Moments In Time - Part 3, Season 6

by AliyahNCIS

An AU version of the series, following canon until the S9 finale and then branching off into my own story. Tony and Ziva got married the summer before S4 and manage to keep it a secret. This is what their life could have looked like. If you're starting here you've missed a lot, check out Parts 1&2 first.

1. 6x0 Summer 2008

A/N: For S6 and S7 I'm instituting a summer chapter that will fill in some of the blanks between events and give an idea of what actually went on behind the scenes. Due to fizzling inspiration in this season, I was forced to combine several episodes so as not to skip too many, which means this part of the series will end up only being about nine chapters in length. But hopefully by putting some eps together, it'll make the chapters nice and long. I hope you enjoy this, thanks again. ~Aliyah PS. My profuse apologies for this taking so long. I thought I'd have the chapter up by mid-afternoon, but then I had lunch and looked something up and all of a sudden it was seven o'clock. I hope it's worth the wait!

May 27, 2008

As she got off the plane in Haifa instead of her original destination, Ziva had never been more thankful for a strong willed aunt. The moment she heard Ziva was returning to Israel, Nettie called Eli and demanded that her niece spend a week with her before she became busy with Mossad again. "I have not seen her in two years Eli and I refuse to take no for an answer."

A lifetime with his sister had taught Eli David not to argue with that tone in her voice. "Alright Netta, I will see that her flight is changed. But Ziva is in Tel Aviv one week from today, I cannot wait any longer."

Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Yes, I am sure you simply cannot wait to welcome her home with open arms and a loaded gun." She hung up and Eli sighed. If only he had been born first, perhaps things would be different.

Scanning the crowd in the terminal, Ziva spotted Nettie's familiar gray hair and smiling face and rushed into her arms. "Doda."

Nettie could see that her niece was holding herself together by a thread. "Not here," she whispered firmly, "wait until we are home."

After collecting Ziva's bags, the pair caught a cab outside the airport and held hands tightly all the way to the little cottage on the beach that had been her aunt's home as far back as Ziva could remember. She paid the driver, unlocked the door and led the way inside. Then Nettie turned and opened her arms to her niece. "Come here child."

Ziva's composure broke and she practically fell into the old woman's embrace. Nettie led her to the couch and held her tightly, rubbing her back and whispering comfort in the language Ziva had learned from her cradle while the young woman cried out all the turmoil of the last week. Finally she sat back, wiping her eyes and clutching her necklace. "I miss him," she said softly as the tears began gathering again. "We have never been apart longer than two days in almost two years of marriage and now I do not know if I will ever see him again."

Nettie reached out a wrinkled hand and brushed the wetness from Ziva's cheeks. "Do not think like that Zivaleh. You and Tony belong together, your home is with him now. You watch and see, this separation will not be forever."

Fire flashed in her chocolate gaze. "Can you promise me that Doda? Can you promise that Eli will not send me on a mission that claims my life, that Tony will be able to return home in six months' time, that by some miracle I will be recalled to DC? With only a handful of words the new director stole everything from me and I do not know how to get it back."

Sorrow filled Nettie's expression and she squeezed Ziva's hand. "I wish I could make those promises to you my dear, but you are right, I cannot. However, nothing can stop me from hoping, from believing that this is not the end of your happiness. Please Zivi, do not give up so easily."

Ziva rubbed her thumb over the engraving on the back of her Star of David. "Nothing has hurt this bad since Tali and Ari. I have lost everything."

Nettie's eyebrows rose. "You have me," she stated unwaveringly, "and I will be here for you whenever you need me. But maybe this is the time to start thinking of a change Ziva." Her niece's brow furrowed. "You have bound yourself to Mossad, to Israel. You were raised with duty ingrained in every choice. But it is time for a new choice child, time for you to think of making America your home and becoming an agent of NCIS, so that no one but you can decide to leave." Ziva seemed distressed but Nettie shook her head. "Say nothing now, but think on it, please." She stood. "Now, go wash for dinner, you must be starving. I am making latkes and would welcome your help."

With that she left and Ziva wrapped her arms around herself. Despite her broken heart, she was glad to be here with someone who loved her.

June 2, 2008

The week flew by filled with Nettie's delicious home cooking, long walks on the beach, and evenings sitting in the livingroom with tea while Ziva talked about Tony as much as she could and remembered their time together, knowing it would be her last opportunity to do so before she had to pretend that part of her life had never existed. On the last night before she had to leave, Nettie turned to her niece with a question. "Do you write to Tony?"

Ziva looked up from her mug. "I have written to him every day since the first, but they are not safe outside of this house."

"Give them to me," Nettie decided, "and I will see them sent."

Fear widened her eyes. "You cannot Doda, please. Mossad has people everywhere, someone may see."

Nettie chuckled. "I have not been the older sister of the Mossad Deputy Director for years and learned nothing Zivaleh, trust me. Let me mail the letters, Tony will be needing your words."

Ziva bit her lip. "If you are sure Doda. Papa will never let me leave if he suspects anything."

Sadness tinged her words. "Unfortunately this family is very good at secrets Ziva. The letters will be safe with me." She took their empty cups to the kitchen. "Go, write him one more tonight. I will take care of the rest."

Ziva did as she was bidden, returning to her room and pouring her heart out onto creamy sheets of paper. As always she ended with a simple 'I love you' and 'until we meet again', then placed it with the others on the desk and got ready for bed. In the morning she gathered the thin stack and gave it to Nettie before they left for the airport. There she hugged her aunt and said goodbye, walking resolutely towards her gate. The dream was over and reality awaited, but she clung to the faintest hope that her dream was not gone forever, and someday they might get a second chance.

As soon as she returned home, Nettie got on her computer and found the number for NCIS in DC. She placed a call to the switchboard and was eventually directed to one Timothy McGee, whom she'd learned about through her conversations with Tony and Ziva over the last several months. He answered the phone professionally. "CyberCrimes, this is Agent McGee."

He sounded like a little boy playing grown up. Nettie smiled. "Hello Tim. My name is Nettie David."

There was a brief silence. "David? You're not...Ziva's aunt, are you?"

"I am. And I have a favour to ask, for Ziva."

Tim glanced around to be sure he wasn't overheard. "Name it."

Ziva had talked about how close they were as a group, Nettie was glad to see the proof. "I need the name of the ship Tony is on, and a way to address some letters and send them discretely through secure channels."

"Letters from Ziva to Tony?" he asked hopefully. "I'm sure that would help. They're-they're best friends Ma'am, I think he needs her right now."

It was helpful for Nettie to gauge what the others knew of Tony and Ziva's relationship. "I am sure you are right. Can you get me the information please?"

Computer keys clicked on the other end of the line and Tim nodded. "Write exactly what I tell you and this should work."

Nettie took careful notes and at the end thanked him. "You are a good friend Tim. I only ask one more thing."

"Of course."

"I would appreciate if you could erase any record of my call and our conversation. People might get the wrong idea and we do not need anyone asking questions."

He grinned. "You're asking the right person Ms. David. Thank you for the call and what you're doing." Tim paused. "How's Ziva?"

Nettie avoided directly answering. "I am sure this change has been hard on all of you. She always spoke very highly of her friends at NCIS."

Tim sighed. "We sure are going to miss her around here."

"Perhaps this will only be temporary," she suggested.

"I hope so. It's hard to be a team when we're scattered across the world."

"Do not give up hope," Nettie encouraged. "I must go. Thank you for everything. Take care Timothy."

"And you, Ms. David. Good luck."

The call disconnected and Nettie got to work. If all went as planned, at least Tony would have something to hold onto.

NCIS

June 13, 2008

Tony sighed as he rolled over and his eyes fell on the calendar hanging innocently on the opposite wall. Three weeks without Ziva, three weeks since Jenny died, three weeks since everything changed. He drank each night enough to numb himself to sleep but still woke in the midnight hours reaching for his wife. In the morning his pillow was damp with tears and the ache in his head wasn't nearly as bad as the hole in his heart. As he got up and dressed Tony thought about the team. He wondered how Abby was doing without them, if McGee was lonely in the sub-basement, and if the new people thought they'd be keeping their desks. Though with Vance in charge, maybe they would.

And last, while he shaved and brushed his teeth, Tony allowed himself precious moments to think about Ziva. Where was she right now? Off on some mission perhaps, or safe at her desk for once? Israel was hours ahead of his current time zone and in the beginning she claimed Mossad business hours started at 0500. Was she having as much trouble sleeping as he was? Did she dream of their time together, so unexpectedly brief? Did she wake in the night, longing for his steady breathing beside her and strong arms around her? Tony hoped so. Because he missed her so much sometimes he could barely breathe.

The ear shattering whoosh of a plane landing overhead told the agent that morning rotations had begun. He slid on his gun, positioned his badge on his belt, and took one last look at Ziva's rings on a strong leather cord around his neck before tucking them under his shirt. His wedding ring, firmly in place since his first day aboard, glinted in the light as he slipped the Paris lock in his front pocket and a photo of him and Ziva, taken by a stranger in front of the Reflecting Pool, in the back of his jeans.

Tony drew his gaze over the mini bulletin board by the door - Abby hugging McGee from behind during the Damon Werth case while they both laughed, Ducky and Jimmy discussing a body and turning to smile for the camera, a copy of the one from the day Gibbs met Maddy, and finally Ziva, sleep tousled and barely coherent when he woke her early one morning just to tell her she looked beautiful. Tony swallowed and kissed her face. "I love you babe," he whispered, blinking back tears that sprang to his eyes without warning.

Morning ritual completed, he squared his shoulders and headed for the officer's mess where he'd sit and force a smile and pretend he was actually eating the food that only got pushed around on his plate. Then he'd do his rounds, speaking to CO's and the Captain about any issues overnight, and patrol a bit as he continued walking up and down and over and across, reading numbers and trying to learn his way around the huge ship.

Each day was the same - he'd write a citation or two, offer a few warnings, and turn a blind eye to anything that wasn't dangerous. He only had one ongoing investigation running right now as he got to know the men and the kind of things he needed to be watching out for. But mostly he'd spend any free time at the rail, watching waves and staring at the horizon and wishing everything that had happened was one horrible nightmare. Every night he'd go to bed hoping maybe this was the time he woke up, and every morning he'd open his eyes and see the narrow bunk barely as wide as their couch at home and be bitterly disappointed once more. It was like boarding school all over again - he'd been sent away because he wasn't wanted and the person he loved and needed most he might never see again. In shadows and dreams and misty memories was a very lonely place to live.

NCIS

June 16, 2008

One week later, two weeks after Nettie talked to McGee, a tan manilla envelope came on the mail plane to the USS Ronald Reagan, addressed 'Eyes Only' for the Agent Afloat. Petty Officer Johnson delivered it and left a sullen Tony staring at it wondering if he was being sent new orders. Maybe Siberia this time, he groused, tearing open the envelope. He dumped it onto his desk and out fell eight small envelopes and a couple folded pieces of paper. He picked up one of the envelopes and his heart skipped a beat when he recognized Ziva's handwriting. Shock lifted his eyebrows and Tony reached for the paper, wondering how she managed to do this. He didn't recognize the script, slanted and elegant, and checked the signature. It was from Nettie. Sitting down, he unfolded the letter and began reading.

My dear Anthony, I am so sorry to hear of the tragedy within your agency and for the loss you and Ziva must suffer. I have had her here with me in Haifa this past week and when I last saw her she was well - tired and sad and missing you deeply, but well. This very morning I sent her back to her father and I pray my brother has the sense to protect his last living child and not to use her foolishly. I know she will be the best because it keeps her alive and I hope will someday bring her home to you. Be brave in her absence achyan (nephew) and treasure what she has written. I wish there could be more, but my Zivaleh does not trust Mossad and I could barely convince her to let me send these. Thank your friend Timothy, he made this possible. Do not give up hope. With love, Aunt Nettie.

Tony closed his eyes and refolded the papers carefully. Setting them aside, he reached for the small pile of letters and sorted them by date. He had to smile at the first one with a lipstick imprint pressed to the flap. She'd remembered what a swak was. Peeling it open, Tony pulled out the sheets. A faint whiff of scent caught his attention and he breathed in deeply, his thoughts drawn back to lazy mornings when he'd wake up with Ziva's hair spread across the pillow and tickling his nose. Then she'd roll over and smile and give him a sleepy kiss, shifting into his arms like it was her favourite place to be. The memory took him by surprise and Tony caught his breath at how vivid it felt. What he wouldn't give to have Ziva in his arms right now! He took a moment to absorb the pain that came without her and finally turned his eyes to the page.

Tony, as I write this we are both on separate planes bound for separate destinations, soon to be more than an ocean apart. I miss you. I have missed you since the moment you walked away earlier today. How I wish I had one of our pictures, my rings or the lock to hold onto, memories are of little comfort when they are all I have. I love you Tony, I am not sorry I married you. No matter where your head is or what you are thinking, remember that. What happened was not your fault and I will say that until you believe it.

I do not think this is the end, in my heart I know I will see you again. Whether he admits it or not the team is Gibbs' family now, he will find a way to bring us home. Be careful beloved and hold onto everything you have to remind you of our love. Dream of me and in those dreams hold me tight because your arms have always been my safe place. Until we meet again, I love you with all my heart - Ziva

It wasn't until Tony rubbed his face that he realized he'd been crying. He leaned over with his elbows on his knees and read the words again. A piece of paper was no substitute for his wife, but it was like Ziva said - something to hold onto - and he would cherish that gift. He put the letter back in the envelope and was in the process of opening the next one when he stopped. Nettie said there wouldn't be any more and since he was on this cursed ship for an undetermined amount of time - six months minium, nine months to a year max - saving them would be better. Tony didn't think his patience would extend to only one letter a month, but if he could read them twice a month that would take him more than halfway and give him something to look forward do.

Reluctantly Tony went through and began scribbling dates on the remaining envelopes, every two weeks for the next four months. Then he took them all over to the locked box holding every memento he'd brought from their life together and lay the letters carefully inside. He kissed the one he'd already read and slid it under his pillow. Maybe tonight he'd actually be able to sleep, if Ziva met him in their dreams. That was enough to put a faint smile on his face as Tony got back to work. Today was another day closer to seeing his wife again and being home, he just needed a reason to hope.

NCIS

June 30, 2008

After a month and without any reason given, Tony was transferred to the USS SeaHawk. The ship was stationed in the Caribbean Seat off the coast of Columbia, which automatically meant he'd be dealing with a lot of drug related incidents. The chopper landed and he got off with his rucksack, ducking to shield himself from the forceful, propeller-generated wind. The Officer of the Deck was waiting to show him to his quarters, and Tony spent the rest of the day being introduced to the people he'd be responsible to and getting acquainted with a new ship. That night as he lay on his bunk Tony opened Ziva's second letter.

She told him about Haifa and Aunt Nettie, made him laugh with a couple childhood stories, and underlined the words 'I love you' at the end after cautioning him to play nice with his shipmates. When he finished, Tony turned his head to look at the pictures he'd pinned up earlier. Switching out the ones from his last room, he used the bikini photos from LA which gave him the best of both worlds.

"Goodnight babe," he whispered, closing his eyes. "I love you." It had been five weeks, he was still alone, and come tomorrow nothing would have changed.

NCIS

July 28, 2008

Ziva rolled over and huffed. She hadn't slept in a twin bed in almost two years and now nothing felt right. With a sigh she flopped on her back, fixing her gaze on the sliver of a moon outside her window. Home for now meant a simple, one room apartment with a bed and bathroom, a tiny kitchen and a table with one chair. It wasn't much, but she was Mossad again and Mossad had learned to survive on much less.

She ran her finger slowly over the empty space on her left hand and sighed. Nine weeks had passed since she said goodbye to Tony and boarded a plane for the other side of the world, and in that time she had begun to make a name for herself within the organization again. After taking all her re-qualification exams, she was sent immediately out on several short term missions and impressed her handlers with the results. Ziva found the killing distasteful, but she made a point not to dwell on her actions, slipping on the impassive, emotionless mask that always kept her safe before.

If only she could have gone on being a shadow, invisible, left alone to do her job. But her father wasn't content with that alone, he wanted to test her skills with deeper, more complicated assignments. So, two weeks ago she'd been reunited with a former partner. Issac was an old friend and she enjoyed getting to know him again. They'd been in IDF together, and friends before that, so Ziva allowed him a certain amount of familiarity that few others ever achieved. Then today he'd kissed her and Ziva was so shocked she nearly slapped him. Thank goodness she covered and only pushed him away, laughing and admonishing him to keep his focus on the job at hand. But in truth she was concerned. Her reaction could mean many things and Issac would be watching her now, so her guard must be ever vigilant to escape Mossad scrutiny.

Laying in the dark, Ziva traced her lips and thought of Tony, alone on a ship somewhere in the vast ocean without her. Was he drinking too much trying to keep the memories at bay? Not sleeping, because after two years of drifting into dreams side by side they'd been spoiled for sleeping alone or apart? Was he still blaming himself for Jenny's fate, with no one there to make him stop? If only she could see her husband and hold him in her arms, whispering her love and feeling his touch. It was wrong to have another's lips on hers when she was Tony's and his alone, but the fear growing in Ziva's heart knew that might not yet be the worst of it. Somehow she had to keep Issac away until Gibbs could get them back, for Tony she had to. He deserved more than what she knew how to be.

NCIS

August 14, 2008

August fourteenth came before Ziva had time to prepare herself, and on that day she felt all the more guilty for allowing Issac's wandering touches and increasingly heated kisses when they were alone. For the moment they were stationed at Mossad Headquarters, but she'd heard rumours of an undercover mission in her future - the kind where she'd be dressed up and showing off, the kind that would likely turn Issac's thoughts down a path she did not want them to go, if he was not there already.

He followed her back to her apartment at the end of the day for a glass of wine and something to eat. It was clear he wanted to stay, wanted more by the way his lips drifted down her neck while his hands slid under her shirt. But Ziva put him off with a smile, claiming to be tired after being at a desk all day instead of in the field where she felt most alive. Even though his expression was skeptical, Issac still let her push him out the door and said goodnight.

Relieved to finally be alone, Ziva went and stood with her back to the wall, looking out at the stars and wondering if Tony was doing the same somewhere. After a time she went to bed and closed her eyes, trying to imagine being back in their house with her husband lying beside her, his deep, even breathing the only sound in the room. It was to that thought Ziva fell asleep alone in her bed, her thoughts reaching out to Tony because she had reason to believe her apartment was being monitored and speaking out loud would not be wise. Yom Nisuyeem Same'akh my love. Happy Anniversary. I wish you were here.

NCIS

Tony groaned and threw an arm over his face to block out the light. Three months and he still hadn't gotten used to waking up alone, maybe he never would. He shifted on the Navy issued mattress and glanced at his watch, then squinted to be sure he was seeing it right. "August fourteenth? Dang it!" Tony grabbed the first thing he could reach, a shoe, and whipped it across the room where it thudded against the wall and fell to the floor. He rubbed his eyes and sighed. "Sorry babe. This was not how I planned our anniversary. Granted, in May I wasn't thinking about it yet, but I would've done something really great. You deserve it."

Slowly he sat up and got out of bed, twisting his wedding ring around. The day began as usual and those who knew Tony quickly learned to steer clear of him in hopes of avoiding the black mood that seemed to have overtaken their Agent Afloat. He made it through the day's briefing and put some more legwork into his current drug investigation, but Tony had never been happier for work hours to draw to a close.

Bundled up because even in summer it was still cold outside on an aircraft carrier with the wind rushing past, Tony took a few things up to the quiet deck with him, choosing a spot along the rail where he'd be less likely to be disturbed. Leaning on his forearms, Tony looked out at the vast ocean and studied the stars scattered in a velvet sky above him. He pulled out Ziva's picture that always traveled in his shirt pocket and stared at her smiling face.

"Happy Anniversary Zi. I miss you, every day." He reached into the pocket of his jeans for the tiny, pink, heart-shaped padlock and curled his fingers tightly over it. "I'm so tired of being apart from you sweetheart, I don't know how much longer I can do this without you." The wind caught his whispered words and they floated away like a vapour. Swallowing, Tony kissed the picture and stared at the moon. "Stay safe honey, I need you there to come home to." Then he closed his eyes and let the tears fall. He'd never been so alone.

NCIS

August 26, 2008

By the final week of August Issac was tired of being put off, and at the end of the night once Ziva finished singing at the club and changed, he took her back to their hotel room with one objective in mind. She could see it in his eyes and the look frightened her, this wasn't the easygoing man she remembered as her friend. When they stepped inside, Ziva made as if to go get ready for bed, but Issac yanked her back into his chest and kissed her hard.

Surprised, she broke away with a frown. "What are you doing?"

He crossed his arms and stared. "Kissing my partner. Since when is that a problem?"

She shrugged. "It is not. But I am tired and I need to sleep." It was three am and they would have to be up early in the morning to do more surveillance on their target.

Issac twisted his fingers into her hair. "I am tired of waiting Ziva, tired of the excuses. You have never made me wait so long before." An idea occurred to him and a dangerous glint entered his eyes. "Maybe it is time that I tell your papa his precious little princess has changed, and not for the better." His fingers dug into her neck. "Did you spend too much time in America Ziva, and get attached? Has your time away from us made you soft? I am sure that is something the Deputy Director would like to know."

Ziva was sure the fear she felt flickered on her face despite her attempts to conceal it. She tried to bluff her way out. "Mossad does not have attachments. And I have never known you to be the kind to turn on your partner Issac."

His hungry gaze traveled down her body and back up. "Then you will let me have you, the price for my silence." Issac didn't let her answer before he kissed her again, his hands working to remove her clothes. Ziva trembled but could do nothing to stop him without arousing even more suspicion.

He undid her bra and tossed it away then slid his fingers into her underwear before pulling them down her legs. Issac pushed her back onto the bed and swiftly undressed, holding himself over her. His lips and hands moved possessively over her body and far too soon he took her, in the forceful, almost violent way she was no longer used to. The pain shocked Ziva as much as the suddenness of the act, and she could do nothing but lay there and wait for it to be over, praying Issac would not notice how unwilling she was.

When he finished, Issac kissed her cheek and shook his head. "You will have to be a better lover than that Ziva, if you expect me to keep my observations to myself." Then he rolled over and went to sleep.

Finally alone with her thoughts, Ziva slipped out of bed to take a shower, almost surprised not to find blood on the sheets. Shame washed over her worse than the scalding water that streamed down her body. Ziva got the cloth and scrubbed herself everywhere that Issac had touched. Not since her first time, young, foolish and unprepared, had it hurt so much. She slowly slid to the floor and curled herself into the corner of the shower, crying silent tears at what she had let happen. Tony would never forgive her.

NCIS

September 1, 2008

It didn't take them as long to dig survivors out of the rubble as Ziva expected, though because of the blow she'd taken to the head, Ziva was vaguely aware that her sense of time was probably not accurate. She was groggy and confused as they loaded her into the ambulance, but aware that Issac managed to stay by her side. The paramedics gave her oxygen and checked her vitals while Issac held her hand. Ziva would've liked nothing more than to wrench it away from him, but that would not be a wise move and at the moment she didn't have the strength.

Although Issac argued in her stead, the doctors insisted on keeping her overnight for observation. Her partner did not stay, only kissed her forehead and promised he'd be back in the morning. After that Ziva's sleep was restless. Every time she woke she reached for Tony, aching to find him in the chair by her bed, but somewhere in her muddled mind she recognized that calling for him would be foolish. Memories flickered behind her eyes, some from now, most from before the summer, and she struggled to sort through them and discern what was real and what was not. Despite the head injury, Ziva knew that if her husband's name slipped from her lips it would all be over. But she missed him tonight more than ever.

NCIS

Early September, 2008

Closing the door, Tony looked at the notes in his hand and sighed. Sexual assault cases were definitely the worst part of his job. There was still the stigma that came with reporting them and usually a woman had to be encouraged, even accompanied by a friend before she would admit to it happening. He did his best to be gentle, but the examination required by the ship's doctor was uncomfortable and the follow up questions intrusive. And their eyes...the look that haunted victim's eyes was so fearful and broken and shamed that he could barely hold their gazes.

As a man who had promised to love and protect the woman he married, Tony simply could not fathom how a guy could treat a girl so violently, how they could hurt her so badly. At the port stops it was never hard to find someone to hook up with for the night, so why guys persisted in taking their pleasure from an unwilling party he would never understand. The investigation would have to be done quietly and Tony had promised to be discreet. There were many good men on the SeaHawk and for them Tony was sorry for the questions that would come across as accusations. But someone had to suffer for that girl's pain, and he was determined to see justice done.

His gaze drifted to the calendar as he searched for a different subject to focus his mind on. September third, three and a half months since he and Ziva said goodbye. He never stopped missing her, but lately Tony felt more resigned to his fate. He'd be stuck on this ship until Vance concluded that he'd been punished enough for his role in Jenny's death, until then there was nothing he could do. Sitting down at his desk, Tony began making notes for the investigation. On a floating city there was a lot of ground to cover and no one else to help. It was up to him to find the man who'd committed a crime and see to it that he was punished for what he'd done. His victim deserved that much.

NCIS

September 2-13, 2008

The only good thing about being injured was that it kept Issac away from her physically for a few days. After the first time he'd waited four days, barely enough time for her to heal, before using her again. It was the same amount of time again after she'd been released from the hospital, when she was still sore from the explosion and had to fake everything, including her enthusiasm, to be the lover he expected. But every second of the act she dreaded, and would've given anything not to have to go through it.

Ziva had know that once Issac slept with her once there would be no holding him back, and she was right. Three days later he came to her again, more aggressive than usual after her brief conversation with Gibbs where she'd admitted to missing the team, even Tony. It was the first time she'd allowed herself to speak his name in months, and she knew it was a mistake by the way the atmosphere in the room changed. That night Issac made her pay for it, over and over again. He was very aware of what he was doing, that he was hurting her, but he didn't seem to care. She was his partner, he had rights with her, and she had denied him too long.

That weekend Ziva disappeared into the heart of Jerusalem, blending into the crowds in an attempt to hide. Even there she was not free to give into the emotion plaguing her anguished heart, but at least she did not have to pretend as much. Walking was uncomfortable after Issac's ruthless use of her body the night before, so she kept to a slow pace, but used the pain as a way to punish herself for something she had no idea how to stop. Issac was sickeningly sweet when they returned to work Tuesday, but Ziva maintained a professional distance, not in the mood for his games, though she could not afford to alienate him completely lest he go to her father.

The relief she felt when summoned to Eli's office in the middle of the week and given orders to return to DC as the MCRT's Mossad Liaison was something Ziva could not even begin describe. But even as she was handed the papers to make it official and sent on her way, Ziva wondered if this could all be a dream. Despite her reassurances to Tony in each letter she'd written, she hadn't really been sure this day would come. She managed to avoid Issac on her swift retreat from the building, hurrying in part because she half-feared that someone would come around the next corner and declare the whole thing a mistake, telling her she wasn't going anywhere, that she was bound to Israel and Mossad until her last breath was drawn. But she made it out into the open air and was packed and on a plane to Haifa only hours later. There was no way she could leave without saying goodbye to her aunt.

As much as Ziva longed to pour out to Nettie everything that had happened over the last two weeks, but she did not feel safe yet, and would not until she was finally back on American soil. So she simply hugged the old lady and went to tea with her. She'd planned to leave right away but Nettie simply wouldn't hear of it and insisted Ziva come back to the house for a good meal and a comfortable place to sleep for the night. In the end she was glad she did, because it would likely be a long time before they saw one another again. The next afternoon Ziva took an overnight flight back to DC and was so relieved she could barely sleep at all. Finally she was going home. It was almost everything she'd wanted for four very long months. But the biggest piece of her heart was still missing and once she returned to their cozy little house, Ziva had no idea how she would continue to spend every day without him by her side.

A/N2: What happened to Ziva? Not my fault. I didn't want to, but the plot bunnies insisted. And yes, I do know I spelled 'Issac' wrong, but I like it better that way - call it creative license. Plus, the extra 's' can stand for snake. I know it was uspposed to be Michael, but that is how I got around the cheating that many of you feared. Michael Rivkin still shows up where he's supposed to at the end of S6, but in a bit of a different context. Any other questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Replies:

Guest (MIT14) - Thank you :) That's a good analogy - the Tiva road is going to be very rough for awhile. I appreciate your trust and your confidence. The first couple chapters of S6 are going to be difficult, and then of course the last 4 just downright suck. I'm writing Aliyah right now and oh boy what a mess! Thanks. I've committed to following canon so no matter what happens I've got to find a way to work with it. I'm glad you're looking forward to what comes next. Thanks for the lovely review! :)

Sarah - you're welcome. G&J were my first ship, but I've fallen headlong into the Tiva pool now and there's no going back :P Vance and I are still not on the best of terms, I'm really only attached to my team and the lovely people in Autospy and the lab :) I'm glad you liked it, even tho it was sad. Poor Tony is right, the man needs to cut himself a little slack. I figured T&Z deserved to know the truth, even tho it doesn't change much it helps things make a little more sense. I think the way Jenny sabotaged her chances at a future is sad too. So much could've changed if she'd let a little of the control go, but it's too late now. And they were only attempts, there is no actual comfort for the situation they're in or the separation they're facing. I'm glad you liked the end and you are very right, a long 4 months indeed. Thanks for reviewing! :)