Rifiuto: Non Miriena

Thanks to mcgeeksgirl and 123sannancis for reviewing 5; alix33 for reviewing 1, 2, and 3.

She swallowed against the sickening scent of coffee. A few days earlier, she'd stopped by the drugstore and picked up another test, slipping it into her bag to take when she got home. But the scent of Tony's coffee was making her stomach churn, and, unable to help herself, she rummaged through her bag until she pulled out the box before rushing to the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, she slipped into the men's bathroom, leaning against the wall, watching as Tim washed his hands. Taking a deep breath, she went to him. He caught sight of her in the mirror and turned, hands in his pockets. Concern flashed in his green eyes and he took a deep breath. "You okay, Ziva?" She nodded.

"I am more than okay, Tim. I am pregnant." She held out the test, watching as he took it. His green eyes sparked as he read the single word- the word that ultimately sealed their fates together for all time. "Thank you." He nodded, giving her a small smile, his green eyes meeting hers. And then, he handed it back to her, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he whispered,

"Congratulations, Ziva."

She didn't miss the heartbreak in his voice, and felt the tears begin to fill her eyes as he left, closing the door behind him.


Gibbs looked up, to see his two youngest agents return to the bullpen minutes apart. "Something wrong, Tim? Ziver?" Both turned to look at him, and after a moment, Tim shook his head, returning to his desk. He ignored their silver-haired team leader, instantly burying himself in his work, while Ziva swallowed, saying,

"I am pregnant, Gibbs."

Tony's head snapped up, surprise in his eyes as he looked from Tim to Ziva and back. "Whoa, with McGee's-" He started, surprised. Ziva nodded.

"Yes, Tony. It is McGee's child." She glanced at her partner, but he didn't meet her eye. Gibbs noticed, and sighed, getting up.

"Ziver, Tim, my office, now." His two agents shared a glance, before following. Tony whistled, shaking his head and listened for the ding of the elevator. He debated getting up and snooping, but the look in McGee's eyes as he'd passed by came back, and so he stayed put.

As the elevator darkened, Gibbs turned to his two agents. "Do you two mind telling me how this happened?" They shared a glance, surprised that their boss was asking for them to explain- "What the hell are two going to do now? Have you thought of that?" He asked, stepping closer to them. Instinctively, Tim stepped back; eventually, both ended up with their backs pressed against the wall, Gibbs' death glare forcing them both to break eye contact with him. "This baby you've created is going to depend on both of you-"

"It is my baby, Gibbs." Ziva said, meeting his gaze. He reared back briefly.

"It may be your baby, Ziva, but McGee is partially responsible for its existence. It is because you two..." He turned, pacing to the other side of the elevator. "You are both responsible for this new life you've created, do either of you understand that?" Tim winced, but kept silent. Ziva opened her mouth, but Gibbs continued. "So whatever deal the two of you struck up weeks ago, be prepared for it to change."

"It's not going to-" But Gibbs' withering glare caused Ziva to snap her mouth shut. He stepped closer to the Israeli, searching her face, but she lowered her gaze.

"That baby growing inside you, Ziver, is McGee's as well. I get that you want a baby, but when you asked Tim, you involved him too. You both gave that little human being life, and therefore, you are both responsible." He leaned close, whispering so only Ziva heard. "Tim is that baby's father, and it may be his choice to not stick around, but I think we both know, that he's not going to run, no matter what you do to try to get him to. He is not your father, Ziver. Tim keeps his promises, he doesn't know how to break them. He'll be there whether you want him there or not. It's just who he is."

She looked up, meeting Gibbs' gaze. "Gibbs-" But he cut Tim off.

"I suggest you two take the rest of the day off and discuss what you plan to do regarding this baby you've created. I don't want to see either of you back here until tomorrow morning, got it?" And then he started the elevator up again and headed back into the bullpen once it reached their floor.


She glance at him, accepting the tea he set in front of her. Afte Gibbs had sent them home, they'd returned to Tim's place, to do as Gibbs suggested, and talk. Jethro had bounded out to meet them, but when his dropping the leash at Tim's feet had gotten nothing, the dog returned to his bed. Now, they sat across from each other, sipping their tea silently. They had to talk. But neither could find the words to start the conversation. Eventually, Tim got up and scooped Jethro's leash up off the floor, calling to him. "Jet, let's go for a walk, buddy." The dog bounded into the living room like a puppy, and sat happily wagging his tail as Tim leashed him.

"You want to come?" He asked, turning to Ziva. She thought a moment, before nodded.

"Sure." She pulled on her coat, following as Jethro dragged Tim out the door. They walked to the park, silence reigning once again. As they settled on a bench and Tim let Jethro off the leash to explore, he glanced at Ziva, before turning to her.

"Look, if you don't want me in the baby's life- in your life- Ziva, I completely understand. We'll just keep our relationship professional, nothing outside of work. You can... do it all, like you want, and I won't be involved. That would be best, for both of us. I completely relinquish my parental rights, Ziva. And I will get it in writing for you, come tomorrow morning." He stood, whistling for Jethro. The dog came to him, sitting patiently as Tim hooked his leash. But he stopped, when Tim tried to leave the park, his dark doggie eyes locked on Ziva.