A/N: Here ya guys go! I told you that you would get a real chapter today. This one is pushing 4,000 words, so it better last you guys awhile. The next month I'll be basically without internet so I won't be able to get a new chapter up till August. To everyone who have left reviews for I believe the last two chapters, sorry if I never replied. It's been really busy for me since school let out, but I'll try to reply from now on. I don't really have anything else to say, so... here's the next chapter of Lost Relations! Enjoy!


McGee came down to Abby's lab a couple hours later to find the twins immersed in a story that Abby, Tony, and Ziva were animatedly telling them, reenacting parts, and waving their hands in emphasis. McGee grinned, knowing that his planned worked. He waited for the story to be over before interrupting the group.

"Hey guys, Gibbs wants everyone in the bullpen." Looked over at Abby. "You too, Abs." The group of six headed up to the bullpen to find out what Gibbs wanted.

When they all made it back to their desks, everyone looked over at Gibbs, who was sitting at his own desk, writing something. The four adults glanced around before Tony coughed loudly to get their boss's attention. When Gibbs finally look up, he took his glasses off and looked around. "What?" He asked.

Matt and Andrea both started chuckling while McGee cleared his throat. "Uh, you wanted us all up here to tell us something, Boss?" He pressed cautiously.

Gibbs nodded. "Yeah. To tell you all to go home." With a final, short nod, Gibbs resumed writing, indicating that the conversation was over. Abby pulled McGee out of his chair and started dragging him away.

"Come on, Tim! Gibb's letting us all go early! We could catch a movie!" Abby exclaimed, jumping up and down in front of the elevator. McGee followed behind, shooting at glance over his shoulder as a quick goodbye.

Tony chuckled and started getting all his stuff together. Matt and Andrea watched him before turning and watching Ziva do the same. Andrea walked over to her desk and watched every move Ziva made.

Finally Ziva stopped and looked over at the girl. "Yes, Andrea?" She asked.

Andrea glanced down quickly before shooting a quick glance to Tony and Matt. "Are you going to come with us tonight?" She asked quietly.

Ziva looked over at Gibbs, who pretended he hadn't heard the child's question. She turned back to Andrea and shrugged. "If Agent Gibbs says it's okay and Tony say it's okay."

Andrea smiled and ran over to Gibbs. She whispered in his ear before running over to Tony and doing the same.

Ziva watched as Tony glanced over at her and locked eyes. He smiled before looking down at Andrea. He nodded and whispered in her ear.

Andrea grinned and ran back to Ziva. She grabbed her hand excitedly. "They both said you could! So can you?" She asked, her eyes pleading.

Ziva smiled and cupped the child's face. "How could I say no?"

Andrea grinned again and gave her a hug. "Yes!" She squealed. She grabbed Ziva's hand and drug her over to Tony's desk. "Tony! Ziva's coming with us!" She exclaimed.

Tony and Ziva both laughed at Andrea's excitement, and locked eyes, smiling at the fact that they got to spend the night together, even if they had kids to look after now.

After several interruptions from the twins, the group of four finally made their way out of NCIS and into Tony's car to go to his apartment. The car ride was silent, as Matt and Andrea took in their surroundings and Ziva watched Tony, who was nervously fidgeting as he drove. She silently placed a hand on Tony's knee as a reassuring gesture. He smiled at her and turned back to the road.

The four of them finally made their way into Tony's apartment. The kids looked around and drop their bags on the floor. Tony stood there awkwardly, unsure what to do. Ziva could see his hesitancy and clapped her hands together to get everyone's attention.

"How about we get Matt and Andrea settled before we figure anything else out, shall we?" She said, walking towards Tony's room To grab the air mattress that she knew was tucked away in his closet.

While Ziva was in his room, Tony looked back at the twins, who were sitting on the couch waiting for him to do something. He sat down next to them. "Are you guys hungry?" He asked.

They both shook their heads, still not talking. They haven't uttered a word since they left the base.

Tony sighed and stood up. "Okay. How about we get you guys ready for bed then."

They followed him to the bathroom, where he should them everything so they could get ready themselves. Tony stood by the doorway, just watching them. He was confused and scared at the fact that his life is now changed forever, but was feeling a little amazed and even thrilled. He watched as the two kids worked together without even speaking. It reminded him of him and Ziva in the way that they communicate the best without uttering a single word to each other. For the first time since he learned that he was a father, Tony gave a true, but small, smile.

While Tony handled the kids, Ziva put up the air mattress in Tony's room. She knew that Tony would want the kids to sleep in the beds and the adult would share the couch. She looked up to see Matt and Andrea watching her from the doorway. Ziva gave them a welcoming smile and invite them into the room.

"You two can have Tony's bed and the air mattress tonight. Tony and I will take the couch and floor in the living room." She said as they watched her silently.

Matt looked up and seemed to snap out of his trance. He looked at the bed and air mattress and shook his head. We can take the living room. That's what we are used to. Couches and air mattresses."

Ziva shook her head. "No, I insist." You two take the room."

Tony walked into the bedroom and smiled at Ziva. She smiled back, glad to see that it looked like he was finally relaxing. "What are you insisting Ziva?"

"That the children sleep in your room tonight. I told them that we will take the living room but Matthew insist that we have the bedroom."

Tony looked at the kids with a concerned frown. "Yeah, you guys get the room."

Andrea spoke up before Matthew could respond. "We have been sleeping on couches and air mattresses ever Mom was entered into the hospital. That's familiar to us, so we would like to do that, please."

The two adults looked at each other, inwardly wincing at the mention of the deceased mother. Ziva smiled at them. "Of course then. Tony can bring the air mattress out to the living room for us." She herded the twins into the living room and left Tony standing alone in the bedroom.

"Hey! No-one's going to help me?" He called out.

Ziva turned her head towards him, smiling. "Nope."

Tony smirked. "Fine, I'll get it." He called as he drug the air mattress into the living room.

Once everything was set up and there were sheets and pillows laid out, Ziva and Tony sat down with the twins to relax and watch a movie.

After the movie, Ziva turned towards Tony and saw that Andrea was asleep, curled up against his side and his arm around her shoulder, holding her close. She smiled at the sight, but blushed when he caught her looking at him. Matt, who was sitting on the floor in front of the couch, looked up. He yawned, grabbing the adults' attention.

Ziva took his arm and gently pulled him up onto the couch. "I think it is time to sleep, Matt." She said, pulling a blanket over him once he he was comfortably situated. Tony nodded in agreement while he slid out from beside Andrea and covered her with a blanket too. Both adults stood up and headed off to the bedroom, Tony muttering goodnights to both kids.

Ziva stopped and turned at the doorway. "Goodnight Matt." She called, watching him curl up on the other side of the couch. He nodded in reply, but said nothing as he closed his eyes and went to sleep. Ziva smiled and walked into the bedroom.

She found Tony sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. She gave a slight smile at the sight of the queen-sized bed that now occupied the room instead of the previous double-bed. She turned her attention to Tony and walked over to him. Ziva wrapped her arms around his abdomen and laid her head against his chest. Tony silently wrapped his arms around her and they held each other in an embrace for several minutes before Ziva looked up at him and pulled away to sit next to him.

"You can talk to me Tony. I'll listen to whatever you tell me." She whispered.

Tony looked up from the spot on the ground and gave her a smile, his green eyes glittering with regret and sadness. "Thanks Ziva." He whispered, his voice hoarse.

Ziva sighed and turned to face him. "Tony, I know you are sad, but you need to talk about. Tell me about her. It will help."

He nodded, his eyes drifting across the room. He looked at the floor again before taking a deep breath. "I loved her, Ziva. A-after Wendy, I was lost, but she changed all of that."

Ziva grabbed his hand and their fingers intertwined. "Tell me about her, about you two."

Tony have a sad smile. "We had dated back in college, but we moved apart after graduation. I was going to different jobs as a cop and she pursued a medical degree to become a nurse. After I joined NCIS and after Wendy, I was picking coffee up for Gibbs one day and I ran into her. We started talking and ended up dating. We dated for a little over a year before we broke up." He paused, taking a shaky breath.

Ziva used her free and and rested it on his arm. "What happened?" She whispered.

He took another deep breath and continued. "We met for supper after a hard day at work. Gibbs and I were getting a suspect and a shootout started. She asked me about my day so I told her. She was concerned and we talked about other job possibilities. After the conversation started, we ended up fighting. She wanted me to take a different career because she didn't want to lose me like she did her father. After the whole ordeal, she walked away and I never saw her again." He paused and Ziva saw a stray tear form in his eyes. "I...I was going to propose that evening. I tried to contact her after she left, but it got to the point where her mother threatened a restraining order. I had to face the facts and move on, but I never forgot her."

Ziva watched as a single tear slid down his face. She reached up wiped it away. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

Tony shrugged. "Gibbs knew. He had even met her. I didn't know she was pregnant. If I knew that I wouldn't have let her walk away. I would have fought for her, Ziva. I...I never stopped loving her." He hung his head and closed his eyes in defeat.

Ziva rubbed his arm, thinking if what to say. She didn't know how to respond or how to comfort him. "Have you told Matt and Andrea this?"

Tony shook his still hanging head. "No."

"You need to, Tony." She pressed.

Tony let go of her hand and stood up, running both hands through his hair. "I know I have to, but I can't right now. Not yet."

Ziva stood up, following him. "You will though right?"

Tony turned and faced her. "I will."

They stood there, quietly talking, unaware that Matt had walked over and was standing outside the door, listening.

Ziva looked up at Tony. "Have you said her name?"

Tony shook his head. "No."

Ziva gave him a look. "It helps Tony. When Tali died, I didn't say her name for a long time, but when I did, I felt a weight lift off me when her name was finally said. Just say her name."

Tony shook his head again. "I understand what you're saying, but I just can't Ziva." He paused to take a breath.

During his pause, Matt charged into the room. He heard the last of the conversation and grew angrier the more he heard. "You can't say her name, Tony?" He yelled. "You never loved her, that's why! You left her alone to raise two kids and to work for everything! You're nothing but a coward! You can't even say my mom's name!" He yelled, running out. Tony and Ziva heard the front door slam and they jumped into action.

They looked at each other while Tony grabbed his jacket and threw his shoes on. "Stay with Andrea." He said to Ziva, who nodded and stood in front of the couch. Tony ran out the front door and after Matt.

Matt ran out of the apartment and onto the street. He didn't care where he was going, he was just angry at Tony and didn't want to be near him. He knew that he would be pursued, but he didn't care.

Tony ran out into the street and saw the fleeting figure of the 9 year-old boy rounding a corner. "Matt!" He yelled, running after him. "Hey! Matt, stop!"

He followed Matt, slowing gaining on the boy. He caught up to him as he rounded another corner and grabbed him by the arm. "Matt, calm down." He gasped, trying to catch his breath.

Matt struggled in Tony's grip. "No! Let me go!" He yelled drawing the attention of the few people around.

Tony saw that a small crowd was forming and he used his free hand to grab his badge from his jacket. "It's okay. Federal Agent and he's my son."

Matt continued struggling. "You not my father! I don't have a father and I never will!" He yelled.

Tony turned back to him and gripped both of his shoulders. "Matt, listen to me! What you heard back there wasn't the whole conversation. I didn't even finish what I was going to say because you ran in."

Matt shook his head. He was tired and finally stopped struggling, but he wasn't ready to give in to the argument. "I heard enough though!" He spat. "You can't even say my mom's name. You never loved her and are a coward because you left her. Now she's dead and you can't even say her name!" He yelled, starting to cry.

A few people that were still hanging around gasped and looked over at the pair when they heard him say that. Tony shook his head and turned back to Matt. "I can't say her name because it hurts too much for me to say it. If you would have listened a little longer you would have heard that." He paused and pulled the boy closer, wrapping him in a hug. He laid his head on Matt's and whispered in his ear. "I loved her. I really did. I didn't know about you guys, but if I did, everything would have been different."

Matt sniffed and finally gave in to everything he was trying to bury deep down. He hugged Tony back, sobbing into the man's chest.

Tony rubbed Matt's back, whispering in his ear. "It's okay. Let it out, it's okay." He murmured quietly.

They stayed like that for several minutes, Tony kneeling in front of Matt, hugging each other while the latter cried into the former's chest. Once Matt calmed down, Tony stood back up. "Come on, let's go back home."

Matt nodded, too tired to say anything. He fought to keep his eyes open and was suddenly exhausted. Tony held onto his hand while they started to walk away.

Tony stopped when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He turned around to see lady standing behind him. "Can I help you?" He asked, exhaustion shown in his voice and his eyes.

The lady smiled. "I'm sorry about his mom dying. I'm glad that you both seem to be doing alright now." She paused and wrote down something. "But if you ever want to talk, call me." She flashed him a smile.

Tony looked over at the boy holding his hand, who seemed asleep on his feet. "Thanks, but we have to get back. His sister and my girlfriend are waiting at home."

The lady tried to hide a look of shock. "Oh, well I'm still sorry for you lost. Good night." She stammered, hurrying away.

Tony shook his head, chuckling. They started walking again when Matt spoke up. "So Ziva's your girlfriend?"

Tony looked down to him, unsure if he should tell him the truth or just lie to keep everything simple for the time being. "No, but if I didn't say that, that lady would have been bugging us even longer."

Matt yawned. "Oh." He blinked slowly, trying to stay awake.

Tony noticed this and stopped. "Come here, Matt." When he obliged, Tony picked him up and started walking. He grunted from the weight, but didn't pause and kept walking home. In no time, Tony noticed that Matt fell asleep.


After Tony left to get Matt, Ziva stood over the couch, watching Andrea sleep. After several minutes, she stirred and looked around.

She rubbed her eyes and registered Ziva standing in front of her. "Ziva?" She asked. "Where's Matt?"

Ziva sat down next to Andrea. "Matt ran out and Tony went after him." She said, not knowing what else to say.

Andrea looked around again. "Why did he run out?"

Ziva sighed. "Tony and I were talking about how your mom and he met. Matt heard the end of the conversation and what he heard was out of context. He became angry and ran out. Tony ran after him to talk and get him to calm down."

Andrea looked down at her lap. "Oh." They were silent for a minute before she looked up and Ziva. "What did Matt hear?"

Ziva swallowed uncomfortably. She didn't know what to say. She has never been in a position like this. She took a deep breath and looked over at Andrea. "Matt heard us talking about how Tony hasn't said your mom's name since he found out she died."

Andrea looked confused. "Why won't he say her name?" She asked before looking down. "Matt said before we met Tony that whoever our dad is must be a coward for leaving the three of us. I don't think Tony's coward though." She murmured.

Ziva put an arm around the younger girl. "I've known Tony for 8 years, and he is many things but a coward is not one of them. And he won't say your mom's name because it is too hard. He loved her and now she is gone." She explained.

Andrea nodded. They sat in silence for a minute before Andrea looked over at Ziva again. "Ziva, are you and Tony dating?"

Ziva looked at Andrea, shock written all over her face. She didn't know where that came from or how to respond. "Umm...why do you ask?" She stuttered.

Andrea shrugged. "Just how you two act. You seemed very eager to come over tonight as well."

Ziva stayed silent, trying to figure out what to say. Was it really that obvious? She thought they had been discreet. Sure they have been together for almost a year, but it has been easy to hide. Ziva watched the little girl who was curled up next to her, looking content and sleepy.

She took a deep breath. "Andrea, can you keep a secret for me?" She asked.

Andrea nodded. "Sure Ziva."

Ziva smiled at the look of innocence on her face. Of course she would, she's too young to know the significance of the secret but was old enough to know to keep it to herself. "Good. In that case, then yes. Tony and I are dating, but it has to stay a secret. Okay?"

Andrea gave her a curious look, but nodded in agreement anyways. "Okay. I'll keep it a secret."

Ziva breathed in relief. "Thank you Andrea. Now how about we try to go back to sleep? Tony will take care of Matt."

Andrea nodded and snuggled closer to Ziva. "Okay." She murmured as she drifted off to sleep.

Ziva leaned back and closed her eyes, waiting for the boys.

Ziva opened her eyes when she heard the door opening. She turned her head and smiled when she saw Tony carrying Matt into the apartment.

"I take it that it went well?" She whispered.

Tony laid Matt on the couch and covered him in a blanket. "I think we came to an understanding, yes."

Ziva slid away from Andrea and covered her as well. Ziva stood up and walked over to Tony who held her in his arms. "Good. Now we can sleep."

Tony nodded and led her into the bedroom. They both shed their day clothes and got into bed. Ziva snuggled up in his arms, resting her head against his chest. She sighed contently and could feel herself relaxing as she started to drift off to sleep.

Tony wrapped his arms around and rested his head on top of hers. "Thanks Zi." He murmured.

Ziva turned and faced him. "For what?" She implored.

He shrugged. "For being here, for helping with the twins…for staying with me." He explained, hesitating at that last part.

Ziva smiled and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "I'll always be here Tony. You don't have to thank me for it."

Tony nodded and kissed her on her forehead. "I love you Zi." He whispered, closing his eyes.

Ziva closed her eyes and sighed in contentment again. "I love you too." She murmured, falling asleep.


A/N: There ya go guys. I hoped you liked it and can hold you off till August. Remember to review! Have a great day! - Drew