiny silver paperclip.
"Oh, I know," Tony said as he brought his face closer to hers.
Ziva tossed the paperclip away and kissed him deeply. He held her head and returned the kiss with the passion that always existed between them - the desire that had always crackled when they saw each other.
When they pulled apart Ziva kept her hand on his cheek and stared into his eyes with that look - the look he should have responded to so many times over the years. The look that told him she wanted him just as much as he wanted her.
"I see where your mind is at, Mrs. DiNozzo," Tony whispered. "Dr. Kenneth told me what you asked him."
"Oh?" Ziva smiled.
"Yeah," Tony teased. "What do you think I am? Your sex slave?"
Ziva nodded, "Aha."
"Ok, I can live with that," Tony kissed her again then pulled back, "Before I forget; I have something important to tell you."
"What's that?"
"Free at last!" Tony exclaimed.
"Finally!" Ziva threw her head back, "home?"
"Home," Tony nuzzled her neck and she chuckled.
"How soon before we can go?" Ziva started looking around the room.
"Soon as Gibbs and Abby get here with your hotrod," Tony smiled and stood. "I think I have most everything in our duffels already.
"Tony? When are you getting back to work?" Ziva asked.
Tony turned and looked at her with incredulity, "We haven't even stepped foot home and you want to get rid of me already?"
"Well I know how Gibbs is and you have been with me here most of the time and it has been a long time. How much compt time did you take? And I really only need a day to get used to things at home and-"
"I am on family medical leave," Tony said. "You, my wife. And it was Vance who did all the paperwork; I didn't even have to go in and sign anything. So I am yours until you try to kill me for the first time then maybe I'll go back to work."
Ziva just smiled and looked down. Tony went to her and sat on the edge of the bed, "You ok?"
Ziva nodded, "I feel loved."
Tony kissed her temple, "You are so loved, baby."
"When did I turn into a sentimental mess?" Ziva looked up as she wiped away a tear.
"About the time you said I do, and I love it!" Tony gave her a quick kiss then went and got her some clothes. "Now, while I am all for naked Ziva I think since we will be in mixed company it is time to ditch the flimsy hospital garb."
Ziva nodded and reached for her clothes.
"Sweetcheeks, I think you better let me help you dress," Tony held onto her pants and top and bra.
Ziva looked up at him liked he'd grown a turnip out of one ear, "I..." she paused then looked at her legs, "I think I should figure this out, Tony."
"Why?" he asked. "When you have me."
"Yeah, but-" Ziva reached for the cargo pants Tony had brought from home, "Let me try?"
Tony didn't like it but gave her the pants, "Ziva, you aren't supposed to overexert. Let me do it. What's the big deal?"
"Just let me try, Tony," Ziva looked at the pants and at her legs and was clearly figuring out how to get this done. "This corset thing is a bit confining I have to say."
"It is your brace, Ziva," Tony reached for the pants, "just let me help you, ninja."
Ziva waved her hands, "Just a sec." Ziva opened her pants, bent as far forward as she could and had the legs just about at her feet. She pulled one leg back under her knee and slipped it into a pant leg and then repeated the process with the other leg - though the second leg took two tries since the pants moved. She leaned back when she felt a twinge of pain in her back. Tony moved forward but Ziva took a deep break and reached for the waistband and started to pull them up her legs. She'd gotten them almost past her bum when she realized she didn't have enough purchase to move her hips up. Tony then pulled them up the rest of the way.
"Hey, I enjoy taking them off," Tony winked. "And I have no problem helping you get them on."
Ziva took a deep breath then looked at Tony, "Thank you." He kissed her softly then helped her get her bra and top on.
Tony put a pair of slippers that had a hard sole and hugged her feet on her and Ziva pulled her hair back into a ponytail. She looked beautiful.
It wasn't long after Ziva was dressed and they had their bags ready to go that Abby and Gibbs showed up pushing a black wheelchair with Tony noticed, the words Ninja's ride painted in silver on the side. Ziva laughed when she saw it and told them about Tony's declaration that it would be pink. Gibbs even cracked a chuckle at that one.
Then they headed home and he could have his ninja where she belonged - in his arms all night.
Author's Note: The reviews have really made me smile. Everyone is so wonderful! But I have to make a special mention of Jdeasselin and Greeny. You guys are amazing too! I love how you have enjoyed the story! How everyone has! I posted these last several chapters quickly because I knew...I KNEW I couldn't leave you guys suffering. We are going to suffer enough after ep 2 and that is enough suffering.