Title: "Ziva's Choice"
Summary: Ziva goes to Gibbs for help.
Category: Drama and hurt/comfort (could be considered AU by some)
Warnings: Spoilers for season 6 "Aliya" and season 7 "Truth or Consequences."
Disclaimer: Everything NCIS belongs to someone else. I love the show and am just borrowing for a minute.
Note: No beta. All mistakes are mine.
"Gibbs?"
Although barely audible, the voice was recognizable and Gibbs returned his weapon to the top of the coffee table.
"Ziva."
He acknowledged his middle of the night visitor and reached over to pull the chain to turn on the light.
"I am sorry for waking you."
She stayed standing near the door looking like she'd bolt any second.
He watched her and waited.
Many seconds passed and then a full minute.
He sat up, swinging his legs off the sofa.
"C'mon, sit down."
She didn't move.
He studied her. It had only been two days since they'd returned from Somalia. She was safe and clean, but her face still looked haunted.
She still didn't move.
He stood up.
She turned her gaze to the door.
He quickly took a couple of steps toward her.
"What can I do?"
It was enough and suddenly she was in his arms.
No tears.
Guiding her to the sofa they sat down, with her head on chest and his arms around her.
He stroked some strands of hair away from her face.
After being silent for many minutes, she finally spoke.
"I need to borrow some money."
Her request surprised him. Still, he'd do almost anything for her.
"Sure."
How much could it be?
"You do not want to know why?"
He must have shrugged without meaning to because she lifted her head and looked right at him.
Did she want him to ask?
"Only if you want to tell me."
She stared at him with those haunted eyes for a few seconds before laying her head back down.
Companionable silence.
Then in a small voice. "I need you to... please come with me... to a clinic in Maryland."
A clinic. She'd had her medical exams.
Saleem.
Captured, held hostage, tortured AND raped. He had suspected.
She had made her decision and he would support her, help her and keep her secret.
He kissed the top of his daughter's head and hugged her tighter.
The End