Disclaimer: Neither NCIS or the song is owned by me. I own nothing.
Ziva pushed her way through the large boxes blocking her way into Tali's room. She had just returned from the shooting range with Abba and Ari. Ima was meant to be home but she must have forgotten. She felt the anger increase in her soul. How dare they leave her six year old sister all by herself. She loved her sister more than anything or anyone in the world. She didn't know what she would do without her.
As she approached the door she heard the gentle sound of the child singing. Her voice was beautiful like an angel. She was always note perfect, even when she was sick or tired. She pushed the door slightly open, just enough to peak into the room. Tali was gazing longingly out of the window, eyes on the stars. She looked like a child on Christmas Eve looking for Santa Claus. Her long brown curls stretched down her back. Her head was rested on the window ledge, slightly tilted. Ziva would have sworn she was asleep if not for the song she was so delicately singing.
"Laila, Laila, haruach goveret,( Night, Night, the wind grows strong,)
Laila, Laila, homa hatzameret,( Night, Night, the trees rustle,)
Laila, Laila, kochav m'zamer,( Night, Night, a star is singing,)
Numi, Numi, kabi et haner.( Go to sleep, blow out the candle.)"
Ziva snuck in further, carefully placing her tender feet on the floor. Tali's floor boards squeaked the most. There were only a few that didn't. Fortunately Tali's room used to be Ziva's and she had worked out which ones were quiet and which ones weren't. She loved her baby sister's voice and always hated interrupting. Usually she would wait quietly until she was finished.
"Laila, Laila, itsmi et enayich, (Night, Night, close your eyes,)
Laila, Laila, baderech elayich, (Night, Night, on the way to you,)
Laila, Laila, rachvu chamushim,( Night, Night, they rode armed in full gear,)
Numi, Numi, sh'losha parashim.( Go to sleep, three horsemen.)"
She was right behind her now and could see the glittery stars Tali was gazing at. They were truly beautiful. When she looked at them by herself she could never see anything but glowing bulbs in the distance but when Tali was there. When Tali was there they shone so bright. Only her sister could make her see such beauty. Only her sister's innocence could help her see it.
"Laila, Laila, haruach goveret, (Night, Night, the wind grows strong,)
Laila, Laila, homa hatzameret, (Night, Night, the trees rustle,)
Laila, Laila, rak at m'chaka, (Night, Night, only you wait,)
Numi, Numi, haderech reka. (Go to sleep, the road lies empty.)"
As the song died down a small smile erupted on Ziva's face. She sat herself beside Tali, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and whispering,
"One day everyone will see how talented you are."
Tali smiled as she pushed herself into Ziva. Ziva meant so much to her. Just to see her dance was a pleasure. She never forgot anything she said. Sometimes that was a bad thing but other times it was just wonderful. It had been months and months before her birthday when she showed Ziva the most beautiful locket she had ever seen. On her birthday it was there, beautifully wrapped under her pillow like the tooth fairy did. She always knew just what to say. She was the best big sister in the world.
"Ani ohevet ot'cha, akhoti (I love you)," Tali whispered
Ziva smiled, lifting her small sister up into her bed. She tucked her in before flicking little locks of fringe from her face.
"That tickles," Tali laughed.
Her giggle caused a chain of them. Within seconds both where laughing loudly, neither really knowing why. As they calmed down they wore huge childish smiles.
"Goodnight tataleh," She kissed her sister's forehead. "Happy birthday."
Just before she exited the room she turned and whispered, just loud enough to hear.
"Ani ohevet ot'cha, akhoti (I love you)."