I know, it's been forever since I've posted. But here is the most recent addition. My last update didn't seem to be too popular so we'll see how this goes. Not sure when there will be more but it came out of my head so I figured I better share. Hope everyone is having a fantastic day.

The incessant ring of her telephone had Ziva half-crawling over the top of Nico to grab it. Answering she mumbled a groggy hello as the man himself ran his hand across her hip. She muffled a giggle and gave him a stilling look.

"David?" A strong coughing followed by a slight wheeze was her only answer for a few seconds. Then the voice on the other end croaked out a hello. "Jen? You do not sound well."

Gibbs glanced at Nico grinning when he snuck a kiss on her stomach, only to have his head lightly smacked. He chuckled, only sobering as he heard the worry in her voice increase.

"The hospital? Yes, of course, I'm glad you called. No, please rest. I will." Ziva glanced at the clock, did some mental counting, and sighed in relief. "It will be taken care of. Please just focus on getting well. Yes, you too."

Ziva hung up the phone, made a trip through the bathroom, and reached for her robe, pausing when she heard Gibbs speak her name. "Jethro I am sorry." She saw him stand and slip into pajama pants. "I told my friend I would cover her classes without consulting you." he looked confused for a moment so she continued. "You stated that I would remain in our home this weekend unless given specific permission. I answered without thinking."

Gibbs moved to stand in front of her. "This falls under the category of your life outside these walls, Ziva, and extraordinary circumstances. There will be no punishment." Something unnameable crossed her face. "Unless that disappoints you?"

Ziva laughed, "I am not sure I know how to answer that." She was rewarded with more laughter from both of them, and with Gibbs' nod, she was putting on her robe. Thankfully, she still had a couple of hours.

"What kind of class?"

Jethro watched her frown, pause as they made their way down the stairs, and finally answer as they walked into the kitchen.

"It is a dance class, well, two of them today. Jen teaches advanced couples dance."

Nico made the coffee and started pulling breakfast ingredients out. "Why the frown?"

"Jen's husband has been helping her teach the class. He is obviously with her at the hospital. I can use one of the students but the only one not regularly paired is a bit… handsy. Or so Jen tells me. I again did not think about whether that would bother you. "

"Sounds like the idea bothers you Zi?"

Ziva thought for a moment before answering. "I am not comfortable with the idea of another man, especially Ken, putting his hands on me. It is not only unpleasant but it feels disloyal."

Gibbs started to object wondering where along the way he'd given her the impression he didn't trust her.

"Jethro, I know as certain as I am standing here that you would not object. Nor do I believe you would think anything of the sort. But, it is how I feel."

Gibbs relaxed, "Had me worried for a minute there. I like my control, but I'm not unreasonable. But I might have a solution. I can be your partner."

Ziva accepted the coffee and eggs Nico slid her way. "You dance? In public?"

Gibbs laughed "Frequently, in fact, if your friend Jen is a blond I think I took one of her classes a few years back."

He saw her look and knew the worry was about his skill level. "My mom taught me years ago. Now and then I learn something new or…" He paused, shook his head, and smiled, "Before you, it was a good way to meet women."

Ziva smiled, "I have heard that to be true." After a long sip of coffee, she spoke carefully. "Today we are supposed to work on, the meringue, and the rumba"

Nico interjected, "Might want to take some Ibuprofen, Bella. This morning and dancing today…" He shrugged when she flushed a deep pink. "Better than finding out the hard way."

But Gibbs saw something Nico didn't in that blush of color. "If I'm not mistaken Ziva you look quite aroused at this moment."

Ziva had to swallow hard to not comment on his audacity. "I…I"

Gibbs took her knees and spread them apart, leaving her perched open on his kitchen chair. His fingers trailed up the inside of her thigh. "Say it Ziva."

Ziva let her head fall back as his fingers teased at her wet skin. "I burn so good. Every step is just the right amount of roughness and pleasure. I did not know I would enjoy it so much."

Gibbs was hard even as his fingers stroked and slid in just the right rhythm. She was clenching his hair and chanting his name so close. He stopped pulling his fingers away and stood. "You will stand as I prefer Ziva."

Ziva felt his abrupt withdrawal, frustration had her fighting a whimper. But his words snapped through her, almost pushing her over the edge. Somehow she pulled herself from the chair and stood exactly as he'd asked. As still as her riotous body would allow she remained still waiting for whatever he asked of her.

"Fuck Ziva, you have no idea how sexy that is."

Nico made a sound of agreement, the hurriedly fluid movement had been all for Gibbs but he was reaping the benefits.

"I should reward you for just how much your discipline turns me on. But, I've decided to make you wait." Her only tell was the tightening of her shoulders as she stood eyes cast down, hands behind her back.

Ziva ignored the need to draw in a deep breath, "Yes sir."

"Testing my patience Zi." He let his finger travel the hollow between her breasts. "What is the dress code?"

"Slacks and a dress shirt. These two groups tend to be a bit less casual." She looked at Nico, not sure what to say.

"I want to make lasagna for dinner tonight. I think I'll shop while you guys teach the classes." He knew Ziva wanted to say more but he made it easy on her. "Bella, we'll discuss this more later. We might need to reassess certain things but now is not the time. Do not worry I will be here when you come home tonight."

Ziva nodded then directed her eyes back to the floor. She was slightly chilled, somewhat hungry but above all else deliciously aroused. The calm slipped over her, the arousal hovered but at a tolerable level. The scents of breakfast and coffee filled her nose. Still, she remained.

"Ziva you will join us." Gibbs waited until she was seated and had her plate of food before continuing. "Can we go to the studio early? I'd like to get some practice first."

"Yes, we will need to stop at Jen's to pick up the keys since she doesn't have morning classes on Sundays. She wanted the afternoon couples covered because she canceled on them last week."

"After breakfast, we'll get ready and head that way."

Nico pulled up his phone and started making a list. "If anyone needs anything send me a list I can grab it while I'm out." a funny look crossed Ziva's face. "Did you think of something?"

"No, not off hand. It was just such a mundane question. The past weeks have not exactly been mundane."

Gibbs chuckled, "No I suppose they haven't." he glanced at his watch and saw they had a little more time than he'd thought. "Nico and I spoke Ziva. I know we talked about the three of us being open about this relationship."

Ziva stared at her plate, she'd known that Nico had wanted to wait until the evening but she was grateful Gibbs knew her well enough to understand it would be difficult to wait. "I have no objection, you know that, both of you." She made sure to look at both of them, trying to reassure them.

"I do believe you Ziva, however, it might be best for everyone involved to keep things a bit quieter. Especially with a child coming." Nico saw the way the realization dawned. "People can be cruel, as adults we can deal with that. A child shouldn't have to and honestly, I don't want you to face it either. There are places where we can go to be more publicly together but here where you…we live and work discretion might be best."

"I am not ashamed of us."

"That's true Ziva but you're also not entirely comfortable with it all being out there." Gibbs heard her sigh before nodding.

"That is also true." She cast an apologetic glance at Nico.

"Things have happened very fast Ziva, as Gibbs has told you far faster than our style of living normally is comfortable with. Slowing things down and letting us all adjust is appropriate. Not to mention we can't unring a bell. If we choose at some point to make this public that's fine but there's no rush. And I'm not the slightest bit bothered by it. Your honesty is far more appreciated."

"You are not leaving." It was a statement directed at Nico, one she'd asked before but it appeared she needed reassurance again.

"No, I am not. For now, I'm just a roommate. If anyone even asks."

Gibbs helped her clear the table. "Things will work out, Ziva. We just need some breathing room."

Ziva was giggling as Gibbs turned her around the studio. He hadn't been exaggerating about his dancing skills. He was very good. They'd made it through the classes with ease. A few new members had joined so she was glad she'd been able to cover. After the last of the couples had left and they'd cleaned the studio, Gibbs had turned down the lights and pulled her back in his arms. "I like this Jethro."

"Same here Ziva." For a bit, they just danced in silence. She sighed softly. "You ok?"

"Yes. Just thinking about how we are going to tell everyone about the baby. The fact I can still work but not in the field if there is any danger. Just a lot on my mind."

They swayed together,moving to the beat of the music. "When do you want to tell them?"

"I would prefer to wait until I'm at least twelve weeks. When the greatest risk of miscarriage has passed." He stiffened in her arms briefly before finding his rhythm again. "But they will notice when I no longer drink alcohol and if I'm going to stay behind at times it will be obvious."

"Is there any reason to think there's a risk?" His stomach clenched, this child so no new, already had a hold on him. He didn't want to think of the loss.

"No, though I will need to make a preliminary appointment with my doctor. I won't tell you not to worry but I have no history of issues. I have not been pregnant before but my mother had two healthy pregnancies, and my Father's mother had four. No guarantee obviously but in my favor all the same." The music shut off, but he still held her.

"Good. Let's go home." A quick kiss on her forehead and he felt slightly better.

Ziva moaned out loud as she walked in the house. The smell of cheese, and spices mixed with tomatoes and something faintly sweet. "Holy hell that smells good, I am starving."

Nico laughed as she and Gibbs stepped in the kitchen. "Glad to hear I made enough for leftovers. We'll eat in about a half hour. Did you get Tony's message?"

Nico's words were directed at Gibbs but he saw Ziva cock her head. "He mentioned he might stop by later tonight."

"I invited him for dinner, Ziva. I think he's lonely." She instantly smiled and then Gibbs saw it falter slightly. She hid whatever was bothering her with the fall of her hair.

Ziva grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, trying to work through the instant worry that assailed her. Of course she wanted to see Tony, enjoyed his company but she wasn't sure how she felt about having him here in their space. And what did it mean for how she should behave? "I would like to take a shower."

Gibbs shook his head. "Not yet." her lip was caught between her teeth at his refusal. "Tell me what's bothering you."

"If he comes here, not for work. I do not know how to behave. He will know about the baby and us, all of us. He has an idea but letting him see it is…" As she said the words she expected to feel another wave of panic like when Gibbs had first said he was coming. What she felt instead shocked her. "I am confused, I have mixed feelings about that."

Nico watched Gibbs watching her. Jethro was quiet for a moment. "Life is about choices, Ziva. We choose what we share with others, hoping they will accept us. That is how we find our family, those we're closest to. You've trusted Tony with your life, do you think this is something you need to hide from him."

"The baby no of course not. I think given time he will grow used to Nico being a part of us. Maybe not understand but he will not judge in any way." her mouth stung when her teeth nipped too hard.

"You're worried about him seeing you as my submissive." Gibbs chose his words carefully, the tone of his voice dropping to the one she preferred. It hadn't been intentional but the hint of shame in her posture was more than he could take. "It's a good thing then that it isn't your decision."

It took great effort for Nico to hide his surprise, even more to not intervene. Ziva's eyes flew to Gibbs, up from the floor, full of emotion. The mix of anger, fear and shock mixed with the way her hand went to her hip caressing the knife there. For his part Gibbs said nothing simply waited while Ziva took in a long gasping breath.

"My rules were simple Ziva, At work, around the team you are your own woman. Outside of that you belong to me, you submit to my will. Especially here in our home. Tony comes here tonight as our friend, our family not as a coworker. That does not follow under the exceptions I've given you."

His words should have further fueled her brief moment of anger. She could press the issue, her hand touched the collar around her neck. Who she'd always been battled in her mind with the woman she'd chosen to become. Not just for the man in front of her but for herself. The anxiety that bubbled in her stomach had her watching him trying to decide how she would answer. Almost giving in to the need to demand he release her from her promise she took another sip of water. Then she set the bottle of water aside , clasped her hands behind her back and let her eyes look down.

It was far easier than her momentary fight with herself had let her think. The chaotic buzzing of what she'd been taught was acceptable behavior, the worry over how Tony would look at her dissipated into the comfort of the safety she knew. Gibbs would never shame her, hurt her or humiliate her. He cherished her far too much for that. That was a certainty she could live with. "Whatever you ask Jethro."

Gibbs had been fully prepared for her to ask him not to expect this tonight, equally prepared to give in to that request. His words had been a reminder, a push to see how far she would accept his control. He wouldn't have bet money either way on how she would respond. Pride rushed through him, soaking into every pore and straightening his shoulders. His finger lifted her chin. "I love you Ziva, remember that above all else. Now go take your shower, and dress however you feel comfortable. We'll eat when he arrives."

Nico watched Ziva step out of the room, started to speak but stopped when Gibbs let out a rush of air and his head hit the counter. "Jethro?" He wasn't sure what he was seeing and that shocked him.

Gibbs took the drink Nico quickly poured, he needed two sips before he could speak again. "I didn't think she'd…I didn't know how to answer her." His hand still shook but another sip of whiskey let him feel steadier.

"It's a big ask. I thought for sure she would tell you where to go." Gibbs nod had him asking a question of his own. "How do you intend to handle it?" For his part Nico planned to keep things casual, it would cost him nothing to behave just as a friend or roomate.

Gibbs laughed while he pulled out plates and stacked them on the counter. "I'm not entirely sure. If she'd refused. I would have easily just let things be. Now, with her permission. I have no idea." Nico's laugh was predictable. So was the middle finger Gibbs threw at him.

Tony had just started on the beer Nico had handed over. Gibbs was talking about the latest project in his basement. "Maybe some time you could show me how you do that." the words felt awkward in his mouth but they came out anyway.

"What?" Gibbs heard Ziva coming down the stairs and ran a hand through his hair.

"Turn a hunk of wood into something else. I mean if you have time." Tony picked at the label on the bottle.

"I can do that but no power tools."

"Who's restricted from power tools and why?" Ziva stepped in, gave Gibbs a quick kiss on the cheek and leaned against him.

"Tony. He wants to learn woodworking, gotta make the most of it though."

"I can live with that." Tony was grateful Gibbs hadn't mocked him. Even good natured teasing would have been too much. Ziva had the prettiest smile and she looked content. Something he saw more and more of the longer she was with Gibbs. As always she was beautiful, the simple yoga pants and long t-shirt were casual, matching the ponytail that bounced as she munched on a tomato she stole from the cutting board. "You look happy Ziva. Looks good on you."

Ziva blushed, doubly so when Tony looked at Gibbs with a smirk. "I am happy." She stole another tomato, saw Nico's look and giggled when he handed over an entire slice.

Tony threw caution to the wind. He liked catching people off guard and Gibbs was so focused on Ziva it might just work. "So Nico, how long are you staying?"

Nico watched the grin and shake of Gibbs' head. Tony was bold, it spoke to why Ziva had needed reassurance. The younger man was comfortable around Gibbs and Ziva, laid back in the chair at the table, shoes off and with his compliment to Ziva. Tony knew exactly what he was doing and it made Nico grin as well. "Indefinitely"

"Cool, it never hurts to have another to add to poker night. I hope you like bowling because at least once a month Abby drags us to go with her and the nuns." He was watching Ziva and Gibbs and his words had them looking at each other with relief. He'd suspected they'd be worried about what he thought about Nico in their world. Nipping that in the bud had been a top priority when he'd asked to come over tonight. Another look at Ziva and he was trying to figure out what was different about her. He'd seen her casual before so that wasn't it. As the light caught the sapphires of her necklace he was drawn to it again. He hadn't seen her without it even once over the past weeks. Even now as dressed down as she was and her face free of makeup it still rested around her neck.

It took only that much of a closer look to realize what he was seeing. She was busy pulling napkins out of a drawer and Nico was pulling food out of the oven. But Gibbs was watching him. Where he would have expected censure, a warning even he saw worry instead. Tony wasn't quite as surprised as Gibbs might have thought if he'd asked. Gibbs was just that sort of man. Tony had heard the rumors since he'd started working for Gibbs. Uncertain if they were true and knowing it wasn't his business he'd never asked. But he'd bet money that was a collar around Ziva's neck and it made perfect sense. He took another sip of beer and offered a smile.

"Nuns?" Nico had seen the undercurrent of something pass between Gibbs and Tony and kept Ziva distracted long enough for it to settle.

Tony tossed his empty bottle in the trash, and shook his head at a second, grabbing a soda rather than more alcohol. "Abby has an eclectic mix of friends. As much as I tease her, the nuns are a pretty fun bunch to hang with."

"You keep smiling at that little blond and she's likely to leave the order." Ziva heard her stomach growl and looked at Gibbs. "Can we please eat? I am so hungry."

Tony coughed. "Hey I might like the ladies but I would never defile a nun. I keep my distance, she just finds me."

Gibbs didn't think Ziva had meant her question as a request for permission but it had tripped that part of him that fast. "Fill your plate Ziva. We'll eat in the living room tonight." Effort was involved in keeping his tone neutral but he managed.

Ziva's hand shook slightly for a second as she served her food. Then she settled, the food was distracting as was the way Nico was watching her. "Yes?"

"I was going to ask if you wanted extra tomato on your salad, I cut up more for you." She flushed and nodded eagerly. He handed her the small bowl of salad he'd served her, added the extra tomatoes and a dash of salt.

"Thanks." Feeling braver than she was, she leaned up and kissed his jaw before walking out of the room.

Tony was quiet as he served up his dinner, balancing his plate, bowl and a drink in his hand he stopped short of leaving the room. Looking at them both he cocked his head. "I've never been a sniper, or whatever you are." He glanced at Nico. "But every man has to sleep some time. Hurt her, either of you and I'll make sure you don't wake up." Only then did he leave the room.

Vance looked first at Ziva and then Gibbs. "I heard a rumor that Eli is planning a visit soon. After what you just told me, it raises some questions. Ziva tell me what you're thinking?"

Ziva shook her head in confusion. "I do not know. I agree with Gibbs that it seems like my father wants me in Israel. But I could not begin to think why. If it is enough that he would fake a threat on my life it must be something important to him personally or politically."

"I'd like you both to hear me out."

Gibbs did his best to hold back his skepticism but it wasn't easy.

"I'm sending the team on vacation. Three weeks off. I have the discretion to do so and so I am. You guys have closed more cases than any other team in the past two years. That is reason enough. But it benefits me. I don't want Gibbs getting into a fistfight with the Director of Mossad. Eli always has an agenda when he comes here. If that agenda is you Ziva, then you won't even be in the state. I can't guarantee he won't follow but if he comes here under the guise of needing help from NCIS I make that take a while."

"why would you be willing to do that? I could just call him out."

Vance didn't have to fake his chagrin, he wasn't entirely comfortable answering that. "Leverage on Eli would be helpful."

Gibbs saw red. "Leon!"

"No Gibbs wait." she grinned ran her hand across her face then finally spoke. "You are correct anyone dealing with Eli should have something just in case. Yet you've never asked. Even now I know you would do exactly what you suggested even if I didn't help you."

Gibbs caught the humor in Vance's eyes and was able to relax.

"Got me there. If I'm being too honest Agent David I don't like the way he talks to you, or how he handled things in Somalia. I want to see how this plays out, if that gives me something for later mores the better. If not it's still a win for me because my best producing team remains." Vance had taken a long time to warm up to the team but he had. They were good but more than that they were at their very best when they worked together.

Gibbs caught the faint hint of affection from Vance to Ziva. He hadn't given a lot of thought to how Ziva's time in Somalia had affected Leon. He was human after all. And he had to work with Eli all too often.

"Thank you, Director. It is a reasonable solution." Leon was not an easy leader he never had been, but she had noticed a shift since she'd returned. From what Tony said it had started even before she came back. More and more she saw touches of it.

"I am what Ziva needs me to be" (nico)