Well , here it is, the second part of the chapter.
Hope you enjoy it.
She heard Abby come back into the living room , announcing the completion of the cake , but she didn't go back in. Not yet.
The streets remained empty , apart from various passers-by , and her hope was slowly reducing , in the same way there was less juice in her cup , but still , she waited , until she heard Lynnie ask where she was .
She had just opened the door when she heard her name being called. She turned.
He was here.
…
Well , here was the face Tony had thought he'd never see. Eli David. He had to admit , he was shocked when Ziva told him that she wanted to use Milo and Lynnie's birthday party to tell him about , and introduce him to his grandchildren. He knew about Eli , and was cynical .
But it seemed a miracle had occurred.
"Over here , over here!" Abby ushered everyone around to the table., where the cake was. This cake was large , and round. Each half had 10 candles , and was decorated differently. One half was red with icing hearts and bats in various colours arranged in no clear pattern , and the other was tiger-striped.
"You can video us , as you got here late!" Abby informed Eli , handing him a camera that he looked at in confusion. Ziva quickly went and gave him a few pointers , then went back. Everyone arranged themselves , with Milo and Lynnie in the middle , in front of the cake . Tony had the matches , and proceeded to light all 20 candles. When they were all lit up , he stood back.
While Eli filmed , they all sung happy birthday to the twins. Unfortunately , some started slightly before , and slightly after the others , resulting in a slightly jumbled song. However , it had lots of spirit behind it.
Afterwards , the cake was cut and shared out , and Ziva approached Eli.
" Those are your grandchildren. "
"Yes." Eli looked thoughtful "I didn't believe it , even when you sent me pictures. But now…." He uttered a phrase in Hebrew.
"What ghost?" Milo had appeared next to them , thoughtfully chewing cake.
Eli chuckled.
"You understand Hebrew?"
"Yes. Aunt Ziva told me . Are you Grandpa Eli? "
"Yes , I Birthday "
" Thanks " Milo continued eating and watching them until Ziva shooed him away . At that point Leon came up to talk with Eli and the conversation between father and daughter was over for now.
…
The party was over. Everyone, save for the DiNozzos , Ziva , Eli and the Hardmans(who were staying with the DiNozzos overnight) , had left. The kids were all happily helping Gibbs clear up , and eventually , Ziva had gone to join in. John and Grace where talking , leaving Tony and Eli standing around awkwardly.
"Shall we go outside? Eli asked.
Surprised , Tony just nodded.
They went outside , and the silence lasted for a while before Eli said.
" You've done well. "
"Eh?"
" Milo…and Lindsay….You've done well taking care of them. "
"I …well , thank you."
" They seem happy , Healthy , and well-adjusted too. Its' exactly what I would want for a grandchild of mine. Don't look so surprised…I may have trained my 2 eldest to be killers, but that was so they wouldn't have to do the same with their own children. I'd hoped that they'd be able to carve out a safe haven for themselves and their families-they were always so protective of Talia , my youngest. But it didn't go as planned…."
"You're right. Your plan didn't go as you'd hoped. But you didn't even bother to pick up the pieces." Tony snapped harshly.
"I'm trying. " was all that Eli said in reply.
They keep coming back
The phrase popped randomly into Tony's head.
"You keep trying. There are two very special kids who'd like that , and one amazing , resilient woman who needs that. "
With that , Tony walked back inside , leaving Eli standing outside , looking up at the stars and thinking.
…
The DiNozzo's , the Hardman's and Ziva walked home together. Eli had left them about 10 minutes ago , with promises to visit again , and to keep in touch, but whether this meant anything remained to be seen.
Tony opened the door to let them all in when Ziva said.
"Tony , can we talk?"
Tony paused.
"Let's go inside first. "
So they did, and once the children were asleep (Luke in Milo's room and Becca , Ellie in Lynnie's) and the Hardman's were in Tony's room , Tony and Ziva sat on the sofa where Tony was going to get his sleep.
Despite being the one who wanted to talk, Ziva was tongue tied . It didn't help that a certain, undefinable atmosphere had crept up around them.
Eventually Ziva said.
"Thank You. "
"For what?"
"Just….thank you. For a second chance."
Tony didn't even pretend to know what she was on about.
"You know, if not for 2 missing letters, Lynnie's middle name could easily be 'Talia' "
Tony thought about this. "You want me to change it?"
"Nah , it's fine. In Jewish custom, you can get away with honouring someone by giving the child a name that simply begins with the first letter of that person's name. "
Ziva's hand reached for Tony's and held it. He held it back. The atmosphere changed , slightly.
"It would be wrong , now, " Tony whispered. "To do this , I mean."
"Rule 12?" Ziva asked in the same whisper.
"Not just that." Tony didn't need to say more than that. They both understood. Ziva let go , and stood up.
"I should go. I'll see myself out."
Tony nodded.
"That second chance? You deserved it. Don't we all , sometimes?"
Ziva didn't reply as she left , but he knew she heard , and understood.
Yes I know this chapter is very short, but I actually can't add more . Sorry if that disappoints.
Anyway , this is the final chapter , and there will be two epilogues….later. It will take a while on account of I have exams coming up , but it will happen . So although I'm leaving the story status as "In-Progress" , consider it finished for now.
Now , I know most will be surprised that I made Eli into a good guy by having him come-but I really wanted to give him a second chance. Most of the characters have been given one , whether directly or indirectly , by Milo and Lynnie. Gibbs got a second chance at helping to raise a child , Tony learned many life-lessons upon becoming a father , For Ziva , they offered her an atonement for the guilt that stems from Ari and Somalia….
I'm also thinking of having a sort-of sequel to this , set when the twins are adults. Lynnie will be an NCIS agent with her very own team . However , this fanfic , if it happens , will be a crossover with the anime K project ( Listed simply as K in fan fiction archives) , so if you aren't an anime fan and wish to read this , be prepared. However , I have yet to think of a title , and it won't actually happen for a while. Later , I'll post a short(ish) summary of this story under "Title pending" on my profile , so if you are interested and have any title suggestions I'll be grateful
Anyway , please leave feedback^^
