Dinner

4 Days Later

"Is this okay daddy?" Tali toddled into the living area, twirling in her new navy dress "Do you think she'll like it?"

"I'm sure Ziva will love it sweetheart," Tony dropped to her level, "Remember to be on your best behavior for her. I actually like this neighbor- don't go scaring her off like you did with Mrs. Connors."

"Alright," she nodded, "I'll go put on my headband."

"Want some help?"

"No tanks," she whispered, "I'll be okay." She smiled to herself and wandered into her bedroom.

There was a knock on the door a few seconds later ad Tony immediately went to answer it. Ziva grinned at him from across the threshold, looking lovely in a dark pink blouse and straight leg jeans. Her hair was in a chunky ponytail- it was more dressy than casual.

"Wow," he was momentarily lost for words, "You look nice. Would you like to come in?"

"Thank you," Ziva slid past him, "Not so bad yourself."

"I'm making couscous, that's Kosher, right?"

Ziva nodded, "Yes. You remembered."

"Considering when I invited you for dinner yesterday you were wearing your Star of David necklace, that might have been a clue. You're wearing it now." He pointed to it.

"You noticed," she smirked at him, "Where is Tali?"

"Just sorting her headband out, she'll be out in a tick."

"She'll be out in a flea?"

Tony struggled to keep a straight face as he watched her confused expression, "It's an expression- it means she'll be out soon."

Comprehension dawned on Ziva's face, "Oh."

Suddenly, a whirl of a child rushed onto Ziva, hugging her knees. She looked down to see Tali greeting her with a smile.

"Hello Ms. David," she grinned brightly, not in the least bit shy, "It's nice to meet you."

"You can call me Ziva," the Israeli bent down to the four year-old's level, "Tali- that's a pretty name. It's short for Talia, right?"

Tali nodded, "Yes. I love your necklace, it's so pretty- I like stars."

"Why thank. It's a special star- do you know what it is? It's the sign for Jewish people- it's called the Star of David."

"Daddy says that Jewish people are really nice. Is your name Hebrow?"

"Hebrew," Ziva corrected with a grin, "Yes, it is. It means 'splendid' or 'splendor,' depending on the origin. Your name is Hebrew too. Do you know what it means?"

"It means 'morning dew' or 'dew of Heaven.' Do you know what dew is?"

"The water that is on the flowers in the mornings, my teacher told me," Tali told her with a toothy grin, "What does daddy's name mean?"

"Anthony?" Ziva paused for a moment, "That it a Biblical name. It means a stupid idiot."

Tali burst out laughing, and Ziva did the same. Tony, even though he knew she was fooling around, was quite shocked about how comfortable she was saying that when they had only known each other for a few days. Maybe there was a connection.

"I'm just joking, Tali, it means 'worthy of praise' in real life."

"Oh," the young girl still had a smile on her features as Tony went to check on the food.

"Would you like to see the dollyhouse my Grandpa made for me for my birthday?"

"Okay," Ziva went back upright as Tali grabbed her hand and pulled her into the bedroom. Tony smiled- he was glad Talia was already warming up to Ziva.

It was a good few minutes before the couscous was ready, when Tony was set to call the girls in.

"It's ready!"

Ziva and Tali immediately went into the bathroom, washing their hands in cleanliness. They then entered into the dining room, where Tony politely opened Ziva's chair for her.

"Toda Raba," she grinned at him. His face slipped to confusion.

"It means thank you in Hebrew. I thought I'd improve your language exposure."

"What does that mean?" Tali looked confused.

"It doesn't matter," Tony shook his head, "Ready to begin?"

The girls nodded and the four year old immediately began to wolf it down her throat. Ziva burst out laughing, whilst Tony was torn between being stern or joining in.

"Small bites," he eventually commented, causing the grin to slide of Tali's face.

"Spoil-sport," Ziva stuck her tongue out at him.

Tony did it right back, before placing the couscous in his mouth.

"Daddy, we're putting on a play at school. Can you come?"

"When is it sweetie?"

"I'm not sure. I think sometime next month- we've already picked the parts."

"This is the first you've told me about it. What are you playing?"

"I'm playing a dog!" Tali announced proudly, "It's an impr… I can't say it."

"Improvised," Ziva jumped in, "It means it's made up on the spot with little script."

"That."

Tony and Ziva shared a knowing look, before continuing with their food. The rest of the conversation was many chit-chat and small talk. Before long, Tony brought out desert- cupcakes which he and Tali had made. She'd decorated them and even though they were messy, they were delicious too!

"These are lovely, Talia," Ziva finished her final bite with a smile, "Very well done."

"Thank you Ziva," the four-year old grinned toothily.

"I would love to stay, but I am expecting a delivery so I need to go in case it's early," she smiled at the pair, "Thank you for the amazing evening- I've had a nice time."

"I'll walk you to your door," Tony offered, "Tali, say bye-bye to Ziva."

"But I want her to stay!" the little girl protested.

"I have to go, sorry," Ziva kissed her forehead, "Maybe another time?"

"Yes, please."

"Go pick some PJs sweetie, and I'll be out in a minute," Tony told her as he followed Ziva out of the kitchen and into the living area.

He opened the door and let Ziva out.

"I guess I'll be seeing you," Tony told her with a grin.

"Yeah," Ziva leant forward and kissed his cheek, "Goodbye."

He didn't respond, instead touching the area where her lips had impacted with his face.

"Bye," he finally spoke, but too late.

Hey guys! I had an RE GCSE today- in Y9! It'll go towards half of my final grade so I must do well! I can get the results in August, but I'd rather not go to school in summer.

Thanks for all of your reviews! Keep the coming!

razmend- Do you?

NCIS Tiva Fan Forever- All will be revealed in the chapters to come. But not just yet.

Semper Fi xxx