Debbie and BKeh, you're the best! Thank you so much for your constant reviews, I got a lot of motivation from it! Unfortunately, today's the time for the last chapter.

Thank you all for reading and reviewing!


Of Homes and Families

Epilog

In the bullpen the atmosphere was tense. Gibbs and McGee had followed hints about a double murder of a Petty Officer and a FBI agent the day before. Their connection was not clear to them yet, but FBI was not willing to reveal anything and demanded exclusion of NCIS and full jurisdiction in the investigation. Gibbs had pissed of some FBI agents because he did not back down when they got in their way at the crime scene and these agents had complained to their superior, resulting in numerous calls to Vance and Gibbs himself.

Now Gibbs phone ringed again and he picked it from his jacket angrily. "I swear, if this moron calls again…" On the display a familiar name blinked. "It's Ziva!" he called out to McGee and DiNozzo.

Instantly they were right at his desk.

Gibbs accepted the call. "Ziva?"

Hello Gibbs.

Gibbs started to speak but Tony chimed in "Ziva! You're ok?"

Hi Tony. Yes, I am fine. They could almost hear her smile, she knew of their exasperation because of that familiar statement.

"You don't know what's going on here since you're gone. I need you back ASAP Ziva! I need my favorite Probie and pranking McInattentive isn't half as funny without you. And don't mention Gibbs, he is worse than ever!" Tony cried out in mock desperation in order to keep Ziva laughing.

I can imagine. Ziva's dry voice answered. Is McGee there as well?

"I'm here. Thank God you are calling." McGee said, still relieved. He couldn't remember even one prank recently…

Just got back my phone.

"He is listening? Gibbs decided to take back control.

No. I am alone. However, this is hardly a secure line.

"What's going on, Ziver? What do they want from you?"

There was a moment of silence. Then, quietly: Information about Saleem.

His suspicion confirmed Gibbs snorted derogatorily. "He couldn't just ask nicely for it."

A short, bitter chuckle answered him. Obviously not. The play must always go by his rules.

"And now? You got permission to phone, are they finished?" Gibbs voice was acid.

I believe they are. I am coming home tomorrow, Gibbs.

oOo

Ziva stepped out of the airplane and followed the other passengers to immigration. She tried to suppress her tension as she waited in the long line before the counters for 'Internationals'. She feared that part, what if they wouldn't accept her visa, her passport, what if her father had changed his mind and she came here in vain… What if they forced her to fly back? Could she ask for asylum?

It took a load off her mind when a bored border official registered her papers, hardly even looking at her. He asked a few half-hearted questions and then stamped her passport and allowed her in.

Having only her NCIS rucksack she passed the baggage claim area in no time and was one of the first to go outside. As soon as she stepped through the large door to the arrival hall she heard an exited scream and then Abby rushed towards her and pulled her in the strongest hug she ever had. Then the rest of the team – all of them, even Ducky and Jimmy – came and gathered around her.

A wide smile formed on her face and she felt so happy to see them.

They hugged and touched her, Gibbs kissed her hair in fatherly embrace while Abby fought to continue the bone crushing hug, Tony didn't look away from her and they all chattered and laughed happily.

She almost wished her father could see this, could see how a loving family should be before she remembered that one of the bystanders was certainly in service of Mossad and ordered to watch them.

Eli David would undoubtedly receive prime footage of her arrival.

.

It's been a long time since I've been home
and I hope I am nearly there
no matter how far you are, they say
Home knows no race, no distance
home is fair

Home is at the end of war
Home is in the peaceful sun
Home is in the mornings breeze
Home is where it all began

Home is as unique as man
Beyond color and beyond dime
so Similar in different ways
beyond brick and beyond time

Home is in a lover's arms
Home is in between those doors
Home is in a child's laughter
Home is where you make it yours

From: I Am Coming Home by Ayesha Sartawi