Hello readers. Got a new chapter out and ready. I'm starting to find some time to write again and hopefully I'll be able to continue to write in the future even as things get busy.
Addressing Philip363, I haven't decided yet if I wanted to even do a polyamorous relationship with this story, and if I did, I was considering with different people but then your comment got my brain working and I'm liking the idea with Ziva. I do ship Tim/Ziva after all.
I'm not 100% yet but I decided to write a tease and set up to it nonetheless, just to be sure. I would love to see what everyone thinks of this chapter.
Without giving anything away, I do have some plans on where this story will go. Hopefully you all like it. Leave me a review and let me know what you think so far.
I forgot to talk about it in the last chapter, but I decided to move the events of Dog Tags around on the timeline. I felt best that it worked best with what I wanted to do. Obviously this AU, but still want to keep some kind of cohesion with canon.
Chapter 6
Kelly could never help but feel some worry whenever Alpha Team had an operation but this particular one was making her gut (as her father would put it) go wild.
She figured it was because of Tim still healing on top of how fast they were shipped out.
The day after Trent's visit, the team had their briefing with the. in the air the next day.
The reason for the hurry being that a CIA target is currently staying in a high ranking government officials office and the window to extract him is unknown so it was decided the sooner the better thus the early morning flight to the nearest US military base in South America followed by a helicopter ride.
Kelly arrived early and has been in MTAC since. The team had been riding the helicopter piloted by Valkyrie and were now nearing the operation zone as she, Vance and a couple other technicians looked on.
"–pproach to the–…miles away," came the static filled voice over the radio.
"Say again Alpha Leader," Vance replied, "we are getting interference."
Vance looked over to Kelly who started rapidly typing into her computer.
"–on approach to the operation zone. About five miles–" Tim's voice repeated.
"Copy that."
"Alpha Team, be advised," Kelly interjected, "there's a lot of radio interference in your area. We're trying to find the source but there may be radio dark periods."
"10-4," Tim replied.
"We're doing final confirmations now before we lose any contact," Vance announced, "Objective is Juan Mendez. Infiltrate the officials office, extract him then make your way back to the base. Avoid as many civilian casualties as possible."
"Copy that… –ective received. Command, there seems to–… lot of activity in the area."
"What does it look like Alpha-1?"
"…‐large gathering of civilians in the streets. It looks like a protest of some–…"
"Any luck finding any satellites in the area," Vance asked a tech.
"No sir, none are available nearby," the tech replied.
"Any connection to their cams," Vance asked, turning to Kelly.
"Negative sir," Kelly answered, "I can't get anything stable."
"Alpha-1, we have no satellites available," Vance said, turning back to the team, "We are blind on our end."
What followed was a long series of static and electronic garbling.
"…..–is hot. We've reached the building. Military are presen–……..landed on the roof. Starting infiltration now."
The background audio was filled with crowd noises and commotion.
"Copy. Good luck Alpha Team."
Kelly was taking a breath and readying herself when a panicked female voice came over the radio.
"Command comm– …–ing hit my chopper! I'm losing control!"
"Valkyrie, can you get out of the area?" Kelly asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Negative Charlie! I'm going down! I'm–"
The radio was suddenly filled by a crashing sound and a sickening crunch of metal and glass.
"V-Valkyrie? Valkyrie, are you there?" Kelly asked with a shaky voice, feeling a bit embarrassed at her question.
She was met with an uncomfortable silence.
"Alpha-1, do you have a visual on the chopper?" Vance asked.
He was also met with silence.
"Alpha-1, do you read me?" Vance tried again, "Alpha-1?"
Another long series of static and electronic garbling answered again before suddenly going silent.
"Try to get communications back," Vance ordered Kelly and the techs, "See if we can get into the building cameras or something. Get us some way to see what is going on."
The next hour was tense, as Kelly tried everything she could think of to get their eyes and ears on the operation back. She could feel a swell of emotion growing in her.
They have lost communication briefly before in past operations but never like this and never with Valkyries helicopter going down.
A pang of sorrow hit her and she had to stop herself from crying.
"Miss Gibbs," Vance interrupted her thoughts, "Go home."
"But director–"
"You've been here 11 hours and you won't be of any help to Alpha Team if you are burned out."
Kelly tried to come up with anything to say in protest but couldn't find any words.
"I'll have a crew here overnight and as soon as we have any word from Alpha-1, I'll get a hold of you immediately. Go home. He needs you rested."
"Yes director," Kelly replied softly.
She closed down her station and gathered her things. She quickly made her way to MTACs exit and as soon as she was through the door, she took a deep shaky breath and composed herself again.
As she made her way down the stairs, she looked over into the bullpen to see Ziva being the only occupant at her desk. Saying a quiet thank you, she reached the bottom of the steps and walked into the bullpen.
She was just about to call Ziva's name when the monitor nearby caught her attention. It was playing a live news broadcast showing multiple camera footage of the office building that Alpha Team entered earlier and what looked to be crowds of civilians trying to fight their way inside and militia and police trying to fight them back. The volume was muted but the news scroll was saying it was large civil unrest amid massive corruption. The screen said the footage was recorded earlier which made her wonder if all happened while she was in MTAC earlier. It then cut to footage from the ground showing a helicopter moving away from the office only for it to start spinning and smoking. Kelly's eyes went wide as she saw the helicopter try to gain control.
"Kelly."
Kelly was pulled out of her concentration by Ziva's voice as the noise of the NCIS office was suddenly turned back on. She looked over to her to see the Israeli woman looking back at her with a curious look.
"Need something?" Ziva asked.
Kelly glanced back to the news report only to see that it went to a commercial break.
"Y-yes, Ziva" Kelly replied trying to regain her composure, "um, so unfortunately we're going to have to postpone our dinner. Tim is away on a last minute assignment for the director and it looks like I'll be working all this weekend. I'm so sorry."
"I understand. No need to be sorry. Hopefully we will have better luck next time."
"Yeah. As soon as Tim's back, we'll look for some free time again."
"I'm looking forward to it. Are you okay Kelly? You look… occupied."
"Y-yeah, yes, I'm fine. Just a busy day," Kelly said, trying to sound convincing and cheery.
Ziva gave her a look that seemed like she was unconvinced.
"Is Tim okay," she asked.
"Yes, he's fine. He's… he's just been as busy himself. He was called out so suddenly and hasn't been able to... really talk as much today. But he's fine. You know Tim, everything's under control."
"I do trust in his abilities so I am confident that he can handle anything that arises," Ziva replied cryptically, "How about yourself? Will you be ok tonight?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine. Thank you Ziva. I'm going to stay in Tim's apartment tonight and just unwind. Get myself ready for the weekend."
"Well hopefully you have a pleasant evening and a goodnight tonight."
"You too Ziva."
XxX
As soon as she was inside Tim's apartment and the door was closed behind her, Kelly let out a deep breath she didn't realize she was holding. She slipped off her flats and dropped her bag near them.
She walked towards the bedroom, shedding her coat and t-shirt, and throwing them on to the sofa as she passed by, leaving her in her camisole.
When she reached the bedroom, she turned around and fell backwards onto the bed, letting out a sigh to be finally laying down. She looked up at the ceiling, focusing on nothing in particular and contemplated on what to do for the rest of the night. She didn't feel like she had any energy to spare for cooking, so she figured leftovers could hold her over for the night. She doesn't see herself staying up late that night, so she could go to bed right after. Which may help since she predicts she'll be having trouble sleeping that night.
She wiped away a stray tear that happened to escape with her fingers.
But before anything else, a shower sounded just about right. She could already imagine how good the hot water from the shower hitting her skin would feel.
She started to unbutton her slacks as her mind started to contemplate about IT in the nightstand when a banging from the front door suddenly broke her thoughts.
"What now," she thought as she rebuttoned her pants and got up.
As she was making her way to the door, more banging rang out followed by a woman's voice calling out.
"McGee!"
"Oh no, not Abby," Kelly resented quietly, "not tonight."
Sure enough, when looking through the peephole, Abby was on the other side, make-up a bit messy and looking angry.
"I know you're in there McGee," she yelled, "I saw you go in here!"
Kelly quickly opened the door before Abby could bang on the door or yell again and attract the neighbors.
Upon seeing Kelly, Abby's eyes narrowed.
"Abby, could you please not yell," Kelly hissed, "you'll make the neighbors mad."
"What are you doing here," Abby slurred, "where's McGee?"
"He's not here right now Abby, he's away doing an assignment for Director Vance."
"He has not been answering my calls and he knows he'sh not supposed to do that. I'm already mad at him for not taking in Jethro. And what are you doing here? What makesh you think that you have any right to just barge your way into Timmy's apartment."
At this point, a faint smell of alcohol was hitting Kelly's nose and she could see that Abby was not completely stable where she stood.
"Abby, have you been drinking," Kelly asked, "You didn't drive here, did you?"
"Nooo, I did not drive here," Abby argued back, "I took a taxi because I am an actual responsible person when I drink unlike SOME people."
Kelly was actually amazed at herself that she didn't scoff at that.
"But this isn't about me," Abby continued, "what are you doing in Timmy's apartment."
Kelly didn't know how to respond but was luckily saved by another feminine voice speaking up nearby.
"It seems I came at the right time."
Abby and Kelly looked over to see Ziva, in casual clothes and holding a tote shopping bag.
"Ziva! Good, you're here," Abby replied, " Miss princess here won't tell me what she's doing here or where Tim is."
"Well Timothy is currently out of town on assignment and he had asked Kelly and I to house sit for him," Ziva convincingly explained, as if that was the actual reason, "which would explain why I am also here at this time."
"Well why didn't he assk me?"
"You have been refusing to talk to him because he would not adopt the dog, have you not?"
"Oh, right. But… I don't think she should be here," Abby said, pointing at Kelly, "she, she, she'sh been ma‐ma-manipulating McGee and she forced McGee to not adopt Jethro and, and–"
"Abby, I think it is best you go home and get some sleep before you do something regrettable," Ziva stated.
"But–"
"When Timothy is back, and you are in a more clear minded state, we can talk about this more, but right now, you should not be out and about. We will call for a ride to take you home."
"Fine, but I can call a taxi myself."
"I think it would be better if one of us did it instead."
"Nope, I took one to get here, thanks to McGee not being here to give me a ride," Abby stated as she pulled out her phone and made her way to the elevator, "I can call one to get home just fine. But I will be having a long discussion with Timmy when he gets back!"
When she was out of view, Kelly stepped aside to let Ziva into the apartment.
"You're a lifesaver Ziva," Kelly said after she closed the door.
"I am happy I could intervene before Abby said the wrong thing," Ziva replied, "though I still would have preferred that one of us call for a ride for her instead."
"I'll message my dad to have him or Ducky check up on her and make sure she made it home."
"Oh, did your father finally figure out text messaging?"
"I'll call my dad to have him or Ducky make sure she made it home."
As Kelly pulled out her phone and made the call to her dad, Ziva took off her jacket and hung it on the coat rack then went to the kitchen and went to the kitchen where she took out a couple Tupperware boxes and a bottle of wine out the bag she brought with her. She grabbed a couple of plates from the cupboard as Kelly finished her call and joined her.
"So while I greatly appreciate you saving me from Abby," Kelly started, "I'm not able to be a good host tonight Ziva."
"I figured, which is why I came anyways to comfort and cheer you up instead," Ziva replied.
"Ziva…"
"I can tell you were distraught about something but trying to hide it. I am guessing it was related to the news story that was playing on the monitor in the office?"
"I guess I didn't do a good a job hiding it than I thought I did."
"Afraid not," Ziva replied as she shook her head and gave a comforting smile, "You do not have to tell me the reason why. But I figured since we were supposed to have dinner together this weekend, it would be a good way for me to help you. Though I do insist we still have a proper dinner upon Tim's return."
Kelly felt another pang of worry hit her at Ziva's word.
"Ziva, Tim…" Kelly started, trying to find the right words, "We lost contact with his team. We were having strong radio interference and lost contact shortly after they landed on the building that was being attacked by rioters."
"Oh, no."
"and the helicopter that flew them in was shot at and went down. I couldn't–" Kelly voice hitched in her throat, "we lost contact with the pilot."
Kelly looked away and put a hand to her mouth as tears threatened to fall again.
"We had missions where we lost radio connection or the extraction was delayed or changed or things got chaotic," Kelly continued, "but something about this mission…. I don't know. Maybe I'm being too silly getting so upset about this."
Ziva interrupted her by placing a hand on her shoulder. When Kelly looked up at her, Ziva gave her a gentle squeeze.
"you are not being silly," Ziva said in a comforting voice, "It's normal to be scared when someone you care about is on a dangerous mission, let alone when something like this happens. The fact that you are this worried shows how much you care about Timothy.
I am worried about him too, now that I know what he is actually doing whenever he is 'on assignment for Vance' as we had been told. But I also believe in Tim's abilities and I have faith he'll come back safe and in one piece. I mean, you would know more than me. Is he competent and skilled?"
"He is Ziva. He's amazing. He was chosen by Director Vance specifically to be the leader of the team."
"Well there you go. He is going to be fine."
Kelly stepped forward, placed her face against Ziva's shoulder and wrapped her arms under Ziva's arms and hugged her. Ziva returned the hug and held the young redhead.
"Thank you Ziva," Kelly said softly, "you're right, he is going to be okay."
"Of course. Now…" Ziva rubbed Kelly's back before breaking the hug, "we are going to get the food ready then you are going to tell me all about you and Tim and how you both started dating."
Kelly flashed her a wide grin as she wiped her eyes.
XxX
Some time later after eating their meals and drinking the wine that Ziva brought, all the while chatting about Kelly and Tim's relationship, the two women were now sitting together on the love seat, laughing at a tale that Kelly was telling.
Even though both had the same amount of glasses of wine, Ziva, being the more experienced drinker was feeling quite buzzed while Kelly, in contrast, was quite inebriated.
"And so now Tim chasing after the goose as the goose chases after the mascot and they go around the fountain like three or four times before he thinks to just go the other way around and cut the goose off," Kelly drunkenly relays as Ziva tries, and miserably fails, not to snort while laughing.
"I don't think any of my zoo trips could ever come close to being as memorable as that," Ziva says when she was able to speak.
"I still feel bad for that guy. Imagine being attacked by a goose while dressed as as as a tiger."
Ziva chuckled as she reached for the bottle of wine to refill her glass.
"Oh! We actually drank the whole thing," Ziva said, shaking the bottle and putting it back down.
"Well nooo wonder I feel so light-headed. I'm wasted."
Kelly chuckled at her own words which made Ziva smile.
"Well it is getting a bit late," Ziva said, checking the time on her phone, "we should call it a night."
"Y-You are staying the night right?".
"Oh, no. I do not want to impose."
"You're not imposing. You're doing the opposite of imposing. You're deposing."
"I do not think that's the word you are looking for," Ziva chuckled."
"Well, whatever the right word is. I insist you stay. And besides Tim wouldn't want you to to to take any risks trying to get home. He would insist too."
"Very well, but on one condition. You must be the one to take the bed tonight."
"What?"
"Timothy, being the gentleman that he is, would insist I sleep on the bed while he takes the sofa. So if I am to stay, you are to sleep on the bed tonight."
Kelly looked at Ziva for a few moments, trying to think of an argument before finally giving up and conceding with "Fine."
"Good, glad to be in agreement."
"Could you at least help me get into bed? I'm a bit drunk at the moment."
"Of course. I would be happy too."
The two women got their feet. Kelly though swayed as if trying to regain her balance but stumbled backwards into Ziva who caught her by her arms and kept her from falling.
"Only a bit drunk?" Ziva asked with amusement in her voice.
"Just a tiny bit," Kelly joked.
Upon regaining her balance, she was able to walk on her own to the bedroom with Ziva close behind. Once in the bedroom she stood in front of the dresser opposite of the bed.
"Could you plug my phone in for," Kelly asked, pulling out her phone and handing it to Ziva, "the charger should be in the second drawer by the nightstand."
Kelly unbuttoned her slacks and slid them off as Ziva made her way to the nightstand. She pulled the drawer open and was greeted by a large slim pink dog collar looking back up at her.
"Tim did not adopt that German Shepherd after all, did he," Ziva asked as she held up the collar in her hand.
Kelly looked back and her eyes went wide and her hands shot to her mouth as she let out a loud gasp.
"Oh no! I forgot that was in there," Kelly said as her face turned red.
"What? What's wrong?" Ziva asked, confused at her reaction.
Kelly walked over and sat on the bed as she regained her composure. She then let out a small giggle at the thought of Ziva being innocent.
"That's not a collar for a dog," she said, pointing at the small metal gold tag on the collar, "That collar is for me."
Ziva looked at the heart shaped tag and read the name KELLY inscribed. Realization hit her as her eyes went wide this time and she finally understood.
"I… did not suspect that you and Tim were into this kind of thing," she stated.
"We don't do the whooole thing," Kelly told her as she slowly swayed side to side on the bed, "we don't go all out and do the whole master or daddy-dom thing. We just like to have some fun when we make love. We experimented with different kinks and found some we like. One day we went into a sex shop and we found the collar and it was awkward at first but the lady that worked their showed us hers and explained it for us and so we bought it and he pulls it out from time to time and oh my God Ziva,!"
Kelly had grabbed Ziva's arm in excitement causing Ziva to chuckle in amusement at the redheads action.
"The way he can switch from looking at you with, with innocence to dominant, oh god," Kelly said as she scooted further into the bed and laid back, putting her head on the pillow.
Ziva had placed the collar on the nightstand and looked at Kelly who had a dreamy look on her face.
"His eyes just become fierce and sharp," Kelly continued, "it makes me freeze up and my knees shake. Then he does that smirk and oh god I just melt. You have to have him do it to you Ziva."
"I…"Ziva said, not knowing how to respond, "I uh…"
"But then we got the collar and… when he puts it on me, "Kelly continued, unaware that she caught Ziva off guard, "he's always so tender as he does it even when he's giving me that look. It was a bit awkward at first but now when I wear it and I'm with him, I feel so…. Safe. I can be completely naked and even tied up but I feel comfortable and safe and excited. I know he'll always protect me and he knows how to pleasure me regardless but with it on…
There's been times where he's away on long missions and I get worried so I put it on when I'm by myself so I can have something to keep him close but then of course sometimes it makes me think about him and I just….
He's the greatest partner I ever had Ziva and I love him so so much. I can't help but imagine the worst when things go hairy on his mission and…"
Kelly let out a sob and her hands went to eyes as the tears she'd been holding back all evening finally started coming out.
Ziva laid down next to Kelly and wrapped her arms around her shoulders and head as Kelly pushed her face against Ziva's chest and cried against her shirt.
"I don't want to lose him," Kelly weeped, "I'm so scared."
"Shhhh, it's okay," Ziva said in a soothing voice, "I know you are scared. I am too, but remember what I said earlier? I have confidence in his abilities and you said you did too. He is going to make it back sound and safe, just like he has done in the past.
Besides, he has you waiting for him at home so he has all the incentives to make it back to you as soon as possible. I would not be surprised if he is thinking of ways to get you somewhere private so he can hug and show you so much affection. He is going to be okay."
Ziva squeezed Kelly and continued to hold as Kelly cried against her. After a while, Kelly was able to stop crying and catch her breath but she stayed snuggled against Ziva and in her arms.
"Thank you for coming Ziva," she finally said sleepily, letting out a small hiccup.
"Of course," Ziva replied, giving her another squeeze, "I am glad I decided to come over."
"You're the best."
"I certainly try."
"That's why we like you sho much. Tim thinks the world of you."
"He is very dear to me too."
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"Hmm?"
"Promise not to get mad?"
"I… sure."
"We both have the biggest crush on you."
"Oh?"
"It's true. How can we not? You are this amazing, sweet, badass ninja chick. Anyone would fall for you. And the way you struggle with idioms is the cutest thing ever."
Ziva felt a blush start to creep up her face as she smiled uncontrollably, glad that Kelly wasn't looking at her face.
"We talked about it before," Kelly continued, "about who we would date if we could be with other people and I don't mean just a threesome but like romantically date or something. Either separately or together, and we both chose you."
"I am… very flattered."
"Although we have no idea how to go about it. We figure we can get advice from our polyamorous friends. They are the ones that gave us the idea after all. But since you're not into women, I would be happy with just Tim being with you. You two would make a great couple.
"Hey…" Ziva replied; she freed an arm and lifted Kelly's face by the chin to look up at her, "who said I'm not into women?"
"Don't tease me Ziva," Kelly giggled as she put her head back against Ziva and closed her eyes, "Please."
Ziva placed her chin on top of Kelly's head and put her arm back around her. She waited for Kelly to speak again, but after a few minutes of silence, all she heard was the slow breathing, letting her know she fell asleep.
Feeling the tiredness hit her, and not wanting to risk waking Kelly, Ziva decided to stay and sleep in the bed with her.
She turned her head and kissed the top of Kelly's head before closing her eyes and letting sleep take her too.
XxX
The next morning, Ziva could feel Kelly before she opened her eyes. Carefully shifting herself, she looked at Kelly's peaceful sleeping face.
After her drunken confession last night, Ziva had a myriad of thoughts enter her mind. What surprised her though was how she didn't seem to be perturbed at the idea now that she was feeling sober.
She leaned over and kissed the redhead's forehead. Kelly stirred and a small smile graced her face.
Kelly's hand went to Ziva's chest and her fingers lightly grazed her shirt. It then went south to her breast where Kelly gave a light squeeze.
Suddenly she let go as if she was burned and her eyes shot wide open.
"Ziva," Kelly exclaimed as she quickly scooted back, "I'm sorry. I thought you were Tim."
"That is alright, I understand," Ziva replied with a comforting smile.
"Oh no!" Kelly then exclaimed as she sat up, "oh no. No no no no, what have I done?"
"Kelly, what's wrong?"
"No no no, I messed up. Why did I confess all that last night?"
"Oh, well Kelly-"
"Ziva, I'm so so sorry. I was supposed to keep all that a secret. Why do I have to be such a weak drunk!"
"Kelly."
"What is Tim going to think? He's not even here. I messed up so bad. I'm so sorry Ziva."
"Kelly!"
"I understand if things feel awkward. I don't know what to say or do. I feel so bad. What am I going to do? I don't‐ I can't-… I… I… I..."
Kelly's breathing became rapid as tears threatened to come out again.
Thinking quickly, Ziva did the first thing that popped in her head that seemed to make sense. She reached behind her and grabbed the pink collar still on the nightstand, then she turned Kelly to face towards her and in one swift motion, reached behind Kelly's head and placed the collar around neck.
Kelly froze on the spot as her eyes went wide again.
"Ziva, what are you doing," she asked timidly as Ziva closed the latch snuggly on the collar.
"You were panicking, on the verge of an anxiety attack from the looks of it," Ziva explained as she fed the last loop and placed her hands on each of Kelly's shoulders," and I figured this was the best way to help you calm down. I hope that is okay with you?"
"Y–yeah, yeah, only because it's you doing. But why the collar?"
"You said that when Tim puts it on you, you feel safe and comfortable and wanted and that you wear it to remember him. So I figured it would help calm you down and stop you from panicking and get you to listen to me."
"I appreciate it Ziva, but it doesn't exactly work that way."
"It worked here, no?"
"I… I mean... Only because… what I mean is…."
Ziva chuckled as Kelly got flustered and blushed.
"Thank you, Ziva," Kelly finally said, "and I'm sorry if I what I said last night made you feel‐"
"Eh!" Ziva interrupted, placing a finger over Kelly's lips," shh shh shh. Listen to me. You did nothing wrong, okay? When Timothy returns, and I do mean WHEN he returns, the three of us will sit down when we have free time and we will discuss this. Until then, let's focus on getting him home and making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. He needs you to be strong, okay?"
"Okay, you're right. Strong."
"Good girl."
Kelly's breath caught in her throat as red went up her face in a blush. Ziva chuckled and kissed the young girl's cheek as Kelly's brain short-circuited.