I've kind of hit a wall with my 'Delirious' story, but still promise to finish it. Meanwhile, the idea for this fic had been in my head for a while. It's set in the future and involves a Tony and Ziva offspring. It starts off fluffy, but I promise there will be an actual point to it as the chapters progress. Hope you enjoy
If you ever asked Anthony DiNozzo what his proudest moment was, he wouldn't know what to tell you. There was a fairly vast sum of events and achievements that he looked back on proudly. Whether it was the moment he was handed his first NCIS badge, or when he watched the love of his life walk down the aisle towards him at their wedding, he always enjoyed the bright and welcome feeling of pride whenever it spread through his heart. Overall, he was proud of himself for what he'd done with his life. A crazy and complicated Israeli woman became his partner a long time ago, and she involuntarily changed his entire outlook. The process of him growing up coincided with the process of him falling in love with this woman. Honestly, he was immeasurably more proud of Ziva than he was of himself. She'd turned her own life around as well as his. Becoming an American citizen and transforming from an expendable soldier into a loving wife and mother was a long and difficult process, but she pulled it off. Tony would never forget the wonderful moment after she'd endured the pain of childbirth and was handed her baby girl for the first time. He couldn't believe how strong she was. It could easily have been argued that his proudest moment was right then: when they'd finally become parents.
But his daughter seemed to make it her mission to beat it ever since. Her first crawl, her first words, her first steps, that infectious smile she gave him when he returned home from work. All these memories and characteristics never ceased to make him feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Little Liana was his greatest source of pride for sure. So, as he watched her playing in the park near their home, he couldn't help but smile. She was helping a younger boy to climb up the steps for the slide. Her patience and compassion definitely came from her mother. As did the dark, curly hair and deep brown eyes. Appearance wise, she was all Ziva. That was until she showcased her toothy grin, which was quite often. He couldn't believe it was almost four years since she entered his life and immediately became the focal point of it. He didn't even know it was possible to love someone as much as he loved his child.
He leaned in the shade of a nearby tree as he looked over at Lia being the kind and gentle soul she'd always been. Ziva stood a few feet away, watchfully protecting her offspring with a big smile. Motherhood suited her in Tony's eyes. She was just so happy these days. His little princess finally got her friend to the top of the slide and encouraged him to begin his much faster descent. He seemed to enjoy it, and she gave him an enthusiastic clap as she giggled down at him. His heart, once again, warmed at the sight. That was his girl. That was his very own baby up there and, god, he couldn't possibly feel more proud than this. What was his proudest moment? Pretty much every second of her life. Lia herself then slid down with a delighted squeal. Her mother approached her, beaming gleefully as she pulled the child into a tight embrace.
Tony had left work earlier than he initially expected, and decided to surprise his beautiful women by showing up at the park on the way home. He started making his way over to them after Ziva had escorted Lia over to a shaded picnic bench and handed her a carton of juice. His daughter was happily slurping away at her straw when he entered her line of vision. His heart skipped a beat when he watched her face light up upon seeing him. His own trademark DiNozzo grin spread across her face, before she excitedly placed her juice box down and ran towards him. Ziva's confused expression turned in to one of pleasant surprise as she turned her head in his direction.
''Daddy!'' Lia greeted giddily, as her little legs eventually transported her fully across the distance between her and her father.
He crouched down just in time to wrap his arms around her in a tight hug when she jumped at him. ''How's my little Liana banana?'' He asked after placing a soft kiss to the crown of her head. He basked in the overwhelmingly bright feeling of joy he always felt in her presence.
She gave him a proud smile. ''Momma took me to the park 'cause I was a good girl.''
He brushed a few loose curls behind her ear with raised eyebrows. ''You were?''
She nodded. ''Uh-huh. I helped her do the flowers.''
He guessed that meant she helped with the gardening that Ziva had mentioned needed to be done a few times that week. ''Wow. Does the garden look all pretty now?'' He asked, just as his wife arrived at his side.
''Yeah.'' Lia replied, before looking up at her mom with wide eyes. ''Momma, we gotta show Daddy the flowers!'' She stated in a serious tone.
''We will show him when we get home, my love.'' Ziva ensured her softly.
Tony stood back up and turned to face his Israeli companion. ''Hi.'' He belatedly greeted with a large smile.
She gave him a quick kiss, but her brow was furrowed in apparent curiosity. ''You are early.'' She pointed out. ''Did you close the case?''
He sighed heavily. ''Not yet. But we've made a few breaks.''
She nodded in acknowledgment. ''I was not expecting to see you while the sun was still up.''
He chuckled warmly. ''It's a Friday, and I wanted to see my girls. I hear the little munchkin's been playing gardener.''
Ziva smiled and reached down to run her hand through Liana's curls. ''You were very helpful for Momma weren't you, my little angel?''
The little angel in question beamed up at her parents and nodded enthusiastically. ''Uncle Gibbs gave me a ice cream.''
The proud mother crouched down to Liana's eye level. ''That is because he was very impressed with your work.'' She informed the toddler, before kissing her cheek. ''I was too.''
The youngest DiNozzo's smile continued to light up her gorgeous features. It fell, though, when she span away from Ziva and tugged at her dad's trouser leg. He looked down and met a familiar set of serious brown orbs. ''Gibbs says you gotta give him beer, Daddy.''
His eyes narrowed, before he looked back to Ziva questioningly. She simply raised a single eyebrow as the corners of her mouth lifted in small smirk. ''He believes it is fair payment for all the work he has helped with around the house.'' She filled him in. ''I think it is a good deal.''
''And there I was thinking he just wanted to spend some quality time with me.'' He joked with a mock frown.
''I am sure that is the actual reason.'' She assured him with a soft pat to the chest. ''He is worried you have been overworking yourself recently.''
''He's one to talk.''
She tilted her head and gave him a gentle look of admonishment. ''He does not have a loving family at home.''
His brow furrowed. ''I have a loving family?'' He teased, before pretending to look around. ''Where? I'd like to meet them.''
She slapped his torso with the back of her hand, but couldn't help but smile at his typical sense of humor. He obviously didn't have to reassure her that he was just joking, not with words anyway, but he still felt the need to confirm the fact, though. So he leaned in and gave her a warm, deep kiss. The breathtaking encounter reminded him that he'd hardly seen her all week. That sad thought kick-started a feeling of determination within him. He would make sure to spend some quality time with her over the weekend if he could. This case his team was working on could wait. She came first. She always came first.
He was snapped out of being lost in Ziva's heated gaze when Lia started giggling. ''You only gots one family, Daddy!'' She reminded him in an overly amused tone. ''You're silly!''
He smiled down at the little girl, just as her mother started chuckling at him. ''Oh, I'm silly am I?'' He crouched down and picked Lia up. She let out a good natured screech and her laughter increased in volume after he mercilessly started tickling her. ''Is daddy silly, huh? Is tickling you silly?''
She threw her head back and squealed into the sky. ''Yes!'' She managed to answer between giggles. ''Momma!'' She pleaded, as her hand reached out for her mother's assistance.
Ziva watched on with a soft smile. She always loved watching the way Tony interacted with Lia. She was always convinced he would be a good father. Of course- with him being Tony- he was extremely anxious and nervous in the late months of her pregnancy. The idea of having a little person looking up to and completely relying on him seemed to terrify the man. But, from the moment this precious girl entered their lives, his fears disappeared. He had immediately adapted to the responsibilities of being a dad, and she could tell his whole world had begun to revolve around Lia as soon as he laid eyes on her. One thing she could never get enough of was hearing her child laugh. It was such a joyful, innocent sound that never failed to brighten her day, and Tony could always elicit it from her. Even if he'd been in a terrible mood or was tired to the bone from a hard week of work, he would always find it within himself to spend time with her. And, of course, the little girl absolutely adored him for it.
''Let the child breath, Tony.'' She gently implored. He stopped the tickling his daughter, but then slung her over his shoulder. Ziva's smile grew when Lia started giggling again. It had taken her a few years to accept that he was never hurting their baby when he handled her like this. His hands were fast, but also careful and incredibly gentle. However, there was still a small feeling of panic within her that she could never fully ignore whenever there was even the tiniest hint of a potential threat to her daughter' safety. She supposed it would never go away. It was just part of being a mother.
''I was wondering if you could help me, Ziva.'' Tony joked as he span back in her direction, little legs kicking the air in front of his face. ''You see, I found this crazy little girl here,'' He rotated himself to showcase Lia's head. It was just about possible to make out her grinning face amongst the mess of brown curls. ''and I have no idea what to do with her.''
''I'm not crazy! Daddy's crazy!'' She informed her mom after another fit of giggles.
Ziva approached Tony's back and leaned in to whisper to her. ''I know he is.'' She assured the child in a loud enough voice for her husband to hear. ''I think daddy needs Uncle Gibbs to hit him on the head again, don't you?''
Lia nodded with a mischievous grin. ''Then he say: sorry boss.'' Ziva involuntarily snorted at her daughter's little impression of Tony. She'd clearly witnessed her fair share of Gibbs-slaps in her short life.
''You're wishing physical harm upon me?'' Her childish father spoke up, before placing the mini-ninja back on the ground. ''You really are just like your mother.'' That earned him another back-handed slap from Ziva, this time to the shoulder. ''Ouch! See what I mean, Lia? You happy now?''
She nodded back up at him; her smile was now down right smug. He could tell by the glint in her eyes that she was up to something. ''Oh, I know that look.'' His eyes narrowed as he looked to Ziva and back. ''What did you do? You rip my jacket or something?''
Her smile grew, but she shook her head slowly. ''No.''
He finally noticed that her hands were hidden behind her back, a clear sign of guilt if ever he saw one. ''What you got there, missy?'' He asked with a furrowed brow.
''I got your phone!'' She announced tauntingly, and then proceeded to wave it in the air triumphantly. He was almost too shocked to react. How the hell had she managed that? He watched on in awe as she raised the cell to her ear and pretended to speak into it. ''Hi, I'm agent Nozzo.'' She greeted in her deepest voice. ''I get bad guys then come home and snore on the couch.''
Ziva couldn't hold back the laughter, but Tony's brow furrowed. ''Hey, give that back.'' He ordered, but with no real sincerity. He reached out to grab the device from her hand but she was too fast. She held it away from him as she wore her genetic, toothy smile. '
'You gotsa push me on the swings first.''
Before he could argue, or even agree, Lia span away and ran off in the direction of the playground. His jaw dropped before he turned a surprised look at Ziva. ''The nerve of that girl.'' He stated in disbelief.
She smiled fondly in the direction of her daughter. ''See, she is more like you than you think.'' Her soft tone suggested she wasn't exactly disappointed with that.
''Well, she's definitely got your stealthy super powers.'' He replied with a wink. He leaned over to give her another quick kiss. She smiled warmly, but for the first time that evening he could see the exhaustion in her eyes. He could even feel the stressful tension in her muscles when he placed a comforting hand over her arm. ''I can take her home later if you wanna go put your feet up for a few hours.'' He suggested, as he rubbed her shoulder gently with his thumb.
She sighed. ''We actually walked here. I need to do some grocery shopping as well; the kitchen is pretty much empty. Putting my feet up seems a bit unlikely at the moment.''
His face melted into one of intimate sympathy. ''I'll drive you both home, and we can drop by the store on the way. Little miss adventurer over there will probably run off again and get lost, so two pairs of eyes are better than one.''
She smiled in thanks before, once again, looking over to Lia with a fond but somewhat troubled expression. ''She just keeps on going, Tony. All day. I cannot keep up with her anymore.''
He nodded in understanding. ''She's a trooper. But she's healthy and happy. That's all I care about.''
''Daddy!'' Lia's voice met his ears from across the park. He turned his head to see her waving him over. His cell phone was now lying on the floor by her feet and her stationary hand was being use to point at the seat of her chosen swing.
''That's my cue.'' He set off in the direction of his downed phone and the little bundle of energy standing by it.
''Do not let her wear you out too much, Tony.'' Ziva called out, before going to gather up her bag of Liana-taming supplies.
...
Friday night in the DiNozzo household was one of tradition. Well, at least, it was whenever Tony and Ziva were both actually home. If that was the case, they would enjoy a family meal before settling down to watch a movie in the living room. Of course, with Lia being involved, the films were always child-friendly. That never stopped the man of the house from watching it with an almost juvenile level of enthusiasm. Like her father, Lia got lost in the world of cinema and would watch with wide eyes as the plot unfolded. On this particular Friday evening, the smallest member of the family sat between her parents as a bowl of popcorn was shared between three pairs of hands. Ziva never really cared about the movie itself, but did enjoy the warm and snuggly atmosphere. It was all too rare for the whole family to be together and, temporarily, have nothing to be stressed or worked-up about. There was nothing to be done except just sit there in each other's company.
''Daddy,'' Lia's little voice interrupted the previous contented silence.
His eyes left the screen as he turned to look down at her. The look of brow-furrowing consideration on her face made it almost feel like he was looking at Ziva from across the bullpen. ''Yessy.''
''Why's Boo not scared of Kitty?''
His own face contorted into mild confusion at that question. ''She's not really scared of any of the monsters.'' He answered in his wise Dad tone. ''I think she's just very brave.''
She turned her head from the screen to look up at him. ''She's scared of the mean one.''
Ziva entered the conversation for the first time. ''That is Randall, yes?''
''Yeah.'' Tony and Lia both replied in unison. The curious little DiNozzo turned to her mother with wide eyes. ''He's the bad guy, momma. He wants to make Boo cry.''
The Israeli did her best to act like she actually cared about the well being of the character mentioned. ''That is very mean.''
As the famous Pixar movie came to a happy close, the popcorn bowl had been abandoned and the three DiNozzos were all trying to fight off the drowsiness enveloping them. Well, two of them were. Ziva's snores could be heard well before the climax sequence. She was leaning her head on Tony's shoulder while he kept a protective and comforting arm wrapped around her frame. Their beloved daughter had just about managed stayed awake throughout the entire movie, but was now snuggled up against her father's chest and he could tell she was fighting a losing battle against the oncoming grasps of slumber. Tony knew he was ready for bed- he had been for about twelve hours, in fact- and now he knew his two curly haired companions were as well. As gently as he could, he simultaneously lifted Lia into his arms and laid Ziva down on the couch as he stood up. His wife didn't even stir; she must have been really exhausted. Usually the ex-Mossad officer was easily woken up, and her ninja senses only increased after Lia was born. She would always be ready to spring into action if it was required of her, even if she was in a deep sleep. He shrugged off the surprise at her uncharacteristic behavior and shifted the little girl, who was currently resting her head on his shoulder, into a more comfortable position.
''I think it's bed time, princess, don't you?'' He asked her, before placing a soft kiss to her head. He could see her eyes heavily drooping as she nodded against him with a small hum of agreement. ''It's a good thing you've already got your little pajamas on, huh?''
He carried her up the stairs to her bedroom. The array of toys and stuffed animals were arranged in a surprisingly neat and tidy fashion. Normally, he would literally trip up over something with every step he took in her little haven. Considering he was holding the most precious and valuable thing in the world, he was happy to find the room in such an organized state. He presumed he had a certain Israeli wife of his to thank for not falling flat on his face. He placed her down on the bed and pulled the covers over her. She didn't hesitate to snuggle up to her favorite stuffed hippo (a gift from her crazy Gothic aunt).
He placed another kiss to her forehead. ''Good night, my little ninja.''
Her previously closed eyes opened suddenly as she reached out to grab his shirt sleeve with a worried look. ''Daddy, I don't want any monsters to try and scare me.'' Her gaze shifted to her closet.
He lifted her little hand up and kissed her knuckles. ''There are no monsters in this house.'' He ensured her softly. ''Me and Mom wouldn't let any come here to scare you.''
She looked back to him with a tiny little sigh escaping her lips. ''You sure?'' She asked, clearly struggling to keep her eyes open.
He smiled warmly. ''The only monster we know is your Uncle McGee, and he's definitely not scary is he?''
She let out a quiet laugh, just as he hoped. ''Uncle Gee isn't a monster!'' She informed him with a tired grin.
He chuckled. ''You don't think so?''
She shook her head. Her head dropped back to the pillow as her eyes, once again, shut. ''If any do come, they have to make me laugh now, right daddy?''
It took him a few seconds to understand what she was referring to. ''That's right. Sully made sure they don't scare kids anymore, didn't he?'' He ran a gentle hand through her hair. ''But it doesn't matter what they want. Me and your mommy will never let anyone hurt you. You remember when I said that? You're always safe with us.''
She let out a heavy yawn, but still managed to nod in acknowledgement. ''Okay. I love you, daddy.''
His face melted into a canvas of pure adoration. He would never, ever get enough of his little girl telling him that. It reminded him that, so far, him and Ziva were doing a damn good job at raising this child. She was happy, healthy and loved. She would probably never truly know just how loved she actually was, but at least she returned the feelings to her parents. She seemed determined to let them know that as often as possible. ''I love you too. More than anything.'' He gave her another quick kiss to the cheek. ''Sweet dreams.''
He stood up and turned to leave the room after he was sure Lia was going to let herself sleep without any stress. He wasn't too shocked to find Ziva leaning against the door frame with a fond smile. It still made him jump a little bit, though. ''Look who's awake.'' He whispered with an affectionate smile.
She reached out and ran hand over his shoulder when he arrived to stand in front of her. ''Hopefully not for much longer.'' She replied. ''You look exhausted, Tony. I think it is time to go and tuck ourselves in.''
He sighed as he nodded in agreement. ''It's been a long week.'' He turned back to look at their daughter's sleeping figure with a look Ziva recognized as self-berating. ''Do you think she's too young to have seen a movie about monsters?"
Her brow furrowed. ''It is a kids movie, Tony.''
''I know it's just…''
''You are worried that she is scared of her closet now.'' She finished the worried statement for him.
He nodded, but she had his face in her hands by the time he looked back at her. ''She was very excited about spending movie night with you.'' She informed him quietly. ''She was practically counting down the seconds until her daddy would come home with a new DVD.'' She leaned in and kissed him adoringly. ''Thank you for showing up at the park, it made her day.''
He scoffed. ''And now I've gone and given her nightmares for the next week. What a great dad I am.''
She rolled her eyes. ''She enjoyed the film, Tony. Besides, you just reassured her that she was always safe and look,'' She gestured to Lia's peacefully sleeping face. ''She is already sound asleep. Stop trying to pick holes in your parenting and accept that you are doing a good job. Please.''
Her words, as always, did the job she intended them to. His self-flagellation ended as his face melted. He regarded his wife with nothing but endearment. Without her there to reassure him, he would literally never stop being anxious about how well he was raising Lia. He was so damn determined to do a better job than his own father- and Ziva's, for that matter- that he was sometimes worried that he was perhaps trying too hard. ''I just love you guys so much.'' He told her thickly. ''I don't wanna screw up.''
''I know.'' She assured him in whisper. ''You are not screwing up. Please know that I am so proud of you, Tony. I am so grateful for the man you have become. You are a wonderful father. Always remember that.''
Tears filled his eyes, before he pulled her into a tight embrace. ''You bring it out of me. Seeing how great you are as a mom- seeing how strong you are- makes me determined to up my game.''
''You do not need to up it.'' She told him against his neck. ''You are perfect. Liana worships the ground you walk on.''
They pulled back and he couldn't help but notice that her own eyes had grown shiny. ''Look at us getting all emotional.'' He grinned softly. ''We must be really tired. Come on.'' He took her hand in his and led them down the dimly lit hallway towards their own bedroom. They both knew they had to recharge their batteries before the morning came and their little warrior woke up. This parenting thing was hard alright, but they wouldn't trade it for anything.
Hope that was a good read. There will be a lot more NCIS related plot points throughout this story, but I thought a nice intro to the family life of our favorite dynamic duo would be a god start. Bit fluffy, I know. Don't be shy, please review