I realized that I haven't been putting the breaks in between the scenes. Sorry about that, but I'll try to remember that, starting with this chapter.
It's not nearly as long as I wanted it to be, but the next chapter needs to be on its own.
Disclaimer: Nope, don't own. Damnit! But I'm willing to pay if the option opens up. :)
Chapter Ten
4:39 PM
Eli sits on the cot in the bunker beneath his home, waiting until he feels safe to emerge. Thanos' heavy footsteps make their way throughout the house, searching in every crevice. After what feels like an eternity, he hears Thanos' last footsteps leave the premises. Cautiously, he leaves his security blanket, discovering the stillness of the house.
"It is time." He simply tells himself, looking at the dead body of the man who has protected him for so many years. "Goodbye, my friend." Eli bends down to touch the man's chest. His body turns to dust.
Eli stands, setting his jaw and walking to his bedroom. He knows where he must go. Aaron had made the plans. America would be safe; DC would be safe. Packing a carry-on bag, he grabs his wallet from the nightstand, keys from the small bowl beside it, and cell phone. Getting to his text message, he types in a quick message to Tony.
Coming to you.
Then, he walks to his front door, closing it and locking it after him. A lone garage sets in the far distance from his living quarters where emergency supplies are kept. Eli grabs two additional bags and throws all three bags in the passenger seat of a sleek, black Porsche 911 GT2. As soon as he starts it up, he doesn't allow himself the chance to put his seatbelt on.
His phone buzzes and he pulls out what appears to be a garage door opener. Glancing down, he fumbles with it until he gets to the text message screen. We'll be waiting at the airport. Just give me the details when you get them.
Smiling, Eli tosses the complicated thing in a cup holder, not bothering to mess with it any further. He leaves the property he once called home, not even bothering to look back at it as he presses the lone button on the garage door opener, sending his home and garage on fire.
"This is an end to one life, but just the beginning to the next." Eli tells himself in a whisper as the sounds of the crackling fire drift away.
12:40 AM
Tony looks down at his cell phone, pressing the CLEAR button to return it to its home screen. Looking at Ziva on the bed, he tosses it on the night stand before lowering himself to the bed and pulling her in a passionate kiss.
He is clad in only his boxers while she wears a thin spaghetti strap top and jogging pants. "Too many clothes, Zi." He mumbles between kisses.
"I know." She says in a teasingly voice. He pulls back to look at her, finding an innocent smile perched on her face. She begins to laugh at his seriously? expression. "Not tonight, my Little Hairy Butt. There are others around."
"They're probably asleep." He tells her with desire thick in his voice, leaning in to attack her throat. Both of their eyes flutter shut as the sensations he's pleasing them both with.
Although she would most definitely like to continue this, she knows they need to stop now and get some sleep. Their day would be busy tomorrow. Gently, she pushes Tony back. Her eyes tell him of the apology she fails to speak. At first, he's a little disappointed, but then he understands her actions.
He kisses her sweetly before pulling back. "I love you, Ziva." He says so softly, so sincere with raw emotion and honesty. "Never forget that." His hazel green eyes holds her chocolate ones to express the seriousness of his confession.
"I love you, too. You know I will never forget." She displays a small, warm smile before laying her head on the pillow, getting comfortable before holding her arms out to cuddle with him.
He returns her smile before joining her. Within five minutes, they both fall into a deep, relaxing sleep.
Eli checks his flight information as he enters the airport through the tarmac. Looking away from that, he scans the vast array of people, spotting his daughter and her protector. They wave at him. He smiles as he walks through the gate, dropping the bag just as he gets through and pulling his daughter into a tight embrace.
"I am glad you are here, Pappa." Ziva whispers during the hug. Her eyes briefly close enjoying the paternal embrace. She has seemed to accept her new life and is needing the comfort that only her father could provide, considering their situation. Gibbs is like her second father, but right now she wants Eli's hugs and his presence.
Pulling back, he gets a good look at her. "I take it you have been safe?"
"I've been protecting her just like you asked." Tony supplies.
Eli turns to acknowledge the younger man. He drops his arms, raising his hand to shake Tony's. "Thank you, Anthony."
Tony nods. "Welcome."
There is a pause before Eli decides to interrupt it. "Well," he starts with a clap of his hands, "shall we get my bags before heading to the safe house?"
"Absolutely." Ziva replies at the same time Tony says, "Certainly."
They walk to the assigned baggage claim, collecting the other two bags before exiting the airport. They walk to Tony's car, throwing the bags in the trunk while the two Israelis get in the car. Tony turns to Eli as he starts the car. "We're headed to Ducky's."
"Good. That is where I need to go." Eli responds, looking straight ahead.
"He told us what Aaron's message was to him." Ziva says from the backseat. She looks longingly out the window at the passing scenery.
"Good," was the only response Eli gives. The three of them slip into their own individual thoughts as Tony drives – a similar speed that would rival Ziva and Gibbs' – toward the safe house. The only sound – besides the sound of the car running – comes from the radio that has a volume barely noticeable.
The quietness of the ride becomes too much for Tony. "What should we be prepared for?" He wonders aloud.
Eli's face tells it all. "Thanos has a tracer. He has traced Ziva to the United States, but he doesn't know her exact location. He found me, but Aaron managed to give me a little more time. I hid in an underground bunker, laced with iron. He lost the signal on me."
"Pappa, I can kill him faster than he can blink. You know this." Ziva reminds him. She is, after all, his best assassin. Give her the tiniest object and she could make it into a weapon. Eli smiles, thinking that she definitely has her mother's logical thinking.
He glances back at her. "Ziva, you are not trained for this type of battle." He looks over at Tony. "Has she?"
Tony remains quiet as he shakes his head. "The less she knows, the better, Eli."
"Pappa! Why are you unwilling to let me train?" She is pissed and a pissed Ziva can really do some damage.
Eli is quick to turn around and address her. "Your uncle is not a very nice man. He is a tyrant and would not think twice to kill us. It is best that you let Anthony protect you. He possesses what is needed to fight."
"What? Is it because I do possess the abilities he has?" Ziva prods, quirking an eyebrow at him.
"Yes." Eli answers as he turns back around in his seat. "Unfortunately, you inherited your mother's lack of abilities."
"That is not my fault!" Ziva exclaims, her anger edging closer to exploding.
"No, Ziva, it is not. I tried to train you the best I could with what I had to work with, but it is not enough for our planet's world. Please do not engage unless Anthony is beside you." He orders.
"Your orders do not work me anymore, Pappa." Ziva responds, crossing her arms and sitting back against the seat while pouting. Moments later, she addresses Tony. "Why have you not spoken, Tony? Are you not supposed to be protecting me?"
"I'm not going against your father." He steals a glance at Eli, still uncomfortable around him. "I've seen what he can do."
"Fine! Since I am leave on my own, I will destroy Thanos on my own." She says, only to evoke them to resist.
"No!" They say simultaneously.
She groans, deciding not to talk to either men for the rest of the ride.