Tony left shortly after twelve pm on Sunday without a word to either of them, which put Ziva on the verge of tears and added another weight to Nettie's heart. In Israel food was a staple in every situation and turned to whether one was grieving and mourning or joyful and celebrating, so she planted herself in the kitchen and got out the ingredients necessary to make rugelach while Ziva wandered despondently through the house.

Keeping an eye on her niece, Nettie mixed yeast, sugar, and water together, then added the flour, butter, eggs, remaining sugar and water. Once it formed a sticky dough, she kneaded it until it was no longer tacky, covered the bowl and put the whole thing in the fridge. Nettie started water for tea and was just collecting cups, spoons, sugar and milk when Ziva came out of the spare room holding a handful of papers, a strange look on her face.

She lay them on the table and glanced at her aunt. "I tore these up a few days ago because I was angry. They were ready to be thrown out." She blinked rapidly. "Tony fixed them."

The kettle boiled and Nettie poured hot water over the tea bag. She let Ziva doctor her own and then turned, a sternness in her expression that the young woman had not expected to see. "It is time we had a talk Zivaleh. Let us sit." With furrowed brow Ziva followed her aunt to the couch and waited. After a sip of tea, Nettie found her words and began. "I do not like what I have been observing these past few days motek. I love you. I have loved you since the day of your birth and I will continue to love you until the end of my life. But Ziva, you are being selfish." Her eyes widened and mouth opened to defend herself, but Nettie shook her head.

"No little bird, it is my turn to speak." Out of the respect ingrained in her for those with more years than she, Ziva stayed silent. "I know that you are in pain, both inside and outside, in your heart and in your soul and in the dark place in your mind, but that does not excuse your behaviour. You have a husband who loves you, he would do anything for you, and I have watched for days now as he has tried to reach you and help out and you only let him close for moments at a time before you let the bad things cloud any good ones and push him away."

Ziva's gaze fell to her full mug and she traced the rim uncertainly, doing her best to hear her aunt's words in the spirit they were intended, though in that moment they felt like a personal attack. "So far I have seen Tony making nearly all the effort, always going after you, and you sometimes accepting but often rebuffing anything he wants to do." Nettie shook her head. "I cannot imagine what it feels like to be in your skin Zivi, or how confusing it is in your mind, but you must fight through all of that. It cannot always be you reacting and Anthony responding. You need to reach out, open up, try, and work towards the closeness your marriage used to have that I know you desire again."

She finished her tea and stood up. "Marriage goes both ways little one, it is not all one person or the other. What you need to decide before the sun rises again on a new day is if you are willing to do whatever it takes to be his wife again." Nettie sighed. "I leave you now to think about what I have said."

A heaviness settled on Ziva's chest, a weight she did not want. But she could not deny that the older woman was right. To work their way back to each other they both had to take steps in the right direction and she had been a passive party for too many hours and days. Rising, Ziva set her mug on the counter and shut herself in the office. After a little bit of looking she found the thick journal that had begun the night of her brother's death. Picking up a pen, she opened to a blank page and took a breath. It was time to figure out how to be the woman she remembered. Tony deserved so much more than who she was today. And if Ziva was honest with herself, she did too.

NCIS

Tony had barely gotten out of the car when he was nearly bowled over by the only kids who'd never scared him to death just by looking at him. "Uncle Tony!" McKenna squealed like she hadn't seen him in years.

He grinned and swung her up into his arms, dropping a smacking kiss on her cheek. She giggled and wiped it off, her braided pigtails swinging from side to side. "Lady McKenna, you look lovely. How are you?"

"Good." She wiggled to get down and made a face at her brother. "But Alec pushed me in the mud and got my skirt dirty." The little girl now sported a bright pink pair of shorts.

"Aw, cut it out Ken," Alec whined. He turned to face the older man. "I didn't push her Uncle Tony, she slipped and fell."

"I wouldn't've fallen if you weren't trying to get by me," McKenna retorted.

Tony raised an eyebrow. "But you helped her up, right Alec? That's what a gentleman would do."

The boy rolled his eyes. "I don't want to be a gentleman, it's boring."

He chuckled. "Not all the time buddy. And it's easier to catch a princess that way. I know you think they have cooties now, but in a couple years you'll change your mind." Tony smiled. "Are you too grown up for a hug?"

Alec chewed on his lip but finally gave in and threw his arms around Tony's waist. "Not yet."

Tony hugged him back. "Good. Because you guys give awesome hugs."

At that moment Mark came towards them with his tickle fingers ready and the kids fled to the relative safety of their mother's side while she unpacked the picnick basket. Mark held out his hand. "We're glad you could come."

"Yeah," Tony sighed, "me too."

The group all found places to sit on the blanket and Tony leaned over to kiss Cassie's cheek. "How've you been?"

Her eyes sparkled. "Busy and loving it. I've got one in soccer and another in ballet and a husband who works odd hours but still thinks to bring home flowers." Cassie grinned. "I'm spoiled."

Tony shook his head. "Nah. All wives deserve flowers for putting up with their guys. Right Mark?"

Mark chuckled. "That and so much more. Aren't we lucky they said yes?"

Tony's gaze dropped to his wedding ring and he nodded. "Even when it hurts," he murmured, not aware he was overheard.

Mark and Cassie's eyes met but they decided to save any comments for later. Cassie said a quick blessing and everyone dug in, filling the heavy duty paper plates almost to overflowing. Tony and Mark heartily enjoyed the roast chicken and potato salad, while the kids quibbled over which vegetables were mandatory and who got more macaroni salad and counting to make sure the chips were evenly split. Cassie snacked from the vegetable tray and had her dessert first, single layer homemade cake with chocolate icing, before moving onto the main part of the meal.

As soon as Alec and McKenna's plates were empty they begged permission to go play and the adults watched while Alec chased his sister around with a water gun and laughed when she retaliated by stealing his ball toss game and daring him to catch her. Being older and faster he did, and Mark intervened in the tug of war that ensued over the toy. "If I have to come over there it's mine," he announced, bringing an instant halt to the proceedings. McKenna and Alec looked at each other, eyeing up the competition, but neither was ready to back down. Mark sighed. "We've got company monsters, at least try to pretend Mom and I have taught you some manners."

Embarrassed that Tony was watching them fight, both kids dropped the ball and velcro mitts like a hot potato and Tony stood. "Mark old buddy, I think we better teach these kids of yours how to play tag." He lunged towards them, roaring, "Ready or not, here I come!" Alec and McKenna shrieked and took off for the other side of the park while their dad and uncle gave chase. And all Tony could think as they caught and tickled the kids into submission, and while he helped McKenna with her kite so Mark and Alec could play frisbee, was how much he was going to miss never having this with Ziva.

NCIS

Much later, when the kids were sprawled in the shade of a large tree for a brief rest before tackling the swingset, Tony and Mark stood several feet apart in an open, grassy area tossing a baseball around. It didn't take long before Mark started the conversation. "So, twenty-four hours later. How're things?"

Tony sighed and caught the ball in his glove, studying it carefully before throwing it back. "No change. I'm avoiding the issue and Ziva and Nettie are letting me. Probably figure it's my turn to mope."

"Not going to get very far that way," Mark observed as he sent the ball sailing towards his friend.

Tony retreated a couple steps and reached up a to grab it. "I know."

Mark snorted. "That's half the battle. What're you going to do about it?"

Tony lobbed the baseball across the space between them. It went back and forth a few more times before he came up with an answer. "I guess I don't let either one of us get away with hiding. We're not going to get anywhere unless we're working together."

"So you're going to talk to Ziva?"

He rolled his eyes. "Yes Mom, I'll talk to my wife. Tomorrow," he added under his breath.

"Good," Mark nodded. "But you and me, we're not done yet." When Tony's eyebrows rose he explained. "Twice a week we're either going to meet for some stress relief or talk on the phone. And as soon as Ziva's ready to be around other people, you bring her over to the house and we'll make sure Alec and McKenna are spending the evening with Grampa. Until then," he held onto the ball and met Tony's gaze head on, "you call any time, for any reason. Got it?"

Tony swallowed hard, but the lump in his throat wouldn't go away. "You, uh, sure about that?"

"Dead serious man," Mark promised. "Cassie and I talked for a long time last night. We'll do whatever we can to help."

Tony punched his glove and looked away. "Thanks."

Mark's hand on his shoulder startled him. "The Tony DiNozzo I know has helped a lot of people, including me. This is my way of saying thank you. But even if you hadn't, I'd still be doing this. We're friends. Where I come from that means something more than just the occasional coffee and surface 'How's it going?'" Tony nodded and sniffed, but didn't say anymore. Mark took pity on him and nodded in the direction of the kids. "Come on. Let's see who gives the best underdoggies."

Recovering some of his composure, Tony smiled. "You're on." Sometimes he forgot just how amazing his friends could be. In this case though, he was more than happy to be reminded.

NCIS

Just as everything got packed into the car and two tired but happy kids had said their goodbyes and were safely buckled in, Cassie came up to Tony and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.

The two had been friends for a long time, back when she was just part of their group and didn't belong to anyone yet. He drew comfort from the contact but finally pulled away. "Sorry about what?"

Cassie stared into his eyes. "That someone hurt Ziva. And that her recovery is hurting both of you." She put her hand on his cheek. "You guys have an amazing marriage Tony and the love you share can overcome anything. I want you to remember that while the days are still dark." She blinked back tears. "Promise you'll call if you need us."

Tony hugged her once more. "I will."

"And don't be a stranger."

He shook his head, slipping his hands in his pockets. "You can't get rid of me that easily Cass. I've gotta stick around to keep the big guy in line anyways."

"Good." She opened her door. "We love you guys. Bring Ziva over as soon as you can, okay?"

Tony swallowed. "You got it." He watched them drive away and let out a breath. Sometimes he had no idea what to do when people cared. So much of his life had been spent away from the one person who was supposed to care, that when he experienced it now the feeling was almost foreign. But he wouldn't trade the support for anything.

When he got home, the whole place smelled like homemade baking and his eyes were drawn to a tray heaped with small, crescent roll shaped...things. He glanced hopefully at Nettie, who was washing dishes while Ziva dried. "Can I try one?" She nodded and he popped the whole thing in his mouth. Chewy, flaky, sweet goodness exploded on his tongue and Tony swallowed. "Wow. What was that? It's amazing." He devoured another one as he waited for her answer and Nettie chuckled.

"Rugelach. Very popular in Israel." She glanced at her niece. "It was Ziva's suggestion to use raspberry jam. She said it is your favourite."

He locked eyes with his wife. "Thanks." She smiled and Tony headed to the bathroom for a shower.

Ziva looked at her aunt for approval. "Small gestures motek. At this point they are likely to get the most notice."

She nodded, thinking of the list in her nightstand drawer. It had taken a long time to come up with things she could do for her husband to show him she was willing to fight with him, for their marriage and her healing, but Ziva was pleased with everything she'd written down. Now all that remained was a slow but steady expressing of the love she'd never stopped having for the man in the next room. And this time it would be her best effort.

NCIS

As a start, Ziva made coffee after supper and took a cup out to her husband on the back porch. She sat down beside him, laying her hand on his arm. "I saw the pictures," she began softly. "You did not have to fix them."

Tony broke out of his silent contemplation long enough to look at her. "Yes I did," he told his wife seriously. "You've lost everything Ziva. I wanted to give you what little I could."

Her palm cupped his cheek. "I have not lost you," Ziva whispered, bringing her mouth to his. Tony couldn't remember the last time she'd kissed him and the tenderness that flowed between them nearly caused both halves of the couple to shed tears. She pulled away and rested her head on his shoulder, tucking her hand around his arm. "I love you Tony."

She'd said those words only thirty-six hours before, but it may as well have been a year for all the space they'd traveled away from each other since then. Tony drew a shaky breath and pressed his lips to her forehead. "Ziva David, ani ohev atach lanetsakh." I love you forever.

Content with one normal moment, Tony and Ziva watched the sky change colour as evening fell and finally he stood and offered his hands to help her to her feet. "Don't give up on me, okay?" Their eyes met and he kissed her again to reassure himself, then led the way into the house.

Once there they invited Nettie to join them for a movie and by unanimous vote it became comedy night. As her husband searched his collection for a film that would appeal to all concerned, Ziva watched him, determining in her heart that she would hold onto him as hard as she could. What they had was too precious to lose. When Tony sat down, Ziva moved close and slid her fingers between his, watching the smile bloom on his face. And for the entire hour and a half, he never let go.

NCIS

Laying in bed that night, Tony finally realized his wife wasn't asleep. It was unusual, because her body was so exhausted that she was out minutes after sliding under the covers unless they were talking. Rolling over, he touched her shoulder. "Hey, you okay?"

Moving onto her back, Ziva nodded. "Yes. I am just thinking."

Tony ran his fingers lightly through her hair. "About what?"

She sighed. "Something Aunt Nettie said today."

He pushed himself up on one elbow. "Care to share?"

Her brow furrowed. "Not yet. I want to settle it in my own mind first."

Tony let his fingers wander down her neck, across her collarbone, along her arm, finally skating over the strip of skin between her pyjama top and bottoms. Ziva's heart sped up and she fought to keep her breathing even. "What...are you doing?"

He stared into her eyes. "Testing the boundaries. How'm I doing so far?"

She swallowed. "I don't know."

Tony tried another tactic. "Do you like it when I touch you?"

Ziva wrapped her fingers around his to stop the continual motion. "I am still learning that every touch is not a threat. But I do not want to be afraid to have your hands on me. We are married, you have a right to my body."

He kissed her knuckles. "A right I'll relinquish for as long as you need."

Her fingers played over the hair on his arm. "They were not gentle like you are."

His breath caught at a first glimpse inside her memories of the camp and Tony ached for all the time he hadn't been able to keep her safe. "I'll always be gentle Zi," he murmured against her temple. "That's a promise."

Ziva's eyes slid closed. "I hope someday I will be able to trust you far enough to find out."

Because of the limitations they faced, that had to be the end of serious conversation for now. Instead Tony chuckled. "You used a contraction."

Her forehead creased. "What?"

"You said 'I don't know', not 'I do not know'. Contraction."

She tried to smile. "You did want me to assimilate."

Tony studied her. "Only if you want to. Don't do it for me. I'll love you however you decide to be."

"I know." Ziva flattened her hand over his heart. "I love you." She turned onto her side and cuddled with Moses, already feeling sleep tugging at her.

He eyed the bear as if sizing up competition. "You're lucky she's still getting back on her feet buddy. As soon as Ziva's feeling better, that spot is mine."

She wrinkled her nose. "Stop intimidating my friend and go to sleep Tony."

Tony leaned down to kiss her cheek. "As you wish." I love you was the best way to end their day.

NCIS

Emotionally drained, everyone slept in Monday morning and when she did finally wake up, Ziva felt like a totally different person. Coupled with the progress of last night, she knew today was the day she started being present in life again, taking charge of both her own healing and walking towards the relationship she and Tony used to have and the intimacy they both craved. For that reason she smiled as she leaned over to kiss her husband's cheek. "Good morning."

Tony groaned and buried his head in his arms. "No thanks."

She chuckled. "You have to get up sometime yakiri."

"Says who?" he muttered, ignoring her attempts to get his attention.

Tony lay on his stomach, so Ziva rested her crossed arms on his back, her chin landing on his shoulder. "Maybe no one. But it will not be very much fun in here by yourself."

That brought his eyes to meet hers fast. "You wouldn't stay with me?"

She tilted her head. "You know why that is not a good idea."

He rolled over onto his side and faced her. "I'm not going to pressure you to have sex with me Ziva."

Ziva sighed. "I know. But it is not fair to you to spend extra time with me in bed when you will only want something you cannot have."

Tony spun her wedding band around and thought about the logic. "So does that mean you're not going to kiss me?"

The corners of her lips curved up. "I will, if you can stop at one."

He made a face. "You are not playing fair."

She shrugged and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Take it or not."

Tony rolled his eyes and bent his head close to hers. "I'll take it." He waited only a moment to feel her soft lips caressing his and drew as much out of the kiss as she would let him. When they broke apart, he grinned. "Now that's my idea of 'Good morning'."

Ziva smiled and looked away. They were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. Both checked to make sure they were presentable and Tony answered. "Come in."

Nettie edged in, carrying a tray laden with toast, eggs, juice, fresh fruit, and bowls of oatmeal. Seeing that, Tony jumped up to help and set the tray in the center of the bed. Nettie joined them and smiled. "Boker tov tatelahs." She looked between them. "You both seem...different this morning. Lighter."

Tony caressed the back of Ziva's hand. "I think we're finally heading in the right direction."

The old woman nodded approvingly. "That is what I like to hear."

Ziva met her husband's eyes and took a bite of a strawberry. "Thank you Doda, you did not have to do this."

Nettie clucked her tongue. "Nonsense. Everyone deserves to be spoiled."

Tony leaned back and grinned up at the ceiling as he bit into a piece of toast. "You're never going to hear me complain about that Doda."

Breakfast, or rather brunch, was a leisurely affair and once finished Nettie brushed off her hands. "And now it is time to work."

The couple exchanged glances and Tony's eyebrows rose. "Work?"

Nettie stared him down. "Yes Anthony. Like the laundry, which appears not to have been touched since before you left to bring my Ziva home. The floors have not been washed or swept any time in recent memory. The carpets could use a good vacuuming, and there is enough dust on your furniture to write an entire portion of the Torah in. So come, there is much to be done."

Sighing, Tony got up and pulled on a pair of sweatpants, then an old t-shirt. He'd been around Ziva's aunt long enough to know when not to argue with her. Ziva, who was having a hard time concealing her amusement at how willing her husband was to be ordered around by a seventy-six year old woman, slipped into yoga pants and a long sleeved shirt and thick socks, as her circulation was not yet up to par. Once out in the kitchen, Tony was pointed towards the vacuum, Ziva was handed a duster, and Nettie got out the mop. They worked diligently for quite some time, occasionally having to re-do a section that was not up to the standards of Nettie David.

When her part was finished, Nettie directed Ziva to the fridge, which she insisted be scrubbed again. "If the task was left up to your husband, I am sure the place would end up quarantined."

"Hey!" Tony yelled from the livingroom where he was wrapping up the vacuum cord. "It was not that bad."

Nettie snorted. "You were not the one who cleaned it, if I recall correctly."

Ziva turned to her husband. "You made my aunt do the cleaning?"

With a deer in the headlights expression on his face, Tony looked from one to the other and held up his hands. "Uh...I...look, she kind of did it without asking. I just didn't stop her. As if anyone could," he muttered under his breath.

Ziva rolled her eyes and Nettie pointed at him. "Go collect the laundry Anthony. It will take all day to finish."

Making a face, Tony returned the vacuum to the cleaning closet and headed for the bathroom. "Are you sure you weren't a drill sergeant in another life?" he grumbled, leaving the ladies to laugh behind his back.

By the time he had everything ready to do laundry, Ziva had cleaned the fridge to her aunt's satisfaction and the old lady looked around with a critical eye, finally turning to them with a pleased expression. "Lovely job my dears, you should be proud." Fishing around in a catch all cupboard for something she'd spotted earlier, Nettie put it in her pocket. "I am going to feed the birds in the backyard. I trust the two of you can be left alone that long without fighting?"

He felt like all of eight years old again. "Yes Ima." Both women stared at him for use of the Hebrew word for 'Mom', but Tony ignored them and started digging through the impressive pile of clothes for anything dark. Nettie went out the back and Ziva joined him, pulling out all the colourful articles of clothing and putting them in one basket while Tony worked on the other, until only the whites were left.

Due to Ziva's diminished strength, he carried everything over to the laundry closet and started the first load, estimating at least five more before all was said and done. Finally Tony flopped onto the couch with a groan. "I'm never doing that again."

Ziva sat on the arm of the couch and smiled. "Maybe not all in one day, but it will have to be repeated at some point."

He peeked open one eye. "Kind of a fact of life, huh?"

"Just like laundry and dishes I'm afraid." She glanced towards the kitchen and Tony couldn't read the look on her face.

"What?"

Ziva's gaze returned to him. "Hmm? Oh, I was just thinking."

He nudged her thigh with his foot. "Gonna tell me this time?"

She chewed on the inside of her lip. "I was thinking that I feel like making cookies."

Tony's eyebrows rose. That was a first. Taking initiative, being motivated to do something, had to be a good sign. He sat up a bit. "Need an assistant? I can stir a mean batter."

The genuine delight in her laughter was worth making a lame joke. Her eyes twinkled. "I could probably find a use for you. My arms," she held them out and eyed the thin limbs critically, "I do not know that I could do it all myself."

"That's what I'm here for babe. Just say the word."

One eyebrow arched in curiosity. "What word?"

Tony grinned. "Please would be nice."

She considered that option briefly. "How about a bribe instead?"

Intrigued, he leaned forward and draped his arms over bent knees. "I'm listening."

Ziva moved to stand in front of him and leaned down, cupping his cheeks with her hands. "This." She fit her lips between and over his, offering one of his favourite forms of contact as the reward. When he tried to deepen it just a bit, she pulled back with a slight shake of her head. "Nice try. But you will have to earn more."

His mouth fell open in shock but Ziva ignored his reaction, heading into the kitchen while Tony stayed on the couch, a goofy smile on his face. Finally he got up to choose a movie, anything to keep his mind off walking across the room and kissing his wife breathless. He figured she'd appreciate it if, for the time being, he kept his hands to himself. Tony could only hope that particular part of her healing would not last much longer. Ziva was his favourite drug.

Replies:

Emma - Yes, you were :) T really needed the time with the guys. Oh, I'm glad you think so. They all had to end up in DC for my purposes whether it was plausible or not, so it's good to hear that it is possible. You will. Part of the next chapter is spent at the park with Mark and his family. I, too, think it's a bit silly that T has kid issues on the show, but I suppose there's probably a reason for that and they just haven't told us yet. Mmm...no Gibbs demand in the near future I'm afraid. We mostly follow canon with Z going back to work, including that morning being the first time she's spoken to G since they brought her back. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the review! :)

Sarah - you're welcome :) Oh good, I'm glad. Z will help T understand the difference in a couple chapters. Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Yeah, I had fun with the guys. They'll be showing up on a semi-regular basis for the rest of the series, I think. They also make a great support system for T, who needs someone outside AN and Z. Mark will be keeping close tabs on T for awhile and I'm hoping to grow a friendship between his wife Cassie, Jordan's fiancee Allie and Z. Because she needs more friends too. Don't worry, Nettie's going to give Z her own dose of truth shortly. But yes, it is helpful that she can talk to the couple about each other, when the obvious is something they don't see. Thanks for reviewing Sarah! :)