Chapter 09
It was nearly two weeks later and the Sheppard house was still a bustle of activity between friends of from the Air Force visiting and the NCIS team coming and going with one excuse after another to justify their reasons for visiting each day. While John and Ziva were both grateful for all the help everyone wanted to give, especially when it came to moving some of personal her belongings over to the house, as the only thing they were able to agree on at the hospital was that it would be that it made sense for her to move in at least temporarily while she recovered from the incident and from giving birth.
She was the most appreciative to Teyla who was always there to help when she needed that extra hand or when she was lost on what to do with Mariely, but unlike everyone else, stayed away when she just wanted to be alone and do simple things for herself such as making a cup of hot tea.
“Not today, Abby.” John gently grabbed Abby by her shoulders and turned her around.
“But John!”
“Don’t ‘But John!’ me.” John rolled his eyes.
“Fine! But then at least email me a picture of little Mariely tonight!”
“I’ll think about it,” he said as he closed the door and sighed before heading to the kitchen. “I’m making coffee, who wants some?”
“Me!” Torren ran towards him.
“I don’t think so buddy.” John smiled and lifted Torren up to set him down on the counter. “Juice?”
“Do I have to?”
“Is your mom secretly allowing you to drink coffee while I’m away?”
“No…”
“Then yes.” John poured Torren a cup of orange juice and handed it to him. “Coffee is for grown ups.”
As usual, Torren didn’t pace himself while drinking his juice and burped loudly as he set the cup on the counter. “Aren’t you and mommy together anymore?”
John blinked at the boy. He remembered that he and Teyla had made it clear to him, more often than not, that they were good friends, living together underneath one roof but that that was it. “Torren, how many times do we have to tell you that we were never ‘together’?” John caressed the boy’s hair. “Wait a minute…” The boy was smart, John had to give him that. “Are you jealous of Ziva being here and that she’s Mariely’s mommy and I’m her daddy?”
“No.” he sulked, putting his little fists in his lap.
“I think you are.”
“I’m not!”
“Yes you are.” John nodded and switched on the coffee maker. “And you know what? You have no reason to be jealous. I’m still your personal jungle jim, we can still do fun things together, and I’m still here.” He made Torren look at him. “I am very tall.”
“So?”
“Well… there’s a lot of love and attention in me, because I’m tall. It won’t all vaporize now, will it?”
“I guess…” Torren thought for a moment and then smiled. “Are we going to barbecue with just us tonight? Please? No more friends of yours?”
“Deal, you go ahead and make the shopping list, then you and I will go shopping together.”
“Yay!” Torren hopped off the counter and ran to his room to work on the list.
Ziva had walked in just as the boy ran out, careful to not drop Mariely who was in her arms. “Did I miss something exciting?” she asked as she looked at John. “And please tell me that there won’t be any more visitors today other than those that are already here.”
“Torren’s a little bit jealous, that’s all.” John shrugged. “And I just sent Abby away, it’s just us in this house for today.” He smiled and kissed Ziva tenderly. “You look pretty.”
“No generals, no doctors – other than Carson. He’s welcome,” she smiled. “And thank you but I am a mess. I really want to spend a long while in a hot bath as soon as I am done with feeding her now.”
“And you can,” he nodded. “Torren and I will go shopping for dinner once he’s done with his list. We’ll probably end up throwing ice cream on the barbecue…”
Ziva’s eyes lit up with a thought at that. “Actually, when you go out, can you stop off at the Japanese take out and get their tempura ice cream? I would really like that instead of the regular tonight,” she asked with a grin.
“Of course, anything for you. What else do you need?”
“Ahhh, the only thing I can think of, I can get myself or ask Teyla. It’s not a problem,” she replied as she went to pull a premade bottle out of the refrigerator.
“If it’s woman stuff… don’t worry about it, Teyla already brainwashed me into not being ashamed of buying it.”
Ziva laughed. “She’s trained you well,” she nodded approvingly. “Where is she by the way?”
“John Sheppard, housebroken. At your service.” He grinned. “I think she’s upstairs, probably helping Torren make his list.”
She glanced up at the ceiling out of habit but continued to move around as she went to pull over the pot that they’ve been keeping out for the bottle warming. So far she had quickly managed to adapt to doing almost everything one handed, not that she would let anyone do anything else that she knew she was more than capable of doing.
“We need to talk.” John said as he pulled the pot towards Ziva and then went to the fridge to get turkey slices in order for him to make a turkey sandwich. “We haven’t really been able to really talk lately and we should talk.”
Taking a deep breath, Ziva looked up at him. “I figured that this was going to happen sooner or later. Though I hoped it would be later rather than sooner…”
“Don’t look so sad, you have no idea what I’m about to say.” John chuckled as he caressed her hair. “I love you, Ziva, I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, I love you, and I love our little girl and I want you to move in with me… I know it must be weird for you to have Teyla and Torren here but… I’m all that’s left for them, she’d be so lonely if she’d live with Ronon or Carson and I need her… not as much as I need you… I could try and find us a bigger house if you want to, but please? Please move in with me?”
She stared at him for a moment before letting out a small laugh. “John, I think this house is more than large enough for all of us,” she pointed out. “But if you really want a different place, I think a two family one would work because I would not want to leave Teyla on her own either.”
“So is that a yes?” He smiled widely.
“I have thought about it myself to be honest and I cannot come up with any reason that we shouldn’t,” Ziva replied. “But – Gibbs did ask me what our intentions are in the future, regarding you and I. He asked if we were going to get married. Evidently, it is an NCIS policy that married agents cannot be on the same team. Now please John, hear me out…I really do love you, but I know I am not ready to get married, to anyone and I am unsure if or when I would be…”
“Woah, hold on.” John said shocked. “One; I still work for the Air Force. Two; if you’re trying to scare me off by telling me you are not ready to get married then sorry to disappoint you. I am not ready for it either. I’ve already been married and I screwed that up, I don’t want to screw us up!”
Ziva shifted Mariely in her arms and shook her head. “No, no, I’m not trying to scare you off or anything. Its just something that Gibbs said that made me think is all. And I am happy to hear that you don’t want to get married either. I know of too many relationships that are ruined by that formality. But whether you are employed by NCIS or the Air Force, I doubt that Gibbs would stand for it, and certainly not Director Vance unless someone can find a needle hole to get around it!”
John took a deep breath and shook his head. “Gibbs already said he’s willing to put us on probation right now, to see how it works. However, I’ve already told him that I am willing to retire or find another job should it not work out. I am sure that… should things not work out, that Teyla would make an excellent new liaison and I’ll be a stay at home dad.” He grinned. “I don’t mind.”
“Oh no. You will drive Teyla, and me, crazy if you were to retire,” she shook her head so fast, she almost looked like a cartoon. “Absolutely not. We will talk to Gibbs more once the both of us return to work. Ducky and Dr. Beckett convinced Vance to force medical on both of us.”
“Hmm… and yet, they keep visiting us every single day,” he kissed her and poured himself a coffee. “But don’t worry, Ziva, if we run out of options we can have the same doctors force Vance, and Gibbs, to keep us together if only because of my vision and how attuned you and I are in getting me around in the sunshine and how impossible it would be to retrain me.” He kissed her again. “Don’t worry so much about that, okay? What’s important is us.” He took a sip of his coffee and took Mariely in his arms. “And our little girl, and Torren and Teyla.”
Ziva narrowed her eyes at him and nodded slowly, “Alright. Well – now that you decided to take your daughter, you can go change her diaper because she just pooed,” she smiled smugly. “I’ll be there shortly with her bottle.”
John cooed at Mariely and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Yum, diaper change!” He excited the kitchen and walked to Mariely’s nursery – his former office – and gently started to undress his little girl while she was on the commode. Mariely was making happy sounds and when he opened her diaper, she pushed an extra load out of her tiny body. “Oh disgusting!”
“It’s what babies do John,” Teyla laughed as she passed by the door with Torren in tow. “I can finish that for you because it seems that you promised someone else a shopping trip?”
“Oh yes! Ha!” John grinned and smiled widely at Torren. “How did the list making go, Buddy?” he tossed the dirty diaper in the basket and moved aside when Teyla stepped in. “I’d hug you but I think my hands are dirty.”
“Steaks!” Torren held up his list, showing drawings of cows. “And mommy made me add vegetables and some chicken as well, you know that she and Ziva don’t like red meat much, why is that?”
“Because they’re women.” He laughed and got a cloth to wash his hands with. “They can’t stomach red meat much.”
Teyla raised an eyebrow at her friend. “Careful,” she warned. “Us women can still take you out.”
“Although both your mom and Ziva are very scary at times so let’s quickly sneak out before I get us more into trouble!” John lifted Torren up and put him on his shoulders. He took his keys and sunglasses and checked if his wallet was still in his pocket. “Two crazy people leaving the house, good luck!” he laughed as he entered the garage.
“Don’t worry mommy! I’ll make sure uncle John gets you your diapers too!” Torren yelled.
Ziva was confused as she came into the nursery with the bottle and looked at Teyla. “Do I want to know?”
“I am about to get my monthly period.” Teyla shrugged as she cleaned Mariely up. “So I had Torren draw a few rockets on his shopping list… unfortunately, the boy is too smart for his own good.” Teyla then saw the look on Ziva’s face. “If it disturbs you that John and I tell each other almost anything and that I’m letting him pick up personal things for me, you should say so. It is a habit we have fallen in to and I understand it is unusual for your people to be this open when they are not in a relationship with each other.”
“No, it doesn’t bother me. I am just trying to get used to him being comfortable with feminine products is all. Even my father avoided it as much as possible and paid one of his friends to deal with it after my mother died,” she explained. “I was okay with your relationship with John long ago. Even more so after I learned about um, how you met.”
“John’s very considerate.” Teyla smiled as she put a fresh diaper on Mariely. “There were a few months where he was in a heightened state of alertness, paranoia if you will, and he would not let me out of the house to buy groceries, so he had to buy me the products that I need. Frankly, I am very fond of your hair products, and that’s the only time where he doesn’t get looked at as if he is completely crazy,” she grinned as she took a new romper-suit out of the closet.
Ziva sat down in the rocking chair and laughed. “I can understand that. There are plenty of different things to try. Actually, there is a particular line that I like to order time to time that is online. Next time I go on, I’ll be sure to get you some for you to try. It’s really a great line but not cheap which is why I only get it as a treat for myself occasionally.”
“I would like that.” Teyla smiled. “Do not get me wrong, Ziva, but I really enjoy your company in this house. Have you considered moving in with John? I can understand if it is awkward with me around, I would not mind moving.”
“Is what John and I intend to go forward with everything on everyone’s mind?” she asked. “He actually just asked me that down in the kitchen. He mentioned getting our own place, like you just inferred but I don’t see why we couldn’t live here as we already have. It’s been working so far, has it not? I don’t want you to go on your own either because if I don’t know what to do, I won’t have anyone to ask nearby.”
Teyla smiled. “No, it’s not on everyone’s mind, just my own. I don’t know if John has told you, but my people and I were as close as family, if one of our friends would see someone romantically, they would be a part of our family. I believe it to be unthinkable for the both of you to live apart while you have been gifted such a beautiful young girl.”
“For the most part, I agree with you. At least to give it a try. A month from now, a year from now, or longer, it may not work as well, but we have to at least try.”
“That is all one can hope for.” Teyla wrapped Mariely up in her little blanket and gently placed her in Ziva’s arms. “I have finished a new batch of soap to use in the bath today, would you care to try? I made it out of lavender and a hint of rose from our garden.”
Ziva smiled up at her, “Sure. I was planning on taking a long bath after I feed her anyway.” She looked back down as she put the bottle to the tiny mouth. It was such a surprise how everything was discovered and fell together, but strangely enough she could not be any happier.
A couple of hours later, Torren and John finally arrived back home from shopping. “Ah… ehm… don’t look?” John said as he put the first few shopping bags on the counter in the kitchen, he was followed by Torren who was dragging a huge blue bean bag pillow. “Don’t drag it up the stairs, Buddy, I don’t want you to fall.” John warned him when he walked back in to the garage to get the rest of the stuff he and Torren bought.
The girls were seated at the table working on their tea, both all clean and relaxed from their own baths that they had taken during the boys’ absence. “Don’t look? That makes me think that they got something they weren’t supposed to,” Ziva commented to Teyla.
Teyla sighed and nodded. “Get used to it, whenever those two go shopping, we always end up with more toys or video games and junk food.”
“Ahh, so they have really made you one of us since you came here then,” she laughed. Looking back towards the door, she saw John coming back in. “So what did you get, Father of my Daughter?”
“Groceries,” John pointed to the counter. “See? Two big bags.”
Ziva and Teyla each raised an eyebrow at him knowingly. “Somehow I doubt that is all…”
“John.” Teyla warned him.
“Okay fine, we went to a few more shops. Torren wanted a big bean bag pillow, so I got him one, he also thought he needed some more clothes, so we got him some and some shoes. Then he wanted to buy something for Mariely, and he found the cutest little dress for her. And a huge stuffed animal for her room.” John thought for a second. “Don’t worry, I did get you the Japanese ice cream on the way back and it’s in one of those bags on the counter… same with your fancy rockets you made Torren draw on his shopping list, Teyla.”
They couldn’t help but to laugh. “He sounds like a teenage cheerleader with her dad’s credit card at a mall!”
“John doesn’t really care about currency.” Teyla sighed. “And he doesn’t have to, but sometimes… it is somewhat over the top? For some reason I have the feeling that he’s holding back something.”
“I’m not!” John quickly said and walked back into the garage to get the last bag out of the car, following Torren out who was dragging the stuffed animal for Mariely’s room.
Ziva watched after him and narrowed her eyes. “I believe you may be onto something. I’ll be right back,” she said as she got up from the table to put her ice cream in the freezer and followed John.
“There’s nothing to see here.” John told Ziva and grinned as he handed her a bag filled with Belgian chocolate.
“Thanks but I still have chocolate from Christmas in my desk that I haven’t finished,” she pointed out. “What is with all this spending? Don’t we have enough already?”
“It’s not that much, you should be happy that I didn’t buy another grill… despite Torren seeing an awesome one,” he smiled and kissed her.
“Uh huh,” she replied with a smile. “Well while you were out, Gibbs called for you. He didn’t ask to come over but I’d welcome him simply because he won’t be overwhelming like everyone else. I think he wanted to talk about when you go back to work on Monday.”
“So, what? Is he coming here or do I have to call him back?”
Ziva pulled the cordless phone out from behind her and smiled as she handed it to him. “He wants you to call but then he’ll come by later. He’s at the office so I assume it’s a phone meeting with Vance.”
He stuffed the phone in his pocket and tried to smuggle another bag out of the car without Ziva seeing it. “I’ll call later, is that Mariely I’m hearing?”
“No, you’re calling now. I don’t hear our daughter, and what is that?” Ziva quickly grabbed the bag from John’s hands. “Oh…” she smiled widely as she eyed the contents. “I’ll take these to our bedroom and save these for when I’m cleared medically. Call Gibbs!”
John sighed and took the phone from his pocket and dialled Gibbs’ number.
She shook her head as she walked back into the house to leave him to his call. “I’ll get the meat started for you in the meanwhile,” she said quickly. “By the time you are done with the call it should be ready for the grill. I’ll add an extra steak to it for Gibbs too.”
“Yeah yeah…” John nodded and sat down on the hood of the car, waiting for Gibbs to pick up.
“Gibbs,” the older man eventually answered on the phone.
“Sheppard, you called?”
There was some rustling of papers on Gibbs’ side of the line. “Yeah, you ready to come back Monday, right?”
“Yeah… and I already emailed our reports about what happened to McGee this morning, he should have them printed for you by now.”
“It got redacted,” he replied. What the man didn’t know was that evidently the email had been rerouted to the SGC before actually going to NCIS. “I don’t know what you did before Sheppard but if you are going to be a permanent member of my team then we are going to have to talk about this.”
“Sure,” John replied. “I’ve bought enough steaks and beer to last a life time for the barbecue tonight, Ziva and Teyla would love for you to come over. By yourself. Not anyone else, because we’ve been snowed in with visits every day, and also because you’ll have to hear the summary of my life before NCIS, you. Not Vance. Or Tony. Or McGee or anyone else. I at least owe you that.”
Gibbs glanced around at the two remaining team members at their desks. “Yeah, sounds good. What time?” he asked.
“Whenever suits you, Sir.” John smiled. “But after work would be great because I am sure that I’ll be getting grief from both ladies for doing too much shopping today.”
“Sure Sheppard, I’ll come and rescue you. I’ll be there around seven.” Gibbs hung up the phone.
John breathed a sigh of relief and hopped off the hood of the car before walking back inside the house. “Coffee, anyone?” he called out and then shook his head. “Forget it, I’m getting a beer.”
Teyla looked at him amused. “Anticipating a long evening?”
John nodded. “We’ll have a dinner guest and we’re going to… tell him the truth behind our not-completely-true truth.”
“Are you sure about that? Have you spoken to General Landry?” she asked with concern. “You know I support your sharing this history but I have also seen the lengths that the people of your work respond with to the unknown.”
“Well, the General isn’t going to know about this, or hear from this. Gibbs knows more secrets than anyone else I’ve known, he doesn’t need to sign papers to hear things… I’m not even sure if he’d sign them anyway. He needs to know this, if only to make him put more trust into Ziva and I to continue to work on the same team. He won’t tell a soul, Teyla.”
She nodded slowly. “I understand. I will keep the children upstairs or outside when you are ready to tell him so that you will have no interruptions.”
“Thanks Teyla,” John smiled and grabbed a beer from the fridge. He took a sip from his bottle after opening it and then pointed to the backyard. “I’ll set up the barbecue.”
“Don’t set yourself on fire.” Teyla said with an amusing smile on her lips.
“As if I would do that!” John shook his head and walked towards the backyard, only to be jumped upon by Torren who had climbed up to a chair and jumped on John’s back.
“Hi!”
“Hi!” John copied Torren’s voice and made sure he was holding on tightly as he continued to walk towards the grill.
It wasn’t much longer before Ziva and Teyla soon came out from the house with Mariely to sit in the fresh air. “Gibbs coming?” she asked as she tried to readjust the small hat that the baby kept trying to pull off. For only being a few weeks old, she was certainly a stubborn child, and smart.
“Yep, told him to come straight after work to save me from you two.” John grinned. “I’m severely out numbered.”
“Don’t tell me that McGee and DiNozzo are insisting on coming too,” Ziva sighed. “I truly do not have the patience for them any more this week.”
“No, just Gibbs.” John shrugged and finally managed to fire up the grill. Torren was still dangling on his back and giggling like crazy. “Do I have a monkey on my back?”
“No!” Torren giggled as John got up and started to spin around.
“I can’t see anything on my back.”
Torren started to laugh louder and eventually, John sat down in the grass and carefully laid down on his back, making sure he wasn’t putting his entire weight on the boy. “AHH!!”
“Oh! Torren! You were on my back!” John then sat up and looked at the boy. “Are you okay?” He started to gently poke Torren’s sides, making the kid laugh even more.
“Oh there are potatoes that are wrapped in foil on the counter in the kitchen that should go on first before you start the meat. It’ll take some time but no rush, right?” Ziva said, interrupting the boys’ play time. “By the time Gibbs gets here, they should be close to finished.”
“Yep, no rush.” John nodded, and then looked at Torren. “You think you can get them?”
“YES!” Torren quickly leapt to his feet and ran to the kitchen. “Woohoo!”
John got off the ground and grabbed his beer, while he waited for Torren to return with the potatoes so he could throw them on the grill. “Sorry, I think we had too much sugar when we went out shopping.”
“Considering that he wasn’t born here and rarely gets out, he certainly sounds like any other kid,” she laughed.
“Yeah, he’s adapting very well. Teyla has him playing with the other kids in the street, arranging play-dates and things like that.”
The boy’s mother rolled her eyes. “He has been trying to convince me to have him home schooled and to hire an instructor, but if he is going to live on this world, he will need to grow up and experience the same things as the other children.”
John whistled innocently as Torren came back into the yard with the potatoes. He then started to carefully place the wrapped packages on the grill. “Schools are scary.”
“No, John, that is not what Carson has told me. Or the General. Or anyone else for that matter. Torren’s going to school as soon as he’s old enough.” Teyla nodded.
Ziva looked at him with a combination of shock and amusement. “You better be over these issues because I will break your arms if you try to keep Mariely from going to school like that.”
“We’ll see.” John said. “She’s two weeks old, I don’t have to worry about school for her yet.” He sat down on a chair and took a sip of his beer. “What?”
“Nothing, John. It’s just that when you act like this it’s a combination of thinking you’re either completely crazy or adorable. You said it yourself, this area is a safe area and all three of us are more than capable of defending ourselves and our children.”
“Well, I’m working on it still!” he said, defending himself.
“That’s right, you’re finally letting Torren play with other children,” Teyla said amused as she sipped on her own drink. She loved pushing the man’s buttons sometimes.
“Alright, that’s enough.” John took another sip of his beer.
Ziva was busy laughing at the expression on his face that she just barely caught the sight of Gibbs coming into the yard through the side gate of the yard. “I tried the bell but there was no answer. Figured that you were back here,” he said as he made his way over to the table to see the baby who just stared up at him. “I brought some decent bourbon for ya Sheppard. Nothing like the stuff you have in that bar inside. I had the feeling you might need it and judging from the way the ladies are laughing I figured right.”
“You’re a lifesaver, Gibbs.” John said as he got up. “Please, have a seat, I’ll fetch us some glasses.”
“How are things going at the office?” Ziva asked after she finally calmed down. “I’m hoping Dr. Beckett will clear me in the next couple weeks. As much as I would love to stay here with Mariely, I will go insane not working.”
“Oh, the usual.” Gibbs smiled. “Cleaning up after you two,” he said shrugging. “And you should enjoy your time off as much as you can, you’re a mom now.”
She shook her head. “Maybe, but doesn’t change what I was still a month ago – a woman who wants to work. Why am I getting the feeling that I have had this conversation before?” she asked, looking over at Teyla.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Teyla said with a smile on her lips and looked at John who was coming back outside with glasses for Gibbs’ bourbon. “Maybe because to your culture’s standards some men are still ‘old fashioned’, as you call it?”
Gibbs chuckled. “Sorry, Ziva, it won’t happen again, Tony, McGee, Ducky and Abby really can’t wait until you are back at work.”
“Thank you,” she smiled. “Have we missed any interesting cases?”
“Nope,” Gibbs answered amused. “Do you get enough sleep now that you have a daughter?”
“Actually, I do,” she sighed and looked at John pointedly.
“What? I do too!” John said as he poured him and Gibbs the bourbon.
“He actually does.” Teyla smiled widely. “He hasn’t been waking up screaming for two weeks, even I get a good night of rest now.”
“Now that’s called progress,” Gibbs looked at John and sighed. “Dr. Beckett didn’t tell my anymore what I had already expected about your health, but you should have come to me, Sheppard, you need to trust the people around you.”
“I do now, Gibbs, that’s one of the reasons you’re here now.”
“Good.” Gibbs nodded and cocked his head towards the grill. “Potatoes are burning?”
John quickly got up and got the potatoes off the grill with the tongs.
“I will get the plates before the hot packages burn a hole in the table.” Teyla said as she walked inside.
Ziva sighed as she looked around. She absolutely hated feeling helpless, even if she was there with her baby. While everyone ran around trying to get things ready, she tried to focus on the infant to make sure she didn’t need anything, like a diaper change but even she was like an angel. “I need to work,” she stated simply. “Is there anything I can do from the house here?”
“I’ll see what I can find when I go back in tomorrow,” Gibbs replied.
“Thank you. Would you mind keeping an eye on Mariely while I go get a bottle ready for her?” she asked as she stood. The man smiled and already pulled the carrier over to him and played with the girl’s hand.
John stood there watching Ziva walk away and turned to their boss. “I haven’t told Ziva yet that I planned on telling you everything. Teyla knows, and is concerned because I haven’t exactly gotten the okay but I just need you to know so that you understand what really happened and how – I guess, why I feel that things will work out. With the team, and Ziva, and all.”
Gibbs sighed. “And you are certain of that?”
As Ziva and Teyla came back out, John looked from their curious expressions to the man. “Gibbs, do you believe in space travel, aliens, any of that stuff?”
“Ahh, nope. You know that is entirely Abby’s area anyway -”
“Well, this is going to be easy,” John grinned.
The older man raised an eyebrow as his team member went to sit. “Now I get the feeling that it will be me who is going to need that bourbon,” he commented as he pulled the bottle closer so that he could refill his glass for this conversation.
The Colonel grinned as he refilled his own glass and coughed before looking at Gibbs. “What if I told you that space ships, travel, aliens…That all that were true…”
“Mariely!” Ziva hollared after the energetic girl as she chased after her in the park. School was out, summer was here and after losing to John, she took the week off from work as Teyla was out of town to visit Ronon and Carson back at the SGC in Colorado. “Mariely! Do not make me run after you!”
“Oh come on!” Mariely rolled her eyes in the typical way her father did as she looked at her mother. “You can’t catch me!” she giggled as she started to skip further away from her mother.
She sighed and sprinted forward and quickly caught up with her before dragging the girl up off her feet. “It’s too hot to run around in this sun. I can handle it but you haven’t spent any time where I grew up,” she explained. “Come on. We’ll go get ice cream before meeting Dad at work.”
“Yay! Ice cream!” Mariely giggled again and wrapped her arms around Ziva’s neck. “The heat doesn’t bother me, Mommy.”
“You say that now,” Ziva sighed as she walked back to her car before stopping off at Cold Stone Creamery to get a small order for the two of them to share as she didn’t want much herself. It didn’t take the child long to finish it off before they ordered some to bring with them to the team.
“What do you want to put in Daddy’s?” she asked as she held Mariely back up so that she could see all the toppings again. “I think he would like the M&Ms.”
“I think he’d like everything Mommy.” Mariely answered. “But I think M&Ms are good.”
“What about Uncle Tony and Uncle Timmy?” Ziva added as she pointed to the flavors of ice cream out. If that had been left up to the girl, it would all be chocolate, but she knew that they would be better with a lighter color knowing them. Looking at the boy taking the order, she said, “It’s going to be seven small orders but a different topping mixed in.”
“No problem ma’am,” the boy smiled.
“Uncle Tony should get something without sugar and Uncle Tim something with sugar.” Mariely nodded.
She laughed and nodded. “Okay then. Pretzels for Uncle Tony, and sprinkles for Uncle Timmy. What about Uncle Gibbs and Aunt Abby?”
“Strawberries for Aunt Abby and ehm…”
“Brownies?” Ziva suggested.
“Apple Pie!”
“Okay,” she laughed. “Then that leaves Dr. Ducky, Jimmy, and Mister Director.”
“Jimmy… gummibears! Oh and for Dr. Ducky fudge and Mister Director… ehm… coconut!” Mariely started to dance around after she was put back down. “Perfect!”
Ziva nodded to the boy. “You got the order.”
It took them about ten minutes before everything was made and done before she paid and ushered the girl back out to the car. It still made her laugh that the only time her daughter really went quiet during the entire ride was at the gate. Glancing up in the rear view mirror, Ziva understood why and smiled in amusement as she continued on.
After getting her visitor badge, Mariely led the way upstairs to the bullpen, almost as if she worked there herself. “ICE CREAM!” she hollered out as she stepped off the elevator.
Ziva had the bags in her hands so she wasn’t able to pull her back before she ran ahead of her and sighed.
“Very Special Agent Mariely, what are you doing all yelling in the bullpen? People work here.” Gibbs said with a playful stern look on his face as the little girl bumped into him.
“Ice cream, you should get it before it melts,” Mariely nodded. “Sir,” she giggled.
Setting the bag on top of her own empty desk Ziva looked over at him. “Sorry about that. She has been like this since she woke up this morning. Here you go,” she replied as she handed out the containers. “Where is John?” she asked, noticing that he wasn’t around.
“Oh! Ice cream!” Tony smiled widely and lifted Mariely off her feet. “John’s downstairs, getting patched up.” He opened the container and then looked at Mariely. “Pretzels?”
“No sugar for you, you’re hyper enough,” she said wisely which made Gibbs and McGee chuckle.
“You’re one smart cookie.” Tony nodded.
“I’m no cookie!”
Ziva turned around and gave her a warning look. “Volume. I’ll be back shortly. I have paper and crayons here at my desk that you can play with. Remember everyone is working so please be quiet.”
When Tony put Mariely back on the ground, she looked at Gibbs. “We also brought ice cream for Mister Director.”
“Well then, let’s go, shall we?” Gibbs said amused as the took his own container and the one of Leon in his hands and took her little hand. Mariely had become somewhat the unofficial mascot of NCIS and no one really cared when she’d raise her voice or poke her head into almost every desk in the bullpen. The kid was adorable and smart and she could get away with anything for the most part.
Ziva shook her head as she headed down to drop off everyone else’s treat. After barely getting away from Abby without ended up on a caffeinated high herself, she made her way into the morgue and frowned at the sight of seeing John sitting on the table while Ducky slapped a bag of ice to his face.
“What did you do now?” she asked as she handed Jimmy his quickly before making her way to his side.
“Hi.” John smiled. “How are you?” He looked at Ducky and held the ice bag to his face. “Thanks Ducky.”
“I’m fine. You?” she asked as she pulled the ice away and looked at the fist sized bruise under his eye. “Mariely and I brought ice cream for everyone.”
“I’m fine, I just didn’t see the fist coming from the suspect’s brother.” He pulled the ice back and put it back against his face. “Ice cream? Yum.”
Ziva sighed and nodded. Pulling herself up on the table next to him, she handed him his container and plastic spoon. “If it makes you feel any better, Mariely managed to kick me in the mouth when she was in her bath this morning. How? I don’t know, but she managed to do it.”
“She’s a part of you,” John nodded as he opened his container and smiled widely. “Oh, M&Ms!” he set the container next to him and took a spoonful. “She’s a mini you, so no wonder she managed to kick you in the face, are you okay though?”
She shrugged and went to lean her head on his shoulder. “I’ll be alright. It’s just hard to be in that house alone while Teyla is gone. Its too big,” she commented.
John had to chuckle as he fed Ziva a spoonful of ice cream. “Even after all these years, you’re not capable of taking the day off without getting antsy, I’ll lose next time.” he nodded. “I promise.”
“Thank you,” she replied around the mouthful. “And no. I happen to like to work but she doesn’t seem to behave unless you are around. Talk about being a daddy’s girl.”
John took another spoonful of ice cream. “Sorry,” he apologized. “You should be grateful though that it’s just you and Mariely at home. If Teyla had left Torren at home you’d have gone crazy.”
She didn’t even want to think about that and groaned. “Just three more days,” she sighed. “Three more days then everything can get back to normal.”
“Not if I keep missing things.” John sighed. “Yesterday it was a door, today it was a fist, hey, you wanna swap?” he smiled.
“Sounds more like your head is somewhere else and not on the job,” Ziva replied.
Ducky spoke up from across the way where he was working on his treat at his small desk. “That is what I told the lad,” he shared. “If he would just ask…oh um…nevermind…”
“Oh! Yes!” John smiled. “Thanks Ducky.” he nodded and then looked at Ziva. “Would you like to spend an entire weekend with just the two of us at a beautiful mountain-lodge? Abby’s already offered to baby sit Mariely if Teyla hasn’t returned by then.”
Ziva grinned up at him before nodding. “If I can talk Gibbs into letting you out early, can we go this weekend? I love her and everything, but we really haven’t gone and done anything by ourselves in so long.”
“I know.” John smiled and softly kissed her. “Yep, go ask Gibbs. I’ll be right up.”
She returned his kiss softly. “Okay,” she said softly before leaving, saying her goodbyes to Ducky and Palmer. When she got back upstairs, she paused at the divider and watched as Mariely was talking away about something to McGee as he tried to listen as if it were the most fascinating thing ever. “Gibbs? Can we talk for a minute?”
“Talk,” Gibbs nodded as he took a sip of his coffee.
“Privately.”
He took his coffee with him and pointed towards the elevator. “After you.”
Ziva stepped into the small box and waited for the doors to close before she flipped the stop switch and looked over at him. “I do not ask you for much of anything but please, before you say yes or no, take a moment to consider my request…”
“What do you take me for, Ziva? A monster? Of course I think of things before answering requests.”
She gave him a look but smiled nonetheless. “Would you let John leave for an early weekend?” she asked.
“Yes, please,” Gibbs said quickly. “He’s not here. You should knock some sense into him or train Tony and McGee better in keeping an eye on him.”
She looked at him surprised for a moment then worried. “He has gotten a lot better with using his other senses. You should see him spar against Teyla. She did say that he responds now as he did when they first started training together. Whatever is his problem, I will find it out. I promise.”
“Then by all means, take him with you whenever you want. It’s not as if this case is a tough one. Pretty basic drug dealing marine case.”
“Ah, yes. Alright. Well – I’ll bring Mariely down by Abby so that I can go home and pack her a bag. John mentioned that she agreed to watch her whenever we did leave and after the park today I am ready to pull my hair out. It should be nearing the end of the work day by the time I get back.”
Gibbs shook his head, laughing. “Sure Ziva,” he then flipped the switch of the elevator back on. “Just fix him.”
“I will try,” she replied. “You know that is not an easy task, but thank you.”
“Nope, thank you.” Gibbs nodded as he sipped on his coffee and walked out of the elevator.
After she collected Mariely, dropped her off at the lab with Abby, Ziva made her way home to make everyone’s overnight bag. A small voice kept nagging at her the entire time. It was highly unusual for Gibbs to approve something so quickly and so eagerly but she shook it off.
Upon returning to the Navy yard, she went straight to the lab before going back upstairs. “Here is her bag and everything that you should need. If you do need something, I have some money in an envelope inside that you can get it. If she has her way, you will end up using an entire bottle of bubble bath in one shot so keep an eye on that.”
“Oh don’t worry,” Abby grinned. “We’ve already made our plans,” she high-fived Mariely. “She’s going to help me around in my lab… don’t worry, she’ll be on the safe side, taking care of Bert, and we’re going to watch movies, and go bowling…”
“And the zoo!” Mariely jumped up and down.
“The zoo? Oh Mariely you know what happened to you last time,” Ziva sighed. “If you pick up some children’s Benedryl and take her epi-pen with you, you should be fine.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll be bee free!” Abby grinned and nodded. “I will, I’m a good baby sitter, this is not the first time I’ve looked after your child, Ziva. We’ll be fine.”
She frowned and looked at her girl. “I know. I just can’t help but to worry regardless.”
“I know, because you’re a mom. But you also have a whole arsenal of crazy aunts and uncles who are more than willing to help out so go drag your man out of here and leave your girl in good hands. And please, don’t call every five minutes to check up on us.”
“You know John is more likely to do that than I am,” Ziva said before slowly smiling. “Alright I’m going, I’m going. Mariely…Come say goodbye,” she added before looking around as the girl had already run off to play computer games at Abby’s desk.
“Bye Mommy! I love you!” Mariely waved as she clicked the mouse.
“Mariely,” John’s voice sounded. “What happened to giving your mother a hug before saying goodbye?”
The girl looked like a deer caught in headlights. Swallowing hard, she ran to Ziva and hugged her. “Have fun Mommy!”
“Thank you,” Ziva chuckled as she kissed her on the cheek. “Behave for Abby.”
“Yes Mom.” Mariely sighed and went over to hug John. “Love you Daddy.”
“I love you too, Mariely, have fun with Abby.” John looked at Ziva and shook his head laughing. “I have no idea how you’ve managed to get me the rest of the week off too.”
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow as they walked off towards the elevator to the parking level. “It would seem that whatever has had you distracted this week, your lack of concentration has reached Gibbs’ limit. He was more than eager to have you out of the way.”
“I’m not that distracted.” John rolled his eyes. “You’re lucky that I could reschedule the mountain lodge, and I’ve made a reservation at a good restaurant on the way there.”
Ziva narrowed her eyes as they walked towards his truck where she already moved their bags into. “Let’s just get on the road,” she murmured and batted the voice in her head away again.
“I promise I’ll lose next time!” John laughed as he got into the driver’s seat. “What’s wrong now?”
“Nothing,” she shrugged. “I’ve just had a weird feeling all day is all. It’s probably just my needing to get away, I don’t know.”
John kissed her tenderly before starting the car and driving off the Navy Yard. “Relax and turn off your spidey senses, otherwise I will continue to bump into things to annoy you.”
“Yes yes,” she sighed as she settled into the passenger seat after turning the radio on and closed her eyes and was quick to slip into a light sleep.
It wasn’t until they were already pulling into their lodge home for the weekend that Ziva woke from her unanticipated nap. Stretching her arms out the best she could, she looked around. “We’re here?”
John smiled. “Welcome to Basye, Virginia. You were sleeping so soundly during the trip that I didn’t want to wake you up for dinner, but I’m sure these people serve a decent meal as well.”
“Right now I’m tired enough to skip dinner for tonight,” she replied. “But if you want to go, I’ll be more than happy to have something light so that you aren’t alone. Sorry.”
“Are you kidding me? I’m starving.” John smiled brightly as he exited the car and grabbed their bags from the trunk. “Let’s hit registration first.”
Nodding, she almost poured out of the truck before going to help with their things and followed him in. “This is nice,” she said as she looked around, stumbling after him as her foot caught a large, buried stone.
“Are you alright?” John asked worriedly. “Did Mariely tire you that bad?”
“I am fine and yes, she did. I did say that she woke up seemingly on a sugar high, didn’t I?” she asked as she leaned on the counter yawning. “Excuse me. Just get me some coffee and I’ll be good. I’ve worked longer days before than this.”
“Hi! Welcome to Sky Chalet Mountain Lodge, under what name did you make your reservation?” The young woman at the counter smiled widely.
“Sheppard.” John smiled.
“Oh, right,” she nodded as she looked up the reservation. “I’ll tell the cook you’ve arrived and bring you some food to your room.” Taking the keys off the rack, she added, “You’re on the second floor, just take the stairs all the way up and go to your left. All the way down the corridor.”
“Thank you.” John replied with a smile, taking the keys and followed Ziva.
As soon as they walked into into the room, she looked around to place where everything was. Desk, television, sofa, bed… “Bed,” she sighed as her eyes set on the large fluffy piece of furniture. Dumping her bag next to John’s, she made her way over and collapsed across the blankets.
He chuckled as he made his way over and started to pull off her boots, then her socks. John then crawled his way up to her and kissed her tenderly. “How about a nice massage after I’ve eaten, Mommy?”
“Thank you Daddy,” she smiled as she leaned up to kiss him. “So we spend the night inside tonight? Maybe go to the lake tomorrow or something?”
“We’ll see,” John smiled as he caressed her hair. “We’ve got four whole days of doing absolutely nothing if we want to.”
Ziva hummed her approval as she laid there. “I can think of a way to kick it off,” she grinned up at him wolfishly.
“Oh, me too.” He grinned. “But food first, I’m starving!” John started to kiss her again. “Although, I don’t mind doing the ground work first… and have you cool off when the food gets here and then start all over again…” he slipped his way underneath her shirt and continued to kiss her.
She laughed lightly as she tried to lift her head. “I was actually thinking of a relaxing bath if the tub is large enough for us,” she said as she rolled onto her side so that she could throw her leg over his.
“You’re a spoil sport,” John pouted.
“You’re the one saying you are starving,” she replied as she hit him lightly. “Go order food while I go to get our things set up.”
“Honey, I already called them for food when we were driving and you were asleep, I’m sure that within the next few minutes they’ll be here.” He chuckled and rolled her over so he could gently sit on top of her. Grinning, he started to unbutton her shirt.
Her body heated up and she gradually became more awake from his attention. Laying there, she let him work on her shirt as she reached for his belt. “You do know that we’ll either be in the process of undressing each other or already into having our fun when they come with our food. It would not be a very welcoming interruption if we get too far ahead of ourselves now.”
“Nope, because you’re not going to touch me.” He grinned and gently grabbed her hands and placed her above her head. “I could easily wrap you up in a blanket when they come.” John kissed her again and then started to kiss his way down her jaw, her neck and chest. He was halfway done getting rid of her pants when someone knocked on the door.
“Room service.”
“Coming.” John replied and folded the blanket over Ziva as if she was a gift waiting to be unwrapped, and he had to smile at the sight of her. She had no idea what he had planned for her.
He walked to the door and took the two trays from the bellboy after tipping him first. John closed the door with his foot and then placed the trays on the bed. “I got you some salad,” he said as he lifted the lid of his plate.
“You know me oh so well,” she grinned as she sat up and shifted to the edge of the bed with only her bra and underwear still on.
He nearly choked on a piece of chicken from his own tray. “I wrapped you up for a reason, you know…”
“Well how am I going to eat my dinner?” she asked innocently as she lifted the lid to her plate and picked at a carrot from the spring mix.
John took one of his fries and dipped it in the wonderful sauce they served with the chicken before bringing it to Ziva’s mouth. “I should have brought ropes.”
“Maybe you should have if you want to keep me from doing anything,” she grinned as she chewed. “But that just makes me feel even more like you are trying to keep me distracted now.”
John shrugged and continued to eat his chicken and fries. “I do have some bad news…”
She raised an eyebrow as she had begun to eat. “What’s that?”
“This chicken tastes so good that I might have to try their steak tomorrow,” he said with a serious look on his face.
“You mean you actually ordered chicken before steak?” she asked with an exaggerated expression of shock. Her hand flew up to her chest as she pretended to be unable to breathe from the surprise.
John nodded. “Mostly because we had steak yesterday.”
“That hasn’t stopped you before,” Ziva replied as she took one last bite before deciding she had enough for the time being.
“No I’m serious, try this.” He dipped a piece of chicken in the sauce and brought it to her lips. “Even you won’t be able to stop eating it.”
Nodding, she smiled. “It is good but I know something else that is much more delicious in my opinion,” she murmured as she leaned in to kiss his jaw. “Why don’t I go start us a bath…”
“Good idea,” John smiled widely. “I’ll be right with you.”
Ziva almost bounced into the bathroom and just about stopped short. The bathroom was relatively huge considering the size of the lodge and the bath was also a jetted tub which made her very happy. Turning on the faucets and eyed the small mini bottles of bath soaps on the shelf she emptied one in so that it bubbled up. It wasn’t long before the room was filled with the soft fragrance of vanilla and nuts that gave such a warm feeling.
When it was ready, she undid her bra and pulled off her panties before calling out. “John! It’s ready!”
He had just about cleaned up the trays from the bed when she called that the bath was ready. Taking a deep breath, he took the stack of towels with him into the bathroom and placed them on the edge of the bath. “Wow, look at the size of that bath,” he said impressed as he started to undress himself.
She already settled into the water and smiled up at him. “Jetted too,” she added with a teasing smile. “Come. You need to relax as much as I do too.”
John was careful not to knock over the towels as he got into the bath. “We should get one of these,” he smiled as he sat down.
Ziva laughed as she moved over to straddle his lap once he was in and settled. “Maybe we should. For a house that large, I’m surprised there wasn’t one in there to begin with.” With a sigh, she shifted and shimmied into position until they were both comfortable before leaning in to lay her head on his shoulder while the hot water beat against their skin.
“Air Force,” he grinned as he put his arms around her. It had been a long time since they had been completely alone and he knew they needed this. “We’ll go and look for one when we’re back… right now it’s just you and me and we don’t have to do anything.”
“And that is a wonderful thing,” she chuckled. “Thank you for all this John.”
“No, I should thank you,” he nodded and softly kissed her. “You’ve done so much for me and with me, I am eternally grateful for you.”
She hummed a response as she had felt her body giving in to the water. Her eyes slipped closed as she slid down his body some so that she was able to use him like a large pillow to feel the heat from both the water and him. “Yes, we need to have one of these installed. As soon as Teyla is home so that she can make sure that contractors don’t go near anything valuable.”
John chuckled as he caressed her hair. “Anything else you’d like? A bed the size of the bedroom and very comfortable?” he asked teasingly. “A walk in closet?”
Pretending to be actually considering those things she eventually shook her head as she looked up at him. “No. Just the bath is it. I already have everything else I never knew I wanted,” she smiled.
“Are you happy?” he asked softly as he looked her in the eyes. “I mean… happier than you were?”
Ziva was quiet for a moment as she thought on the question. She knew that he wasn’t looking for a witty answer by his tone, just the truth. “I am,” she admitted slowly, sitting up to look at him more. “I really am. I have everything now that I didn’t think I ever would. I could not ask for more. Are you happy?”
“Yeah, I am,” John smiled at her and softly kissed her. “Every morning I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming, I mean… there’s you… and our gorgeous daughter and I’m actually happy with working at NCIS… The Air Force wants to cancel the arrangement they have with NCIS for a liaison, did you know that?” When Ziva looked at him with an alarmed expression on her face he smiled, “Gibbs and the Director want me to do the official tests of becoming an NCIS agent, and they promised that we wouldn’t be separated from each other because we work so well together.”
“Pretty much everything that I went through. You’ll do fine, I’m sure of it. And it is good that they won’t split us because I doubt that anyone else would be able to tolerate you the way I do,” she deadpanned before grinning.
“I’m not that bad,” he rolled his eyes and kissed her. “And you know what? It was Gibbs who said he wanted to keep me, and that was weird.”
Ziva shook her head. “It’s not weird. He knows a good agent when he sees one and will make sure that you will stay at NCIS at the very least.”
John kissed her again. “I love you, Ziva. I really can’t imagine my life without you anymore.”
She leaned into his kiss and smiled against his lips. “I love you too,” she whispered as she crawled back up his body and pressed hers against him. Stretching her arms over his shoulders, she nipped at his lips playfully.
He needed to do this before they would get carried away, he just needed to do it because he felt like he was one of those circus artists who got stuffed into a canon and about to be blown to pieces… well mentally anyway. “I know we’ve talked about this before, and well…” John softly kissed her. “I’m just going to take my chances. I love you more than anything in this world, heck, the entire galaxy… or two, and you’re the reason why I wake up with a smile every morning. Maybe it sounds a bit old fashioned and cheesy, but I really don’t want to lose you. You make me whole, Ziva, you’re an amazing woman; you’re smart, funny and so incredibly beautiful and I want you to be mine,” he said as he fumbled a small box from between the towels he brought in. Opening it slowly, he looked up and smiled at her. “Gibbs and Ducky gave me their blessing when I asked them for your hand in marriage. Will you do me the honor of becoming mine, forever?”
EPILOGUE
“What am I supposed to do now?” Tony asked as he sat in front of the camera with a glass of beer in his hand.
Abby sighed and looked at McGee. “We told you already. You are just going to give your best wishes on the tape. Come on! You helped plan this little project!” she replied.
“Ahh yes, just wanted to make sure. Is it recording?” he grinned.
“Yes, and you are the first person so make it good.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Tony waved her off and looked into the camera lens. “Sheppard, Zee-vah. What can I say? I didn’t think that we really would be sitting here, at your wedding. I honestly thought that by now she would have killed you dude. I suppose whatever it is between you two works, though with all the beatings you give each other, it’s a wonder how,” he said chuckling. “I admit too that I was surprised when you let Teyla and Abby plan the whole thing. Kinda scary in fact but it all came out great. Ziva you were beautiful – not that you aren’t any other day but – today you were. Regardless of the ass your father was, I really think he would have been proud of you today. Well, this video…It’s sort of a digital guestbook I guess. The team, we all planned it together. What can you expect to see after me? A lot of drunken guests wanting to say some things to you. What happens from this point forward – I am not responsible for! Have fun on your honeymoon! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
“Oh this reminds me of so many years ago when we were in a little bit of trouble with our not so friendly neighbors,” Carson looked at the camera. “Although back then, I was talking to my mother, god rest her soul, and saying goodbye to her and it wasn’t even needed!” Carson shook his head. “You and you military types are always the first one to panic,” he chuckled. “But let me just say that I am extremely happy for the both of you, you are a great match for each other and I honestly did not believe that you would come this far, Colonel… John. However, you did, and you have a gorgeous bride and a wonderful daughter, she was amazing as your ring bearer, she looked so proud!” he wiped the tears out of his eyes. “Good luck to the both of ye, and make sure to bring sunscreen on your honeymoon.”
Vance popped up next to sit in front of the camera. “I just wanted to wish you both good luck, life, and happiness in the future. Best piece of advice I can give you Sheppard is to just smile, nod, and take out the trash before she has to remind you,” he grinned, earning a slap from his wife who stood just off camera. “Beautiful wedding and your desks will still be at NCIS when you return from your honeymoon.”
Teal’c appeared in front of the camera and he greeted them with his usual bow. “Congratulations Colonel Sheppard and Agent David, I wish you happiness and health in your married life. It was an honor to be present at your wedding.” Teal’c then made a subtle head bow and disappeared from the camera.
“Hi! I’m back! Anyways, everything couldn’t have come out better if I say so myself,” Abby’s grin filling the screen space. “Sheppy! I didn’t know you worked with such interesting people! Well, before NCIS that is. It’s a shame that Dr. Jackson is taken – even if he knows it or not. I have to admit that I can totally get his theory about the pyramids in Egypt… but we’re not here for that. I wish you both lots of love and I know you will be happy together. And don’t worry Ziva, I haven’t said a word to anyone about that secret,” she winked.
“And that makes the second couple to get married!” Chuck said joyfully. “It took you long enough.”
Katie Brown sat on Chuck’s lap with her arms around his neck. “Chuck is just kidding, we’re happy that you finally decided to get married.”
“Yes, we are,” Chuck nodded.
“Ziva, you looked so beautiful in that dress! I mean, I had a beautiful dress when I married Chuck but wow. Wow.”
“Good luck to you two, you’ve had enough practice over the years.” Chuck grinned.
“We wish you all the happiness and health in the world, John and Ziva. And for many many more years together.” Katie smiled widely.
Sighing, Fornell fell into the chair being next on the line. “I must admit that I was surprised to receive an invitation but grateful in any case. Everything was very lovely and the beer – this is good stuff. Where’d you find this? I do have a small present for you two but I’ll give it to you at NCIS when you come back as it wasn’t ready for today. Don’t worry. It’s not another blender or toaster oven.”
“Good to see that you’re still kicking bud,” Cameron Mitchell smiled. “I’m happy that you managed to get over everything. It’s not easy, that’s for certain but I – well, we, knew you would. Cheers!” he said as he took a sip of the bottle of clearly chilled beer he had.
Carolyn rolled her eyes at Cam and smiled. “Any time you need help or someone to talk to, you know where to find us. I know I was hard on you in the beginning but I also didn’t know you as a person then. Just the stories that came back to the compound. I truly could not think of a better outcome for you. Good luck to you both!”
“Hey, it’s me. Being pushed in front of the camera by Abby.” McGee sighed. “I know I know, it was part of our plan, and things like that. It’s a good idea, maybe you can keep it on your mind for when ever I get married.”
“McGee!” Abby poked him. “That’s our secret! Shhh!”
Tim grinned into the camera. “Yep, I asked her, finally.”
“And I said yes, but that’s not the point!”
“Congratulations you two, I promise I’ll stop Tony from doing anything hazardous to your desks while you are on your honeymoon.” Tim promised. “I’ll do anything in my power, although that might not be good enough… you never know!”
“You got your girl Sheppard. Don’t do anything to screw that up or I’ll come looking for you,” Ronon said straight off after he sat down.
Teyla smiled as she always did and shook her head. “I had already shared my wishes for health and happiness with you but again, I will say all the best. You two are the best friends and family anyone can hope for. I will be sure that Mariely behaves while you are gone for your trip.”
“Let us drink to happiness,” Ducky said smiling and raised his glass. “Let us drink, to health! Congratulations my dear Ziva and dear John, you have conquered so many obstacles, and build so many mountains, you two truly deserve to be together for eternity. You looked beautiful, Ziva, and John, you looked as handsome as ever. Be careful on your honeymoon, waters can be treacherous. Oh, and bring some sunscreen along with you, you don’t want to get burned.”
Sitting down, confused and pouty, Jack O’Neill looked around before Hank Landry joined him. “Why am I doing this again? You said they had Simpsons on a TV here,” Jack said.
“Agent David’s friends organized a video present for Sheppard and his bride. You’re here to say a few words, as I am too. Just talk to the camera Jack!” he sighed and waved at him impatiently.
“Oh. Yeah. Well, I never been one with words so I’ll be succinct,” the older man said and looked into the camera. “Alright, I’m going back for more beer,” he said after a moment and walked off leaving Landry there shaking his head. “Oh give it a rest Hank. Sheppard will get it.”
“You’ll have to explain that one to me later,” Landry replied before turning back. “Well, good luck with everything. Gibbs has my office line should either of you ever go missing – again. Everything is just lovely and I hope you two have found what you’ve been looking for.”
“Yes, play dates, that’d be great!” Jimmy said as Breena pushed him in the chair in front of the camera. “Yes!” he looked at the camera, smiling. “Breena is pregnant, but oh, wait… congratulations you two!” Jimmy took a sip of his beer. “Your wedding was great, and the reception even better. Don’t worry, now that Dr. Mallard’s retired, you can always come down to the morgue if you need stitches for when Ziva hits you with a baseball bat or something. I’ll be there, for the most part,” he grinned, and flinched when Ducky walked by and gave Jimmy a headslap, on camera. “He never does that!” Jimmy said shocked. “I’m sorry, Dr. Mallard!” He said quickly walking after Ducky.
“Oh this is so very exciting!” Vala Mal Doran commented as she plopped down in front of the camera followed by a bit more reluctant Daniel Jackson.
“Keep it short Vala. There are other people that want to say something,” he reminded her as he smiled forward patiently.
She rolled her eyes and nodded. “Of course! I wouldn’t dream of taking up all the time here. Well, I’m supposed to say my wishes and all for the happy couple. May your marriage and life together be filled with lots of happiness, fun times and babies! Although the baby making part is more important and fun,” she grinned and winked at the camera.
“Good luck with everything John, Ziva. And I promise that next time we should visit, I’ll be sure to keep Vala away from champagne, fountains, and Ziva’s closet,” Daniel added. “Have fun and stay safe.”
Gibbs sat down in front of the camera and just looked into it for a long time before finally speaking up. “You two, I am so very proud of you, not as your boss, but as your friend. You have come a long way and you kept surprising everyone around you.” Gibbs then fiddled a small note out of his pocket and showed it to the camera. Rule #12; Never date a co-worker. He tore the note in pieces. “You have proven me wrong. If you find the right person, it is okay to date your co-worker. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with you, Sheppard. There you were, barging in my office, upsetting my team and for a very long time I couldn’t understand you, I still don’t understand you but I understand you a bit better. You and I are a lot alike, in some ways, and you’re a great guy. I am glad that you two found each other and helped each other to become the persons you’ve become. Two whole people instead of two halves, with a gorgeous daughter and a big family to rely on. Enjoy your honeymoon. As soon as you return, you’ll probably have to dig out your desks from where ever Tony will put them.”
Finally, the very last person to sit in front of the camera was one Jeannie Miller. She smiled into it unsure of what to see but clearly very emotional. “I’d like to say that John and I had become friends after the times we had worked together and with my brother, Rodney. When I received the invitation to the wedding, I just couldn’t stop crying. Not because I was or wasn’t happy for you John, and Ziva, but because I know that Rodney would have loved to been here, standing where Ronon was because I am sure that you would have chosen him to be your best man. My brother, as much as a pain that he was, he would have taken the duty very seriously. Almost, if not more than he did with his work. I can imagine him sitting there, asking repeatedly if the chicken had lemon in it,” she laughed as she wiped her tears off her face.
“Rodney did for you exactly what you would have done for him John. Please don’t think of the past and what happened as something failed, but it succeeded. In so many ways. It’s hard I know and despite not having spoken in so many years, dwelling on it will not change a thing. I’m sorry to be saying this on the tape that is meant to be happy but we hadn’t spoken at the memorial services as you ran off before I could find you each time. You and Rodney were friends, brothers even. And that makes you my brother too. I hope that you and Ziva live a long and happy life that you were always meant to. To have a family and children, to watch them grow up and pray that they don’t make the same mistakes that you did. Never let them lose each other but don’t drive them apart. I love you, and Rodney and everyone else is smiling down on you,” she said, smiling and blowing a soft kiss before the tape went black.
* THE END