Hey guys! This chapter is short, but I felt it was needed to see some sweet Tiva times before we get back to the angst! Please review and enjoy!
Chapter 2
Tony woke up the next morning with his body curled around Ziva's. He reached over and touched her hair, her neck and shoulder, his hand found rest at her waist as he looked her over. She was radiant and vulnerable in her sleep. She looked young and carefree. After finally admitting their feelings for each other the previous night, Ziva had needed his comfort to calm the tears that rocked her body. They had stood in the hallway for several minutes, Tony just holding her. They hadn't continued their kiss or gone any further. Once she was clam, Tony picked her up and carried her to the bed. She kept apologizing to him, telling him that she was afraid she had lost him forever. Tony felt so guilty in this moment for the way he had spoken to her. He had caused her pain and tears. He knew though, that if he hadn't acted and spoken the way he did, that she never would've admitted her love for him. He imagined how different today would be. Instead of laying here with the woman he loved, sleeping beside her, he would be in Vance's office requesting a transfer and looking for a place to live. It sounded crazy to him now, but he was resolved to do so if Ziva did not tell him once and for all where she stood. There was still a lingering sense of betrayal in his heart until he realized that if he had gone to Israel with Ziva that he would've been her moment of weakness. And he was glad that it was Adam. He would never want his first time with Ziva to feel like a mistake.
Ziva stirred and opened her eyes to find Tony already awake and deep in thought. She looked over his face and bare chest. He was so gorgeous right now, breathtaking even. She tried to push these thoughts from her mind, because she knew they still had things to settle. But she just kept staring at him, looking in his eyes now. He looked back and tried to assess the current state of Ziva's thoughts. He wondered if she regretted telling him, wondered if she felt forced into it. He felt that familiar pang of guilt return. He suddenly felt the need to make it right. He pushed the hair back that had fallen across her forehead and placed his lips where it had been. He put his hand on Ziva's neck and began trailing soft kisses all over her face. An automatic smile appeared on Ziva's face as he said, "Good morning, beautiful." She touched his face and replied, "Good morning, Tony." She wanted to say more. To make sure they were ok. To ask him where they were going from here. Would life continue how it had for so long, or would they really be together now? Ziva didn't voice these questions, because she knew Tony didn't have the answers. She knew they would have to decide together. Mostly, she wanted to tell him how she didn't feel alone, how his arms around her and his presence made her feel more peaceful than she had in months.
She knew though, that right now the most important thing was making him feel her love. She had told him last night that she loved him, but he had shown her his love for her. He had carried her in and slept with his arms around her. Ziva moved her hand to Tony's face and kissed him so softly on the lips. She pulled back and said, "Thank you for staying, I slept so good beside you." Tony smiled and said, " There's nowhere else I would rather be." She knew he meant it. She felt a blush appear on her face. She had been in so many relationships, but never had anyone been as sweet as Tony. She wasn't sure she could get used to it. He was always saying and doing whatever was best for her. Even last night, when he was downright mean to her, she knew it was best. That she needed to let her feelings for him out in the open and that she probably never would've if he hadn't made her do so.
The fact remained thought, that the pair were deeply in love with each other and that, no matter what they would make it right. Tony wanted to talk about so many things. But right now, he wanted to feel her mouth on his. There would be plenty of time to talk over the weekend. Today, they had to get to work and didn't have much more time to be alone. So he leaned in and really kissed her for the first time. An electric spark moved through them as he deepened their kiss. She felt her fingers and toes tingle as his hands moved around her back and thighs. Her hands were on his chest, his stomach, wanting to feel his skin. Tony immediately pushed her lower back toward him to bring her body as close to his as possible. All the while their mouths and tongues dancing together in a beautiful display of love and passion for the other. They each felt the fire burning for the other. A fiery inferno that they had no time to release this morning. Ziva was the one who pulled back first when her alarm clock went off signaling she had to start getting ready for work. "Tony, we have to stop, it's time to get ready, if we are late Gibbs will suspect something's up." Just then a worried look crossed their faces as they said in unison, "Gibbs."