Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS…shocker. xP
Recap:
Tony laughed. "Zi, if I don't get up right now you're gonna find out exactly just how much of a distraction you are," he smirked as he got out of bed and started walking backwards towards the bathroom. "-and, you know, there are some serious repercussions for women who are distractions." He sexily threatened before he turned around and wandered into the bathroom, hearing Ziva laugh lightly behind him. "I won't be long," he said as he closed the door behind him. Gosh, what that woman does to me, he thought before turning on the shower and stepping into the cold water.
Everyone on the NCIS team got up and got ready to go to Ducky's house. They all had prepared food the night before so they wouldn't have to rush in the morning. It was 2:30, and everyone was leaving their houses to go celebrate.
"Abby, you ready?" McGee asked as he stood up from the living room sofa. He was wearing a grey bathing suit with blue t-shirt. Abby was wearing a black skull and crossbones one piece that accentuated her features under a black cover-up.
"Yeah McGee, I just need to get the food." Abby replied as she went to the kitchen to gather everything together. McGee had come over to Abby's around ten this morning o they could spend some time together before the party.
After Abby had gathered her things together she and McGee drove his car to Ducky's. When they got close to the house and stopped at a red light, McGee turned from the driver's seat to Abby. He found that she had been looking at him with a soft smile on her face.
"What?"
She took a few moments before responding. "Nothing important, I'm just so happy we're together again. It hasn't been the same without you." She reached out and placed her hand gently over his. "I've missed you."
He smiled and took her hand that had been resting on his and kissed it softly. "Abby, first of all, whatever you think about is important to me. And second, I know. I have missed you so much." He smiled at her. "Let's do this." He turned his eyes back to the road when the light changed green.
Despite the late wake-up, Tony and Ziva still had plenty of time to get ready to go. Tony, trying to be a gentleman, carried the trays of food Ziva and he had prepared to the car and loaded them into the trunk. After they got in the car and settled in, Ziva turned to Tony.
"Tony, I know Gibbs is okay with our relationship, but can we please keep my moving in with you between us, at least for today?"
He smiled at her and caressed her face softly. "Yeah Zi – I want to also. We could probably use their help with moving, but I would rather keep it to ourselves for a day or two." She smiled. "Look, we're on the same page already. This'll work out great."
"Thank you Tony." She looked out into the distance, but Tony could see the pain in her eyes.
"Zi…" He moved his hand on her face so she was forced to look at him. "What's wrong baby?"
She sighed. He could always see through my disguise. "I just…" She took a deep breath. "I have been hurt in the past before. Whether the man I loved died or betrayed me…whoever I am with, something always seems to come and destroy it. And with my father and Mossad…I just cannot get hurt again Tony. I know you would never do anything intentionally, but-"
Tony leaned forward and kissed her cheek, wiping away a stray tear that had escaped her façade, the mask she tries show hard to shield herself with.
"Ziva, I love you. I don't know for sure why all of your relationships haven't worked in the past. And you're skeptical because of the failures – believe me, I get that. Try to think about it this way: maybe those relationships had to fail so we would find our way to each other. They had to fall apart so we could fall together. All I know is that this is where we belong. It's like fate, it's written in the stars. We can't let the past dictate to us what our future will hold. You can talk to me about anything. Just know that I will never betray you like other men and your father and Mossad, and I certainly don't plan on leaving anytime soon. You can trust me."
She looked at him teary eyed and nodded slowly, smiling weakly. "I do trust you Tony – with my life. I know you would never hurt me purposely."
He smiled softly. "We can take this slow. I know that you have to heal; it's not going to be an overnight 180. And that's okay. I love you so much – you can take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."
She smiled and kissed him on the lips slowly, savoring the feeling of his strong, soothing, solid lips on her trembling ones. She hardly ever showed her vulnerable side to anyone – Tony was one of the few people who could walk through her wall like it wasn't there at all. Trying to hide behind it was futile with him. Even so, she didn't really want to hide things from him. She drew strength from the kiss; he was the perfect counter balance for her. When she pulled away she wiped her face and took a deep breath, calming herself down.
"Thank you Tony." After a few seconds she placed his hand on her upper thigh and grinned at him, lightening the mood.
"Ziva, how am I supposed to drive with you sitting there right next to me?" He asked playfully as she winked at him.
"Oh Tony, just wait until I go to sunbathe and go in the water."
He just grinned at her and started up the engine, heading to Ducky's to celebrate with his family.