A/N: So I'm going to do something I don't normally do. Originally this chapter ended up being over 10,000 words and that seemed like quite a mouthful, so I broke it up. Instead of being 3 parts the 'Good Cop' segment will now be 4 parts. A lot of the reason is that I'm short on pre-written chapters and this gives me an extra week to get some work done so I won't actually have to take a whole week off from posting. Also a reminder that just because a chapter is labeled with the title of an episode does not mean the episode will be the focus. This part is revolving more around what happens out of the office than what happens in the office. Thanks for everything guys, you're all fabulous! :) ~Aliyah
Thursday November 5 (end of)/Friday November 6 (beginning of)
Hours later Tony and Ziva finally dragged in the door of their house, thoroughly worn out from the extended time out with their friends. The burden of the secret became greater and ever harder to hide outside the office, requiring extra energy and concentration. Between that and the way Tony was constantly and subtly stealing bites off her plate so the others wouldn't see how much she wasn't eating, and the one time he was sure Gibbs caught onto the little touches the couple were continually sneaking when the table covered their actions, it made for a challenging evening.
Tony dropped his backpack, coat, and jacket on the floor and rubbed his face. "Boy am I bushed."
Ziva's forehead wrinkled as she tried to equate shrubbery with the tiredness she knew he felt, but she could not make the connection and gathered her hair to the side. "I am tired as well. Let us just go to bed Tony."
He gave a slight smile. "You know those are some of my favourite words, right?"
She rolled her eyes. "To sleep Anthony." But there was no bite behind the words and he resolved to continue making comments like that on a regular basis until they reached a point where indulging in physical pleasure was more in the realm of reality rather than fantasy.
With a quick change of clothes and abbreviated teeth brushing, the couple fell into bed sometime after eleven. Ziva slept heavily for a few hours, but then grew restless as grainy images began snaking into her subconscious. She tossed and turned when she found herself standing on a hill above the camp, watching three guards beat a young woman with their feet and guns. She wanted to cry out, to stop them, but then the woman rolled over and in horror Ziva stared at her own bloody face and ugly, bruised body. Slowly, ever so slowly, blood began to trickle from her wounds, and as it seeped into the coarse sand she felt the life inside her drain away. Just before Ziva fell to the ground and closed her eyes in death, a hand grabbed her shoulder and her eyes flew open, a gagging, gasping sound tearing from her throat.
She reached blindly towards the nightstand for Moses, and the lamp, fumbling so badly that the alarm clock was knocked to the floor and her cellphone fell between the night stand and bed. Two strong arms closed around her and a warm, solid body mirrored the position of hers. "Hey, hey, hey, Zi, it's okay. It's over honey, it's over. Shh...you're okay."
Ziva trembled violently. "The light...I-I need the light."
He nodded. "Okay babe." Rolling over, Tony touched the lamp on his side and a soft glow burst into the darkness. He quickly returned to his previous place, watching as Ziva fought to keep her eyes open, to see the light and the familiar deep, ocean blue walls of their bedroom instead of the desert. But the nightmare was so close and she whimpered, again stretching her arm out for Moses. Tony stopped her and shook his head. "No Zi, not him. I'm right here. If you need someone to cry on, use me."
She turned to her other side after a moment of thought and grabbed a handful of his t-shirt. Tony tucked her body against him securely, one hand cupping the back of her head, the other one firmly around her back and waist. Stormy tears soaked his shirt and he ached for feeling so utterly helpless to offer her any comfort. After awhile, broken whispered words reached his ears. "I should have died."
Tony took hold of her upper arms and pushed her back. "No Ziva," he declared vehemently, "no. Don't you ever say that again. Don't wish yourself out of my life. I'd walk through healing with you a thousand times if that meant I got to have you back alive." His tone softened at her tear washed eyes and he sighed. "I'm sorry honey, I just can't stand the thought of being without you. Please don't ask me to live like that again."
"I'm sorry," she managed hoarsely. "But you only see it from the outside. You have no idea what it looks like on the inside."
The words 'tell me' hovered on the tip of his tongue, but Tony didn't want to fight with her at three in the morning. His thumb rubbed gently over her bottom lip. "What can I do?"
Ziva moved away and sat up, looking around the room. "I don't know. Maybe nothing." She searched for an escape but reality was a cruel master, keeping her shackled to a past she wanted no part of. "I think I am going to do...something," she said at last. "Go back to sleep Tony." Ziva stood and tied a robe around herself, then shuffled out the door.
Tony got partially dressed and leaned against the doorframe, watching as she puttered around the livingroom, drifted in and out of the office, refolded dishtowels, washed the few dishes in the sink and dried them with meticulous attention to detail, rearranged the fridge, alphabetized all the letters on the Scrabble board sitting on the coffee table, and lined up shoes neatly by the door, all without realizing he was there.
When she started organizing the boxes in their cupboard from tallest to shortest, Tony finally stepped in. He pulled her hand away. "No Ziva, no more. Come on." He walked backwards towards their room. "Come back to bed."
Ziva balked but he continue to lead her, talking softly the whole time. She reluctantly joined him in bed and was asleep before he got to a hundred sheep. Tony, however, lay awake another hour, searching for things that might help. When an idea finally came to him he smiled and closed his eyes, getting two and a half hours before his cell rang. It was McGee, nervously inquiring if they were coming in because Gibbs had been starting daggers at his senior field agent's desk for about fifteen minutes and it was starting to creep him out.
Sitting bolt upright Tony looked for the clock only to remember that it was on the floor somewhere and groaned. "On our way. Be there as soon as we can."
He closed the phone and leaned over to touch his wife's shoulder. "Hey, wake up Zi. Come on babe, we missed the alarm." It had probably gotten shut off when the clock fell.
Ziva blinked sluggishly and Tony repeated the words. As soon as they filtered through the haze of exhaustion, she was up and out of bed, gathering her hair into a ponytail and grabbing the first clean clothes she could see. Tony went for jeans and a deep red dress shirt, more casual than he'd dressed in a couple years. While Ziva got her things together, Tony grabbed them each a piece of fruit and two slices of bread, buttered and stuck together. He had his doubts whether Ziva would even finish one since she would likely start with the fruit first, but at least he was giving her the opportunity to have more.
By the time they made it into the office the couple was almost a whole hour late and Gibbs was glowering. "Sorry Boss, alarm clock issue. Won't happen again," he rattled off the excuse, trying to keep Ziva's nightmares out of it and also hoping to avoid a direct question of why they were in the same bed and relying on the same alarm clock.
Ziva did nothing but offer her boss a morose attempt at a smile, and from her eyes he could see that something wasn't right. But he wouldn't ask where the others could hear, he might even wait and let her come to him. The team was buried in paperwork for the day and not having anything active to do made it even harder for the sleep-deprived partners to focus. In early afternoon Tony escaped to the alcove to put his plan for helping into action. Dialing a number, he leaned back on the wall and yawned, waiting for his friend to pick up.
"Coach MacKay," Brent answered on the third ring.
Tony forced a grin. "Hey Swish." It was the gym teacher's planning period, so he knew he wasn't interrupting class.
Brent dropped his pen and smiled. "Big D, what brings you to my office?"
Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. "Need a favour bro, for Ziva."
"Anything," his friend promised immediately.
He sighed. "She's having a really rough week, lots of nightmares. Remember when I asked if we could borrow Cody sometime? Well, I'm cashing that in now."
"Done," Brent agreed. "I'll bring him by tonight. What time?"
Tony felt like crying in relief. "Probably about five-thirty." On a day filled with folders and old case files, Gibbs wasn't likely to keep them past normal quitting time. "I'll text you if we're going to be late."
"No problem." He twisted the phone cord around his fingers. "Want me to spread the word D? We all care and...you know how Cassie and Mark feel about prayers."
"Right now we'll take all the help we can get," Tony stated. "Sure, tell them. And Swish? Thanks."
"We do whatever it takes for brothers," Brent reminded him. "Don't ever think you can't ask."
With that he hung up and Tony closed his eyes. They really needed to catch a break.
NCIS
Tony and Ziva had just walked in the door when there came a knock. On his way to the bathroom, Tony asked Ziva if she could get it. She did, and was surprised by who she found. "Brent, Cody, hello."
Brent gave her an easy smile. "Hey Ziva. Cody wanted to come by and say hi."
Ziva knelt to receive the dog's overjoyed greeting and kissed the top of his head. "You are always welcome, both of you."
"Thanks." The two companions stepped in and Brent kept the leash tight so Cody couldn't wander around sniffing the whole place. "Tony here?"
He came out of the bathroom and grinned. "Hey guys."
Ziva looked between the men. "Would you like to stay for supper Brent? I am not sure what we are having yet, but I can make enough for three."
Brent hesitated. Any other time he would've said yes. "Uh, I wish I could Ziva, but I have basketball practice in twenty minutes. I really just came by to-"
Tony took over from there. "I asked him to come honey."
Her eyebrows drew together. "Why?"
"Brent's letting us borrow Cody for a couple days. I thought it might help. You know, with the nightmares."
Ziva turned away, embarrassed, but at that point Brent let Cody go and moments later a nose poked the back of her knee. When she didn't look, Cody pawed her leg. Unable to resist the animal for long, she sank into a crouch and fondled his ears. "Shalom ha-chaver sheli. Are you here to help?"
"Please don't feel like you have to hide the hard parts from us Ziva," Brent implored. "You've got nothing to be embarrassed about."
Her eyes finally rose to meet his. "Thank you Brent. I think..." she ran her hand down Cody's back, "I think he will be good for me."
"Me too." He walked over to ruffled his dog's fur. "You be a good boy Code, I'll see you soon." Brent looked up at Tony. "Though with Ziva around I sincerely doubt he's going to miss me." He nodded towards the door. "Help me with his stuff?"
"Sure." Outside Brent dug a folded piece of paper from his pocket. "That's instructions on caring for Cody. His food and toys are in the trunk."
Tony accepted a basket of things and set it down to shake Brent's hand. "Really man, thanks."
"Hope it works," were Brent's parting words. "See you Sunday Big D."
Tony waved and headed back inside, talking to himself as the car drove away. "I hope this works too. Because after this I am all out of ideas."
NCIS
Brent showed up five minutes before practice and found fifteen second and third graders staring at him. "Coach, you're late," a brave kid in the back piped up.
Late only meant that he had never not been there before them. Brent grinned and draped the whistle around his neck. "Sorry gang, but Cody had a date so I stopped to drop him off." Giggles drifted through the group - almost two months after the team had formed they were all well used to the Cody stories he shared at every practice. One eyebrow rose as he scanned his players. "But, you all standing there like frogs on a log is not what I should see even if I am late." He crossed his arms. "Anyone want to sell me what I should see?"
Ryan tentatively raised a hand. "Practice?"
Brent nodded. "Exactly. Now hop to it." As if it had been planned, they all started hopping towards the rack of balls like little bunny rabbits. He rolled his eyes. "Very funny. Warm up drill, line sprints." The kids groaned but spread out across the court behind the black line that bordered the gym and took off at the blowing of the whistle. He put them through it for three minutes and then relented, pointing to the boxes of green and blue pinnies. "Nathan and Alysha, you guys did awesome helping me clean up last week, so you get to be team captains. Grab pinnies and choose your teams. Last four are my pick and if there's an odd man or woman out, they get to be my shadow. Let's go!"
Two sharp blasts got things moving and soon a high energy game was in the works. Brent paced along the sidelines calling out encouragement and guidance to both sides. Jessica, the youngest girl, followed him doggedly, holding a clipboard and marking down whatever he told her - mostly notes for who needed to work on what, but also things the kids were doing right too. A few times he even let her blow the whistle for fouls, knowing it would make her feel important.
By the end of the hour almost every kid's energy was spent and he gave them a standing ovation as they came off the court. "Great job everyone, you all did fantastic. I was seeing some really great teamwork out there. Do I have two volunteers for putting balls and pinnies away?"
Several hands flew up and he chose Ryan and Breanna who, along with Wes, had become fast friends over the last three weeks between basketball practice and school. Brent was gathering his things together when CJ walked up and held out a cup of coffee, dropping three sugar packets on the bench beside his bag. "I figured a guy whose favourite drink is a chocolate milkshake probably likes extra sugar."
He accepted it with a grin. "You guessed right, and thanks. What do I owe you?" Brent never liked to expect anything from the parents, and even his friends had to fight to treat him.
CJ shook her head, eyes seeking out her son as he helped Breanna chase down the balls, laughing when she tossed a green pinny at him. "This one I owed you Brent. Thank you." She swallowed. "Ryan has never been this happy before. You helped him fit in and now he's got friends." CJ blinked a few times. "It's a really beautiful thing to watch."
Brent kept an eye on the kids leaving and waved at a couple parents. "My pleasure CJ. You have a great kid there. He works hard and does a good job." He blew on the coffee. "Ryan mentioned his grandpa plays basketball with him?"
CJ nodded. "My dad, bless his heart, has tried his hardest to fill the dad sized hole in Ryan's heart. It's not the same and he's often busy with work, but they adore each other."
Fidgeting with his whistle, Brent took a chance. "Can I ask, about Ryan's dad?"
She looked at him sharply, but realized the question was a natural one in the context of their conversation. Chewing on the inside of her lip, she finally shook her head. "No, not yet. Maybe...after we've known each other awhile." It was not a part of her story she owned proudly, even if she had gotten a pretty great kid out of the deal.
Brent accepted the answer, forcing himself to remember it had only been three weeks since they met and they'd probably spent less than an hour together all told. "Fair enough. And CJ," she turned back from going to get her son, "I look forward to getting to know both of you." Shy suddenly, her gaze fell and she barely nodded before catching Ryan's attention.
"Come on monkey, Gran promised dessert tonight if you did a good job."
Ryan looked hopefully at Brent. "Did I Coach?"
Brent grinned. "Absolutely buddy. Have a good night. Enjoy dessert, you earned it."
He beamed and waved, "Thanks," then ran to follow his mom.
Watching them go, Brent felt a tug on his heart. He could really get used to being the man in Ryan Taylor's life, and maybe one day, in CJ's too.
NCIS
Once Brent left Tony stood staring between Cody and the list from his owner. "Well, this should be interesting." He hadn't really thought any further ahead than getting the dog.
Ziva rolled her eyes and ran her hand over Cody's head. "We will be fine Tony." She headed for the kitchen and Cody stayed on her heels. She opened the fridge and cupboard doors and slowly turned pages in her recipe book. "What do you think about macaroni and cheese? It will take about an hour and a half."
Tony shrugged. "Works for me. Need an assistant?"
Ziva's eyes twinkled. "It will go faster if I have one."
He was at her side in two strides. "Put me to work." Cody pushed in between them, keeping his place by Ziva, and Tony's eyebrows rose. "Oh buddy, you're going to have a fight on your hands if you do that all weekend."
She bent to kiss Cody's muzzle. "He did not mean that." The look she gave Tony strongly suggested that he not. Ziva gave him a knife and an onion. "Here, chop this finely please."
Tony did as he was told and Ziva started water for the pasta. She also got him to mix ingredients for the sauce while she searched the freezer for bread crumbs. Finally it was in the oven and they both fell onto the couch with Cody collapsing happily at Ziva's feet. Tony reached for their rings in a little dish on the end table and pushed his on. Ziva held out her hand and Tony kissed the spot first before sliding them into place. "What do you think babe? Movie?"
It felt like so long since they'd done something as simple as sit and watch a movie, so she nodded. "Yes please."
He went to the bookcases and his eyebrows rose in question. "Thinking of one in particular?"
Ziva reached up to toy with her necklace and her face fell when all she encountered was the fabric of her top. Averting her eyes and hoping he hadn't noticed, she slipped her hands between her knees and searched her memory for movies they had seen together. "Save The Last Dance?"
That surprised Tony but he found it quickly on her shelf. "Good choice." The selection also made him think. Ziva was nowhere near ready to dance, not when just walking still tired her out, but one day she would be strong again and when that day came he was going to start encouraging all her deepest dreams.
During the hour their supper was cooking Tony and Ziva slowly got closer together until she was leaning back against his chest, one hand resting casually on his leg. Tony turned his face to breath in her hair and smiled, because nothing topped a moment like this. He was the one who got up to dish out supper, bringing utensils, salt and pepper, and ketchup with him on the first trip, and two shallow bowls of pasta on the second. Ziva set hers on her lap and looked at it so long he thought maybe she'd changed her mind. Then she stabbed one crescent shaped noodle and brought it to her mouth, chewing slowly. That seemed to pique her interest and for twenty minutes she slowly ate pieces of macaroni one at a time.
She didn't finish the whole thing, but enough to make Tony happy, then set the bowl aside and got comfortable on the floor with Cody, who was in his glory at having her undivided attention. Once the movie was over, Tony stretched out on the couch and put his face close to Ziva's, blowing on her neck. "Now what?"
Ziva's head lolled back on the cushion. "Bed."
He chuckled. "The lack of sleep is catching up to you, huh?"
Her eyes shadowed and she studied his face. "It is getting you too."
Tony shrugged. "I'm a cop Zi, I can handle it." Catching a glimpse of the crumpled list on the coffee table, he got to his feet. "Ready to go out boy?"
At the word 'out' Cody leapt up, tongue hanging out and tail wagging excitedly. Ziva smiled. "I guess that is a yes." She was having trouble keeping her eyes open. "I would come..."
"But you need to be in bed," he finished. "S'okay. Cody and I can handle ourselves." That being said, it was a new neighbourhood and Cody felt compelled to sniff every pole and bush and fire hydrant, making his territory extensively until Tony was sure he had to be on empty. When he tugged at the leash for the tenth time the dog finally settled down to business, but it was almost nine before they made it home.
Tony let Cody inside, unclipped the leash, and Cody searched the house for Ziva, snuffling unhappily when she was nowhere to be found. Seeing the closed bedroom door, Tony made an educated guess about her whereabouts, brushed his teeth, locked them in for the night, and switched off the lamp by the couch. He kept hold of Cody's collar when they entered the darkened room where his wife was already sleeping and ordered the dog to lay down on her side.
Giving Tony a look like he'd taken away all Cody's fun by not letting him greet Ziva, the well trained golden retriever still obediently circled a spot on the floor three times and curled into a ball. Tony shed his clothes, donned pyjamas, and crawled carefully under the covers. Ziva never even stirred, but after the week they'd had he couldn't help but wonder how long her sleep would last.
NCIS
The question was, unfortunately, answered around midnight when Cody's whines alerted Tony that something wasn't right. Groggily he turned over and saw Ziva gripping the sheets tightly, a sheen of sweat on her face and neck, her expression one of pain. He couldn't bear to see her that way and shook her shoulder. "Ziva." The nightmare had her hard and she shrank away. Tony sighed and called her name louder. "Ziva!"
Tears were already streaming down her cheeks when she came out of it and Cody pressed in as close as he could get without jumping on the bed, lapping up the salty drops and whining at her obvious distress. Feeling his soft tongue on her skin, Ziva rolled over and buried her face in Cody's fur, her fingers twining into his coat. From right behind her Tony watched his wife's body shake with the nearly soundless sobs and he shifted over to wrap his arms around her, the only comfort he could offer. Words were meaningless at times like this.
She fell asleep like that, cuddled by both of the 'men' who loved her, and Tony eventually reached out to pet Cody, who sat with his muzzle resting on the bed inches from Ziva's face, watching her with dark, concerned eyes. "Thanks boy," he whispered hoarsely. "It may not seem like it, but I know you make this better for her." If only he could do the same. Tucking his head into the space between Ziva's neck and shoulder, Tony kissed the skin and prayed for a peaceful sleep.
NCIS
Saturday November 7
Tony and Ziva didn't get out of bed the next morning. At Cody's insistence Tony had taken him out earlier for a couple minute and got him some food, but ever since then neither man nor dog had moved. Finally Ziva rolled over and in doing so discovered that her husband was awake and watching her. She closed her eyes again and stretched. "I feel as if I could sleep forever."
He twirled a lock of hair around his finger. "I would suggest bed, all day, but you have a rule about that."
Ziva cuddled up to him, her fingers circling lazily across his chest. "I am rethinking that rule." A yawn cut her off and she sighed. "But just for today."
Tony adjusted his position a bit, rubbing her arm. "I could get behind that. But there is the small matter of food."
One eye peeked open. "There is no rule against breakfast in bed."
He chuckled. "Or lunch. Or dinner. However, in that case one of us does have to get up."
She flattened her palm over his heart, changing the subject and mood completely. "I am sorry."
Tony looked down to find her uncertain gaze fixed on him. "For what?"
Ziva didn't want to say it out loud. Once was enough. "Thursday," she murmured.
He dragged a hand over his face. "Oh." A minute passed before he thought of something to say. "Already covered that Zi."
She got a little distance from him. "But you have been nice to me. And everything so normal since we woke up on Friday. But it cannot be so easy. There must be more punishment for my sins than just your reaction that night."
Tony turned on his side to face her. "I think you've been punished enough honey. After four months it really needs to be over."
Ziva's tone was coloured with disbelief. "Just like that?"
He shrugged. "What else do you want me to do? Getting mad isn't going to help either of us heal. Ignoring you won't do anything for our marriage." Tony touched her rings. "The hurt is still there Ziva, very close to the surface, but I'm doing my best not to let it be a focus."
"I do not deserve you," came her wistful words.
"If we're being honest, I don't deserve you either. But we have each other, for better or worse. So now it's time to move forward." He stared into her chocolate eyes. "I don't want there to be anything between us."
Ziva's hand ghosted over his cheek. "I love you."
Tony kissed her palm. "Me too. Come on." He sat up. "I think we should go work on that breakfast thing."
As soon as they stirred Cody was on his feet, eager for attention. Ziva slid her legs out from under the covers and bent to pet her new friend. "Boker tov motek. Is it time to eat?"
Cody's tail wagged excitedly and Tony shook his head. "Uh-uhn. Nice try wise guy, but you've already been fed. Don't let that innocent face fool you Zi, he's lying."
She chuckled and led the way to the kitchen with Cody on her heels. "Perhaps we will find you a treat instead, yes?"
Tony swallowed down the urge to laugh. Ziva David had never been mush, but give her one fluffy, fun-loving golden retriever and there it was - proof that not even former assassins could resist big brown puppy dog eyes.
NCIS
Saturday was a lazy day - a lot of watching movies and old TV shows and hanging out on the couch in their pjs, with Cody snuggled up beside Ziva, his head in her lap and her fingers continually running over his silky ears, getting totally spoiled. But when Tony saw how much more relaxed she was with the animal around, he didn't even mind that he'd be vacuuming dog hair off the cushions later.
However, despite them being exhausted from both the emotional and physical effects of the whole week, Tony and Ziva eventually showered and dressed, looked up the nearest dog park, and took Cody for a walk. The social animal was in his glory with all the other pets - running around and yipping excitedly. Then, while Ziva sat on a bench with her book, Tony tossed an orange tennis ball over and over for Cody to chase. All in all it was a peaceful afternoon.
She was quieter when they got home, more locked inside herself until he found her waiting when he came out of the bathroom. "I am going to call Aunt Nettie and I need to talk to her alone, but would you like to come say hello?"
"Sure," Tony grinned, following his wife into the office. He pulled his chair over from the desk behind herself and they waited for the familiar face to appear on Ziva's screen.
The call was answered by Nettie, sipping her evening cup of tea. "Shalom dear ones, it is so good to see you."
"Hey Doda," Tony greeted her. "How're things?"
"Very well, thank you," the old woman replied. "And how are the two of you?" Before either could answer Cody, feeling left out, propped his front paws on Tony's chair, stood up, and barked. Nettie's eyebrows rose. "You have a kelev?"
He pushed Cody down. "Sit already." The dog planted his rump on the ground and gave Tony a petulant look. "No Doda," Tony chuckled, "he belongs to a friend of mine. Zi and I are just borrowing him for a few days."
Nettie's gaze shifted to her niece and a frown creased her brow. "What is it motek? You look very sad."
Tony stood and kissed his wife's head. "That's my cue. I'll be watching Strangers On a Train when you're done. I love you."
Ziva waited until the door clicked shut and dropped her hand to Cody's head. "I told Tony about Daniel." She closed her eyes. "Doda I feel as if I have cheated on him, as if I willingly gave my body to another man, and yet...he still forgives me."
"And you have no idea how that depth of love exists when the man who raised you after Rebecca's death taught you it was never okay to make a mistake. And if you did, judgement was swift and painful, your error dealt with but your guilt never absolved." Nettie sighed heavily. "I wish I could tell you something that made sense out of all this Zivi, but all I can say is how sorry I am for my brother's actions and their deep, far reaching consequences."
"You are not responsible for him," Ziva replied darkly. "Ani lo yada'at how you and Dod Asher could be so different from him." Her uncle had been a big, gentle man who loved his family and doted on his animals. She never so much as heard him raise his voice to anyone in all the years she knew him. Eli was all fire and passion, as Nettie was, but leaning towards darkness rather than light. Cody rested his head on her leg and Ziva sighed. "I know nothing from our three years of marriage that will tell me how to make this up to Tony." I don't know.
Nettie drank the rest of her tea and thought on this. "Sometimes there is no making up for things, sometimes there is only accepting forgiveness we do not deserve and start over. "Serious grey eyes studied her niece. "Instead of trying to fix your mistakes my love, learn from them and move forward." Her words echoed Tony's earlier. She flapped her hand. "Away with you now. I am going to bed. Talk to your husband little bird. I promise he is worth your trouble."
"Yes," Ziva contemplated as the screen went blank, "but am I worth his?"
She sat there several moments longer, calming herself by petting Cody. The rhythmic, repetitive motion soothed her spirit and the dog was in heaven from all the attention. Eventually she stood and left the room, her shadow tagging along. Tony was right when he said he'd be - on the couch watching Strangers On a Train. When she joined him, he paused the movie. "That was quick."
Ziva's nose wrinkled. "I got a lecture. But a good one," she assured him. Twisting her fingers together, she took a deep breath. "Do you know the word beshert?"
Sensing this was important, Tony turned towards her, giving his wife his full attention. "No, I can't say as it rings any bells." He paused. "What's it mean?"
"The concept comes from the Talmud. Before a child is even conceived, heaven has already declared who their true match will be. Beshert is life partner, soulmate, lover, best friend, other half." Ziva leaned over to kiss his cheek. "I just want you to know ahava, that you are mine."
Tony sat back and blinked. "Wow, I'm honoured." He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "I already knew I was all those things for you, because you're the same for me, but I'm really glad to hear you say it. Thank you honey."
She nodded and left to start supper. He watched closely while she gathered ingredients and began cooking, noting that the only time Ziva smiled was when she looked at Cody, who spent the entire time glued to her left leg. Tony decided right then and there that they really needed to get a dog.
Replies:
Emma - I'm glad to hear it :) No worries, I'm just glad to hear from people whenever they get the chance. Scuba diving sounds like fun. Only tried it once as part of gym class. I thought the air tasted weird. Well, it's still Z's voice even if she's reacting differently than on the show. I hear her voice in my head when I write. I'm glad you think I did well. Thanks for the offer, but I do all my own editing. For better or worse I need to be able to be good at it. And I like the chapters to be a surprise for everyone. Thanks for reviewing! :)
Sarah (MIT4) - you're welcome. I hope we see a favourable outcome to this campaign. Unfortunately now we're just at the wait and see time, and patience has never been one of my strengths. Thanks, I'm glad you liked the chapter :) haha...yeah, Eli's reaction, if he was even able to speak for being so angry, would be interesting. But we really don't need to go there when everything else is such a mess. I'm glad you liked the part with the kids. I used to go trick or treating when I was younger, but I'm not really into the whole Halloween scene. Aside from a few cavities, I'm not sure you missed much :P lol. Thanks for reviewing Sarah! No worries, I hope you had a great time at camp! :)
Sarah (MIT6) - You're welcome. And as you can see there's another one on this chapter for you too. I copied and pasted it into the wrong document, it should've been in MIT5 or 6, my apologies. I think that's what's really getting all of us now, is that Cote isn't saying anything about how or why this happened. CBS is spouting all this stuff that's trying to make them look good, but all we want is the truth. I watched the interview on YT, thanks for that. I only wish it was for this year's season premier :( That's all I've ever seen, even on her live chat in April, that Cote loves her job and her character and her cast-mates, so this just doesn't make any sense. Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. Well, I suppose if important people kept dying and getting hurt around me, I'd feel something similar to Z, but that's got to be a hard truth to believe. That was very hard for T and they're not really done with the issue yet, but I applaud the effort he is making to forgive her for the hurt. Thanks for reviewing Sarah! :)
