Chapter: Somewhere to belong

"How have you been, my friend?"

Amir's gaze never left Ari as he cautiously got to his feet. Whatever Ari's intention for revealing himself out in the open as he was now, could benefit only himself. His retreat would have to be timed perfectly.

Amir's mind went to Ziva. Did she know he was here?

"We are not friends. Why are you here?"

Ari's smile did little to ease the tightness building in Amir's stomach. As Ari raised his hands in mock surrender and sat in the chair opposite him, his posture was open and inviting for an attack.

Amir was not that stupid.

"You're my oldest friend. Of course I would want to see you, especially now with your first child on the way and with my sister no less. It's a happy occasion."

What did he just say? Amir's mind, running through every escape route he had reconned earlier, barely had a second to process the surprise or stop the reaction from showing on his face. He had suspected she might be pregnant, but his heart had not wanted to indulge in such a fantasy.

That would cost him.

"You didn't know? Always one for secrets that one, just look at me." His carefree attitude did not fool him. Ari was trying to keep him here, but why?

Not willing to give Ari the upper hand, Amir tightened his face and redirected his full attention to the man before him. Ari's presence now posed an even greater danger than he had initially calculated.

"What do you want?" Amir's finger twitched as he suppressed the need to put a bullet in Ari's head and be damned with the consequences.

"How's your chest? Has it fully healed from what they did to you?" Ari asked.

Before Amir could react, Ari reached forward and pulled on the collar of his shirt. Amir, who had sat back down during the exchange, managed to push him away, but not before Ari had gotten a glimpse of the torture inflicted upon him for abandoning his mission.

"A crude business indeed."

"I don't need your pity. How do you know about that?" His punishment was something only known within the walls of Mossad, or so he thought.

"Guess." A slow and cold shiver crept up Amir's spine. He knew that smile.

"Don't play games with me, Ari."

"Very well. I've heard of your misfortunes with Eli from a friend of mine who was there."

"Friend?"

"Shhh…" Ari made a show of Amir's confusion by putting his fingers to his lips and winking at him.

"What do you want, Ari?" Amir asked once more as his eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. He needed to get back to Israel. Any delay and they would become suspicious.

"Relax. I need you to get on that flight. And as for what I want…I want you to join me and my men."

"No." That was one death warrant Amir would not sign.

"I thought you might say that, so I'll give you an incentive to make it easier for you." Ari retrieved a folder from the case he had brought with him and handed it to Amir. "A copy of these are on their way to your director."

"What is this?"

"See for yourself. You can even keep them if you like."

Cautiously, Amir reached for the folder. It was filled with reports and photos. They were all of Ziva, on the streets, in an apartment, at a doctor's office... With each photo, he could see the life she was building for herself here among the NCIS agents. There were lunches, shopping, out for ice cream, freedom—all the things he had wanted for them, she had found with these people. Amir felt the dangerous game he was playing as he was sucked in more and more with each passing photo. He was caught off guard once more as a small photo of Ziva's ultrasound was clipped to the side of a medical report.

This was his and Ziva's child. He thought he might stare at the photo forever, and there was a part of him that wished he could have. As he continued there were photos of Ziva at some kind of festival with games, he could only wonder; he had never seen this side of her before.

As his eyes caught sight of it, it was the last photo that dealt the hardest blow to the Mossad operative.

It was Ziva with Agent DiNozzo and the other agents, but the way DiNozzo looked at Ziva, and the way she looked at him, Amir's heart stopped. As much as he wanted to, his eyes refused to look away. Instead, they burned the image into his mind, so much so that he almost felt as though he were intruding on their moment.

"You will work with us, and if you say anything to the director or anyone in Mossad, I will have my men kill them all."

"She spared your life, and this is how you repay her?" Amir could feel the anger burning within him. Ziva had risked everything by giving him his life, and now he would turn around and do something like this. Unlike them, she had gotten out.

"Whether they live or die is not in my hands Amir; it's in yours. Believe me, having to resort to such a thing is the last thing I want."

What was that? It was gone before it fully registered, but what was that look that had crossed Ari's face? What was Amir missing? Whatever it was, it was not enough to sway the hatred building for the man before him.

"Once you do as I say, no harm will come to them."

There were no words as Amir watched Ari stand to his feet.

"I'm sorry it's come to this, but I need you for what's next," Ari said as he prepared to make his exit. "You'll see in time; this is where you belong. Have a safe flight, my friend."

….

"You didn't tell me she was injured,"

Just over the top of her glasses frame, Jenny finally met the pair of icy blue eyes that had been staring at her for the last half hour, as she read over the report she had received from Mossad. It was hardly surprising she couldn't make out what it was that they hid behind their swirling torrents.

Having been out of office at a convention in Paris, upon her return she had been intrigued by a request from agent Mcgee; proposing a temporary consultant position for the Mossad officer they had worked with in Israel.

"Yeah well, she's a good agent with instinct. Not a lot of those going around."

"I don't know, Jethro," Logistically, having a foreign operative could get tricky if a conflict of interest ever came up. Not to mention, from what she was reading this pregnancy sounded high risk.

"What do you think, Duck?" She released a small breath and turned to their resident ME, maybe he would be able to provide some clarification based on the medical report provided by Mossad. "Do you think she'll be ok on the ground?"

"From what I've gathered, the stress on both her liver and kidneys by the experimental drug is perhaps the most of concern, and the pregnancy has only worsened the condition. Her body is trying to repair itself while also growing another life, it's putting a strain on her body that has created a sort of tax deficit on her systems. This report as redacted as it is tells quite a tale of what has been happening to our young operative. However…"

With his hands together forming a bridge, the doctor seemed to be mulling over his thoughts with the kind of care and diligence that she knew could be trusted. "Her results are promising, if just to consult and monitored closely, I don't see why not."

"Thank you, Ducky."

"You are very welcome director, now if you don't mind Mr. Palmer and I must see to a John doe awaiting our attention."

"You are free to go, please tell Cynthia she may call officer David to come in to see me."

"Director, Jethro." Ducky stood to his feet and with a gesture befitting any noble man nodded his head to both her and Gibbs before making his exit.

At the soft click of the door being closed Jenny returned her attention back to Gibbs as he made his way to the inside of her desk, sitting just at the edge. She squinted at him; his unreadable eyes now danced with mischief at her clear apprehension at offering the consultancy to the foreign agent.

"Why is that I only get these out of the way requests from your team?"

He didn't respond but the feel of his warm hand caressing the side of her cheeks, did as they were intended and subsided the building tension of uncertainty within her

.….

….….

"Where's Kate?"

"She's taking Ziva to lunch with Abby." Without looking away from his report McGee responded to his teammate as he entered the bullpen and disrupted the lunchtime lull that had blanketed the office."

"Oh, that's nice,"

From the corner of his eye McGee saw Tony drop his bag at the side of his desk and boot up his computer.

"She's been a little chipper these last few weeks. I think our Kate may have met someone."

Oh no. Almost instinctively McGee looked towards his friend knowing from experience his penchant for getting them both in trouble with Kate.

His instincts proved correct as he watched Tony abandon his desk and make his way across to Kate's.

"Would you cut it out DiNozzo." The last thing he needed was for Kate to come in and sucker punch the both of them for going on her desk-again.

"Relax Probie." No sooner had Tony said that Kate's phone started ringing.

McGee bolted upright and tried his best to stop his friend from picking up the phone, that McGee knew for sure would be the end of them. Tony seemed unfazed as his eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas. Without a moment's hesitation he reached for the phone and McGee's efforts proved to be useless. Before he could even make it to the desk…

"Agent Todd's phone…may I ask whose calling… no she's not here right now can I take a message...great, I'll let her know."

"DiNozzo!" As Tony hung up the phone both men turned in surprise to find Kate, her eyebrows furrowed in fury, eyes locked on to Tony as a lioness to its prey.

"Oh hey, so that was Renee, he said he couldn't reach you on your cell and that he would be late to dinner." Tony seemed unfazed as he quickly recovered from the sudden arrival of their teammate.

"Why do I bother? I should just staple your mouth closed and save us all the trouble!" With her eyes still trained on Tony, McGee used the opening to make a careful retreat back to his desk.

"See, McGee? What did I say?" Of course, Tony would still try to rope him into his mess. He didn't respond, maybe if he stayed quiet, they would just sort it out on their own.

"If you must know, I met him a few weeks ago. We had coffee." McGee watched on as Kate rolled her eyes and brushed past Tony to sit at her desk, knowing he wouldn't let it go.

"Steamy."

"Shut up. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Are you finally going to ask out Ziva?"

With raised eyebrows McGee watched as Tony now back at his desk casually swivelled his chair. there was something about the way his lips formed a tight line, that gave away he wasn't as unaffected by the question as he seemed to be.

"Ziva? Why would I ask her out?"

A snort found its way out of McGee before he knew it. There was no way his friend was still this reluctant to admit his feelings for Ziva.

"Something you want to get off your chest, Probie?"

McGee simply shook his head and continued with the report before him. He was staying out of this conversation; besides, he was sure the director must have seen his request by now. If she consented things were going to get a whole lot more interesting in the bullpen, well that and if Ziva was up for it.

"Come on McGee, just say it, we're all thinking it." Kate on the other hand predictable, always enjoyed moments like this. Tony backing down from a conversation like this was rare and she seemed to want to relish it. McGee would be lying if he said he wasn't also curious. Tony had never been shy about his romantic pursuits, but now he might as well be a kid on the playground with a crush on the new girl. So, with his eyes on his report and his ears open he continued to see how far this conversation would go.

"What would that be now?"

"You've been off your game DiNozzo."

"Have I?"

"The last person was the girl at the bar almost two months ago."

"It's complicated."

McGee looked up once more. He was just in time, another second and he might have missed the glazed overlook on his friend's face, as his swivels slowed to an idle motion.

Recovering from whatever thoughts plagued his mind in the moment, his friend shook his head sat up and attempted to focus on his computer screen before him.

"Never stopped you before,"

"Yeah, well, there's a lot more at stake this time around." Tony scratched at his head before tapping idly at his keyboard.

"What are you staking?"

All heads turned to the entrance of the bullpen, how had they missed her arrival?... Oh right ninja...McGee calculated as much, they were about 0-5 of the times she had managed to catch them off guard.

"Did we leave something in your car?" Kate was the first to recover.

"No, I got a call to meet with your director."

Yes! With a mental fist pump, now it was McGee's turn for an early Christmas. The looks of confusion on Tony and Kate's face only brought more glee to the agent. Something that hadn't escaped Ziva's notice as she zoned in on him with squinted eyes.

Looking at her now, he knew better that the glow he had noticed on her at the carnival and even now hadn't been because of getting out from under the rigid structure she had found herself living in for all those years.

He honestly felt stupid for not figuring it out sooner. He wouldn't bring it up to her though, Abby had sworn him to secrecy of the highest order, and quite frankly he enjoyed not being boiled from inside out. He and Abby were planning a surprise reveal and shower for her.

"I would be happy to take you there" McGee raised his hand to the escort that had been standing behind her and before his teammates realized what was happening, he grabbed his report and headed for Tony's desk.

"What's this about McGee?" McGee looked to Kate as she asked the question and a smile begun to spread on his lips as he then turned his attention to his other friend.

"Another complication for you." With that said McGee arrived at the desk and handed Tony his report before making his way out the bullpen. The looks of confusion and suspicion from his teammates in his wake.

"Spill it Probie!"

"Sorry Tony you'll just have to find out later with everyone else."

…

The director's office was a short journey that felt like five miles, as McGee did his best not to do giant leaps up the flights of stairs to their destination. Opening the door and ushering Ziva in, McGee spared a smile for the directors' assistant as he entered the space.

"Hi Cynthia, this is Ziva could you let the director know she's arrived?"

"Of course, you can actually go in, both her and agent Gibbs have been waiting for you." Cynthia returned his smile before getting up and going around her desk. She made her way to the director's door with all the poise and professionalism she was known for. With a single knock before opening the door to announce Ziva's arrival she turned once more to them and gestured for Ziva to follow.

Ziva looked to him in open question, and he answered before also gesturing to the chair opposite Cynthias desk.

"I'll just be out here."

With a short nod his way she then vanished behind the doors.

….

As Cynthia moved aside to allow the agent to enter her office, the light filtering through her window from the late afternoon sun only help radiate the soft glow coming from the agent, an attribute of the life growing within her.

Her beauty was striking, that the photos in her file failed to capture. At least the whisperings of DiNozzos captivation with her was more than understandable. Jenny straightened her posture as she prepared to greet the woman.

"Good afternoon, Officer David. My name is Director Shephard, and of course, you know Agent Gibbs,"

Gibbs, for his part had already gone back to his position on her sofa, keeping watch of her door. She watched as he gave the agent a nod and was amused by the glint of mischief, she could see from where she was at.

"I'm sure you're curious as to why I've called you in today," her record was certainly impressive, but Jenny had a feeling there was more to this agent. Gibbs was never one for change or handing out praise unduly, and for him to go out of his way like this. Whatever she was missing she would trust Gibbs gut on it.

The officer nodded, her expression and stance gave away little but a spark of curiosity that danced in her eyes.

"I received a request from Agent McGee. After speaking with Dr. Mallard, Agent Gibbs, and receiving the all clear from Mossad," Jenny retrieved the pile of documents she had prepared just in case and then handed them over to the Mossad operative. "We're willing to try this out."

The young officer took the paperwork, her eyes scanning the documents with what appeared to be a mixture of interest but hesitation.

"You don't have to decide right away," Jenny added. "However, we would like to have an answer within the next two weeks. After all, we need to take any maternity leave into account."

"What would I do?" Ziva asked, her voice steady.

"You would assist Agent Gibbs and his team with some field investigative work, but to be honest, it will mostly be paperwork until we can fully assess your physical abilities," Jenny explained.

Jenny had anticipated a few responses she might be given by the officer but found herself caught off guard when the officer looked up from the paperwork and immediately turned to Gibbs.

The look they exchanged told Jenny all she needed to know.

Ziva was one of them.

As the unspoken conversation played out before her eyes, a small smile tugged at Jenny's lips. Whatever lingering doubts seemed to fade to the back of her mind.

"You gotta eat, right?" Gibbs said, breaking the silence with a small smile. She didn't respond but her eyes never left his.

Jenny would go with her gut on this one and call it.

"You can start in two weeks."

This caught the officer's attention, as she returned her gaze to her.

"During those two weeks, you will undergo a condensed training, that will cover information you'll find useful while working here. For now, we will forgo the physical aspects."

…

It had only been a few minutes since Ziva had gone in to see the director, so McGee was surprised to hear the door already being open and Ziva making her exit.

"How did it go?" He asked, as he quickly got to his feet. The first thing McGee noticed as she fully re-entered the space was a folder that she held close to her chest.

"Alright," She replied, her tone and expression giving little away. The fact she was carrying what he assumed was her contract, perhaps there was still hope, he wouldn't push it, it was a pretty big decision.

"Ready to go?" She didn't respond but simply nodded instead to his question. Mcgee wasted no time as he reached forward and once more ushered her through the door.

As they both walked across the landing, she caught him off guard as she stopped and turned to face him, her eyes seemed to be searching his.

"McGee, why did you make such a request?"

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that," He begun, honestly, he was entirely certain, but he was learning more and more to go with his gut, "I just think it'd be good for you and for us to have you around more."

As she continued to search his face, "Do it only if you want to," he added softly, his voice almost a whisper.

Whatever she had been looking for, she must have found as she gave him a small nod and they continued their descent.

…

They hadn't even made it a foot into the bullpen when Kate spoke up, her curiosity getting the better of her. "What did the director want?"

McGee was mildly surprised that Kate was the first to ask, but what didn't surprise him was Tony's attempt to play it cool as he checked in on Ziva with a nonchalant glance.

Ziva had no intention of keeping either of her teammates in suspense. She simply lifted the folder for them to see the NCIS insignia emblazoned on its face. "She offered me a job with you," she said plainly.

"McGuber, how did you know about this?" Tony's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. Moments where McGee caught Tony off guard were rare, and McGee couldn't help but revel in this one.

"It's easy, Tony. I put in the request," he replied, unable to hide the hint of pride in his voice.

Tony, now idly swinging in his chair, seemed impressed despite the casual air about him. "Good for you, Probie. You gonna take her up on it?" He then turned to Ziva.

In the few seconds it had taken for their eyes to be taken away from her, she seemed to have gotten lost somewhere in her thoughts.

"I don't know. I'll have to snooze on it,"

A soft slap resonated in the bullpen, as Tony leaned forward to smack his hand on his forehead in a dramatic fashion. whatever looming tension that threatened to enter the space was shifted as smiles broke free on all their faces.

"Sleep on it, Ziva. Sleep on it. You gotta work on that."

…

Kicking her door closed, Ziva wasted no time putting down her bag and heading for her living space. What should have been a 'normal' day of waking up, going for a run, lunch with Abby and Kate, then back to the apartment to 'rest' as her doctor had advised, had turned into the opening of a door she had never even thought of.

Her eyes moved to the folder sticking out of her bag. What would she do? Her savings were more than enough to tide her over until she was ready to return to her home, but when exactly would that be?

She had been feeling a little restless without anything to do in her afternoons. Maybe she could keep her hands busy? She had gone over the contract more thoroughly at a restaurant where she had stopped for a quick dinner; the hours were flexible, and the idea of working with the team again sounded like just what she needed now.

"What do you think, little one?" she whispered softly.

Mindlessly, Ziva ran soothing circles over her abdomen. She certainly didn't expect a response, but somehow it felt right to do it. Perhaps it was her hormones again.

Retrieving the folder, Ziva positioned herself at her small office desk in the corner of the living space. After taking a deep breath, she reached for her pen and signed the papers. With each stroke of her pen, a part of her felt liberated. Finally, she completed the last signature.

As she got to her feet, a sharp pain suddenly shot through her abdomen. She barely had time to clutch the chair. One hand gripped the chair while the other clutched her stomach. Ziva did her best to stay focused and, as best she could, breathe slowly and deeply as the doctor had advised her to do when it happened.

Her eyes focused on the clock, and before she knew it, the pain started to subside, just as it always did. She could stand up straight once more.

It was still early, but perhaps a nap would do her well. With a final look at the signed papers, Ziva headed for the shower. Perhaps a warm shower would help her body relax some more before the nap.

…

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

1 John 4:4

A/N: I'm amazed how different this story is from the original. When I first wrote this story it shouldn't have been this long, so many new and cool scenes have been added and some corny ones removed XD.

Fun fact: in the original Amir had rescued Ziva(after Eli sent had sent out a kill order or something like that) and called jenny to take her into NCIS, but I liked this idea better. Especially knowing the Eli's character isn't necessarily all bad but not all good either, there's a balance im trying to strike this time around.

Fun fact 2: The NCIS team never went to Israel, she went straight to them and was a fish out of water but more jaded than when we met her in Kill Ari.

Looking forward to posting the remaining chapters as soon as I can. Like I said I want to make sure I'm putting out the best version of each chapter and that takes a while, because I can write it and two weeks later think of a scene or a better way of doing it and im like "yeah glad I didn't post yet".

But I would like to start working on my other stories so I may or may not start posting a one shot or two but the last time I posted a one shot it ended up turning into a 22+ chapter fanfic so that's a thing :D. Enough rambling onto to writing the next chapter!