At the end of the workday, the team returned to the office. The lights were down low since it was afterhours. The room glowed with the low lighting and warm orange walls. Most everyone shut down their machines and left for the night. Tony took the last couple of messages off of his voicemail and looked over at Ziva a few feet away at her own desk. She was beautiful in the light. Her skin was smooth, her hair was down, parted to nearly cover her right eye. She looked up, and turned her head so she could see Tony. She already knew he was staring at her, she could sense it. She smiled, thinking about the kiss they shared the night before.
Usually it was Tony who would invite Ziva out for a drink. She almost never accepted the invitation. But tonight, it was her asking him for company.
"So, what does a girl need to do to get a ride home? Maybe stay for a nightcup?" she asked.
"Uh, I think you mean, nightcap, Zee-vah. But in any case, I accept." he said blushing.
They walked to the elevator and left the building together. Their footsteps on the pavement filled the quiet night air. Ziva knew that the evening would lead to an opportunity for her to tell Tony how she felt. Tony reached for the car door at the same time Ziva did and his hand cupped hers. The contact sparked their emotions and it brought a smile to both of their faces. Tony opened the door for Ziva in an effort to show her that chivalry was not dead, and she slipped inside the car.
Tony drove Ziva to her apartment and waited for a second invitation to join her inside. She offered him a drink and they sat on the couch together to talk. Tony started calmly, telling Ziva about how he felt after leaving Israel without her. He was shocked by the decision Gibbs had made. Ziva explained her conversation with Gibbs on the tarmac, and that the right decision was made. She had made a mistake. She would be careful not to repeat it.
Their conversation was candid, but she was serious when she added, "Tony, I cannot ignore the lengths you went to protect me. I regret not realizing how my relationship with Michael clouded my better judgment. I am so grateful you were not harmed more."
Tony replied in his boyish charm, "Yeah, it was nothing," followed by an equally as boyish grin.
Ziva didn't let his lighthearted response derail her appreciation. She also didn't forget to return to the previous evening's exchange. "You know, Tony," she started. "I really did not want you to leave last night. I have been avoiding these feelings for you for a long while now."
"Ah, really?" said Tony. "I mean that's a little hard to believe considering you asked to be transferred to a different team and all."
"Let me be honest with you Tony. I have not allowed myself the opportunity to explore a relationship with you." Ziva continued bravely, "But, I felt I was going to die in Somalia. It has given me a new perspective on life. I do not think I can live without you, Tony. I keep finding myself looking to you for a sign that you feel the same way. Last night, I got the sign I was praying for. I am ready to give myself to you, if you are willing to let me in."
Tony leaned in close for a gentle kiss which he hoped would double as a response to her. Ziva could hardly allow for him to escape this time around and narrowed the gap between them on the couch so he would understand her sincerity.
His hand reached around, cupping the back of her neck as he leaned in harder for a deeper kiss. In one kiss, Ziva felt completely helpless to her feelings. She wanted Tony. She knew he was just the right mix of gentle, strong, funny, and courageous man she was looking for. Just the kind of man she wanted to love her.
He worked his hands over her body, causing both of their temperatures to rise. It didn't take long for the mood to become extremely intimate. It was the right time.
Tony wanted their first intimate experience (for real) to be special. Not the fast and hasty way that he had enjoyed with so many other women before. Because Ziva was not just any woman. She was the women he was beginning to unveil his heart to. Only one women could make him feel like this. He was powerless to her soul.
And as they sat there kissing with such unguarded feelings, Ziva knew that there was no going back. No going back to Israel. No going back from being 'just partners'. That Rule 12 would be shattered tonight. That Tony would be hers.
As if on cue, Tony picked Ziva up and took her back to the bedroom. He carefully laid Ziva down on the bed.
He couldn't help himself. He unbuttoned his shirt slowly as he seductively stared at her lying on the bed. He smiled as he looked down at her. Her dark brown eyes watched him intently. He put his knees on the bed and straddled her. He explored her body with his mouth, careful not to hurt her. Kissing the bruises and bandaged wounds as if magically they would disappear with every touch. Ziva squirmed under Tony. Playfully reacting to his journey down her stomach and up her legs. She slowly pulled off her shirt and pants. She was lying in front of him in the beautiful matching set of black bra and panties that he himself had picked for her. She was unbelievable sexy. Blemished with wounds and all, she looked tough, but to Tony it made her look even hotter. He wanted to devour every inch of her. And he did. He moved his mouth over her skin and his hands floated over her caressing each sensitive area of her body.
Tony advanced their intimacy to the next level when he pulled her bra down to expose her nipple and traced it with his finger before putting his hot mouth over it, raising it to a peak. She knew it would only be moments before his fingers would find her wet inner core. She felt such sweet satisfaction as Tony removed her panties. She had never known such ecstasy.
Tony stood up long enough to slip off his pants and boxer briefs. He crawled back onto the bed and carefully pulled her bra straps down over her shoulders, placing kisses along her collarbone. He opened his eyes for a moment, looking for affirmation that she wanted to go further. But Ziva was quick to roll them both over and Tony found himself beneath her. She chuckled knowing she had taken him by surprise. He didn't protest. He knew she would have it her way.
No words were spoken while the writhed together in rhythm. Only soft moans escaped their mouths. Tony's mind was blasted. His every nerve was vibrating as he held on for an unbelievable ride. He yelled her name as she brought him to a very powerful climax.
"Ziva, Ziva, Ziva…." His words brought a smile to her face.
Tony relaxed with his blissful release, but was careful not to pause too long. He still had business to attend to, rolling Ziva onto her back carefully.
He took long, deep strokes, rocking her into submission. Ziva came hard. Waves of orgasm washed over her repeatedly. Only one word left her mouth, "Tonyyyyyy," she purred.
They were both consumed by exhaustion. They slept in each other's arms for the first time as a couple. It felt perfect. Ziva knew she was home now. Tony knew he finally had a special woman. They would worry about the other details later. Tonight was theirs. Tonight was just the beginning.