It's so surreal. To finally be together after so much heartache and time, it's all so surreal. But no matter how strange it feels, it's the best feeling in the world. There's a lot that still needs to be said and done but none of it seems so daunting when they're actually together. It's been a few silent minutes but he hasn't let go of her arm- almost can't let go. Has her skin always been so soft?
"Tony," she almost whispers, his name sounding so perfect on her lips. "what are you doing here?"
Tony smiles. He's actually quite scared of how much he likes the sound of her voice. It's not healthy to be so thoroughly in love with a voice. And it doesn't make sense because she's using the same vocal chords and muscles as everyone else and yet she's doing it so well. He's not sure how or if she's even aware but every time she speaks, even if it's to yell at him, Tony memorizes the sound. He's yet to hear a single word come out of her mouth that doesn't sound...right. Even if the word is wrong.
"Why do you think? He finally replies once he's finished admiring everything about her. "This is the best coffee in France." He points to the proud sign in the window behind her but she doesn't turn to look; just keeps her eyes trained on him.
She missed him. Every little thing about him, even the things that drive her absolutely mad. There's been so many times wherein she's wanted to literally strangle him, but for right now she just wants to admire him. The way his lips move when he talks, the way his hair moves in the wind because he hasn't brushed it, the way his fingers are wrapped around her forearm. The tee shirt he's wearing has a deeper V than she remembers ever seeing him in before and every now and then she can't help but stare at the little tuft of hair poking through. My God, he looks good.
"Honestly, Tony, why did you come here?" Ziva asks as seriously as she can while still so distracted by his presence. She's grateful that he doesn't make another joke, that he seems to know she needs words right now not smiles.
He sighs. There are so many things he should say- needs to say. He's thinking of movie lines, quotes and even songs but none of them fit, none of them are adequate. There's a monologue on the tip of his tongue waiting to spill out but when he opens his mouth only two words tumble out.
"For you." he says, almost with a chuckle. He's immediately reminded of Somalia and how, truth serum or no, "I couldn't live without you" is the most honest statement he ever made. And his words now ring with the same level of honesty which might be why Ziva is staring at him like that. "I mean what other reason is there?"
Her eyes water. She's not crying, wont let herself, but she's damn near close to it. "I'm not coming back to D.C., Tony. I have resigned and that's final." she reminds him. Or maybe she's reminding herself.
"I'm not here to bring you home, Ziva." Again, he's being totally honest and it's scaring them both but nothing has ever been sweeter. She's never looked into someone's eyes and literally seen pure honesty. No one other than Tony at least. But there also something else there in his eyes...
Could it be? That's not a strictly platonic look in his eyes. That's not a "love ya" look. That's an honest "I'm in love with you" look and Ziva wonders if it's as obvious on her face as it is on his.
"Why not?" she asks questioningly, unable to look away from his eyes or raise her voice any higher.
Tony smiles. "Because this," he says, sliding his hand down her forearm. She immediately turns her palm up so his rests flush against hers. "this right here is home."
