Author's note:

OK, first of all I want to say that I'm hugely disappointed with Cote's exit from the show. Actually, I feared that from the start of the Season 10, but it's Cote's decision and we have to respect it. At least, she will probably return as a recurring character to wrap her story up. We have to wait for what the producers and writers of the show will come up with. So thank you Cote for eight amazing years and I wish you good luck to the future!

All I want to say is that I hope they won't kill her off. It would be like Kate over and over again and we all know (at least TIVA fans) that Tony would be heartbroken. Ziva could show for few episodes in the future and in the case NCIS will end – she deserves to be in the very last episode of this fantastic show. I love Ziva character, with TIVA or without it and personally – I think it will be huge loss and it will lead to the subsequent end of the show unless they would come up with something so interesting that would be able to attract viewers. Not that I wish it, really, NCIS is one of my favorite shows ever – but it's how it works. For today's shows it's really hard to stay on top for so long and pass the milestone of 10 Seasons. And if they pass it, the quality goes down – unfortunately.

But we, as a TIVA fandom, have to be strong for them. Because I began writing fanfiction just last year, I'm not giving up writing about them because my head is full of scenarios that could happen between them and I want to share these stories with all of you. There are plenty of shows where favorite couples of will they/won't they didn't get together either for cancellation of the show or leaving the actor from the series (my favorite Stargate SG-1 with Sam/Jack and Daniel/Vala is the best example). And there are still huge fandoms which are writing about them.

So don't lose your head – TIVA fandom is still alive! And like that we can get our dream ending for these two. So don't give up on our hopes and let's writing and reading fanfictions about them – because it's what making us happy and the world around us is suddenly more beautiful than ever!

About the story – I know that you are all curious about the revenge Ziva swore – I have already written it and I think it's really good but you'll have to wait until Chapter 16 for it. This chapter is kind of intermezzo to the crucial and future chapters of this story. And because I'm taking a little vacation for a week – next chapter won't be posted on the beginning of the next week like everytime but next Thursday or maybe Wednesday – it depends on when I will make it to home.

Disclaimer:

I do not own NCIS or the characters.

Sleepover in the Hammock

Chapter 14 – Four Days Later

Ziva David was angry. No, not angry – furious, mad, enraged, het up and other words that could describe her state of wrath. She wanted to break something or kill someone just to blow off the steam she had inside her. She almost ran over three people on her way to NCIS because she fumed with anger. She got in the elevator and furiously pushed the button on her floor.

And why she was so angry? Because of one stupid very special agent Anthony DiNozzo. That jerk, asshole, fool, parody of a man... She wanted to kill him. But not with a paperclip. He has to suffer. It has to be slow and tormenting death. He will pay for that he has done to her. She poured out her heart to him and he behaved like if he doesn't know that she loves him. Well, she didn't say it aloud but it was obvious after all what happened between them.

And what he has done? He rejected her! That scum, son of a bitch, bastard... Ziva took few deep breaths to calm herself down. It has been four days after their last morning encounter. Four days – full of their work. No sex. No sex with Tony. No chance to take her revenge. They solved the case on yesterday evening and Gibbs sent them home reasoning that they can do the paperwork tomorrow. So she invited him over to her place so they could finally have some time alone.

And what did he say? That he is tired and wants to go home to sleep! Bullshit! She didn't believe him a word. The first thought that came into her mind was that he changed his opinion during the last four days and she just couldn't believe it. Not after the talk they had few days ago. Then a second idea crept into her mind – another woman. But she shook her head at it – he promised her that he will be faithful. But the possibility was still there.

He made her so crazy with the rejection that she got on her car few times and drove to his place. But on the half-way she stopped herself, convincing herself that she is no jealous type and she has to trust him. So she returned home and stared at the ceiling asking herself if she didn't make a mistake when she agreed to a relationship with him. When she woke up in the morning, she realized how she behaved during the night and huge angry monster awakened in her. The anger has the only target – Tony.

The elevator dinged and Ziva emerged in the bullpen. Tony, who was sitting already at his desk, grinned hugely and his heart made a skip. Here comes to woman he loves. And she looked very sexy today. All he was afraid of was her reaction because he rejected her yesterday. It was very hard for him to turn her down, especially when he hasn't slept with her for four days, but he had other plans in his mind.

He promised her a date – a perfect first date – and he wanted to plan it. And because it was supposed to be surprise for her he wanted to be magical. So he went home alone still considering her offer but knowing that he has to plan a date for them which wasn't easy in such a short notice. He wanted the date to be tonight so they won't have to wait so long and before any new case will come. He just hoped that she understood it and that she isn't angry with him.

Ziva went around him to her desk successfully ignoring him in the process. He didn't deserve her attention after all. Tony smiled at her trying to make an eye contact with her but she resisted to peek an eye on him.

"Hi Ziv." He greeted her trying to catch her attention.

Ziva wriggled out of her jacket, hung it up on her chair and set down to her desk.

"Hi Gibbs." She turned to Gibbs at his desk and flashed him the biggest smile he saw from her in last few months.

Then she turned to McGee. "Hi Tim." She greeted him in the same way.

Everybody assumed that it was now Tony's turn but she turned her head to her computer and started working like if Tony wasn't there at all. Gibbs looked back and forth between them and nodded at Tony in question. Tony just shrugged his shoulders pretending that he didn't have any idea why she could overlook him. He returned to his paperwork considering the best time when he should try to talk with Ziva and explain her his yesterday's behavior.

Because she was obviously pissed off. He just hoped that he will be successful at his explaining because he had planned something for her in the afternoon. And it was the only chance for him to make her understand why he rejected her yesterday. He just had to pass the morning without annoying her and doing something stupid. Which was hard for him because he was always annoying and did something stupid.

About two hours later Ziva stood up from her desk and headed to the women's restroom. Tony felt his chance and because McGee went down to Abby's lab to confirm something while Gibbs was nowhere to be seen too, he tiptoed carefully to the women's restroom silently praying for Ziva to be there alone. He peeked in and went inside looking around himself to be sure that there were no other people.

Ziva heard someone to come in and she immediately knew that it was Tony. She sighed annoyed because she really didn't want him trying to explain anything to her. She opened the door from the stall and went to wash her hands. Tony stood there leaning against the wall and obviously waiting for her, but saying nothing. She finally ran out of patience and turned to face him as she leaned against the sink.

"What do you want?" She growled at him dangerously. She didn't want to hear his excuses.

"Ah! So I'm not invisible! She finally sees me!" He exclaimed sarcastically but immediately regretted it – that really wasn't the best tactics – he was the one who should apologize.

Ziva just stared at him and then snorted in disgust as she looked away from him. Tony closed his eyes and cursed himself for being so stupid. He raked his hair in desperation.

"I'm sorry." He peeped sheepishly and she snapped out her head on him. Then she realized that he was apologizing for the tone of his voice but not for he has done to her. She sent him another death glare and stood rooted to the floor.

"What's wrong, Ziva? He finally asked her. "What have I done that you ignoring me all day?"

She shot him an incredulous look. Does he make fun of me? She sighed exasperatedly and straightened up to go out from the restroom without a word.

"Ziva..." Tony tried desperately but she didn't listen to him. So he grabbed her hands and pinned them together in tight grip. Ziva grimaced in pain but involuntarily melted into him because his closeness was everything she wanted even though she was angry with him.

"Ziva, please." He beseeched her again. "Talk to me."

She hated her reaction to him. She was supposed to be angry with him but now – when he touched her – she wasn't able to think clearly.

"You know exactly what have you done." She spit out at him angrily trying to suppress the good feelings for him and also break free from his grip. But Tony didn't let her go and tightened his grip even more.

"Look, I'm really sorry for my rejection. But I told you that I was tired and..." He didn't finish as she snorted disgusted again.

"Bullshit! I do not believe you a word!" She yelled at him furiously, her patience gone as she finally freed herself from his grip. She took a step back from him but still stayed in the women's restroom. She gazed at him and saw the struggle of emotions of his face.

Tony didn't know what to do – she didn't believe him and she was right. He didn't tell her the truth but he also didn't want to spoil his surprise. But what could he do to convince her to believe him? He was also thinking about kissing her but she would probably kick him or worse and he didn't want to risk it. So he just stood there with desperation written all over his face and saying nothing.

For Ziva it meant the only thing – he was lying to her and he couldn't come up with some reasonable excuse.

"Did you sleep with another woman?" She blurted out cursing herself immediately. She dismissed this option earlier and she really didn't believe that he could do it. But on the other hand she couldn't also believe the option that he changed his opinion about their relationship.

Tony's eyes widened in horror. This is what she was thinking?

"What?! NO!" He exclaimed in consternation as he covered his mouth with his hand.

"I... I... Oh my God..." He began to stammer when it dawned on him how she thought about him. He was trying to plan a perfect date for her and she is thinking that he cheated on her.

"Ziva, you got it wrong. You got it so wrong." He whispered desperately and took a step towards her.

However, Ziva stopped him with her hands. She didn't want him to come closer so she hissed at him. "It does not matter if I got it wrong or not, Tony! The worst thing is that you are lying to me and I do not know why."

Tony sighed – it was better to tell her the truth and spoil his surprise than leave her thinking that he was unfaithful to her. "I can explain, Ziva, really..." He began again but she quickly cut him off.

"You know what? I do not care! I am not interested in your excuses!" She yelled at him and Tony felt like crying.

"But..." He tried to object but she didn't give him a chance to explain anything. The rage was too much great.

"No buts! I do not want to hear it! The only thing I want to tell you is that – I am regretting that I ever agreed to a relationship with you!" She continued yelling not really caring if anyone could overhear them. She needed to let the anger out of her system even though she didn't mean what she was saying.

Tony just stared at her rooted to the floor and absolutely not comprehending her reactions. He didn't have any idea of what to do or not to do. Ziva just shot him another ice cold glare.

"It's over." She told him and with that she left women's restroom.

Tony stared at the door and then his knees gave away as he slid down against the wall with his head in his hands. That couldn't be true. No, no, no, no... He blinked back the tears that formed in his eyes and pulled out his phone. He called to the only person that could save not only him but also his relationship with Ziva in this moment.

Ziva went from the women's restroom absolutely broken and on the edge with tears. She absolutely didn't know what just happened. Why she had to be so stupid and said such things? She absolutely didn't mean it! How could she tell him that it was over? She realized that it happened exactly what they didn't want to happen – they screwed this up. And both were to blame – she – because of her overacting and he – for his lying.

The lunch was uneventful for them because both Ziva and Tony lost their appetite and rather continued working. They were in the bullpen alone because McGee and Gibbs went for a lunch but neither of them saying anything. Tony didn't want to provoke her and prayed for his plan to work. Ziva on the other hand was wondering why Tony didn't try to placate her but she didn't try to do the same either.

When Gibbs and McGee arrived they recognized that the mood in the bullpen didn't change a bit. Ziva was still ignoring Tony who casted desperate looks into her direction but both said nothing. Gibbs was thinking about taking them into the interrogation room and asked them what happened; then ordering them to solve it and finally clear out the atmosphere between them.

But suddenly everything changed and his intervention wasn't needed. Ziva was sitting at her desk completely engrossed in her work – she was finally able to focus on something else than her argument with Tony. The elevator dinged and Tony lifted his gaze to the only man who could save him. He grinned and turned his gaze to Ziva to see her reaction.

Ziva sat there completely oblivious to her surroundings as she chewed her thumb.

"Ziva David?" A voice behind her asked her.

Ziva snapped out her head and turned around to see a messenger boy with a huge bouquet of flowers in his hands. Huge was the right word – there were almost every kind of flower you could think of – lilies, orchids, roses, gerberas, asters, carnations and chrysanthemums in perfectly harmonized colors of white, blue, red, pink, yellow, purple and orange tied up together with a dark red ribbon.

"Yes?" She asked uncertainly. The bouquet is for me?

"This is for you." The messenger boy reached out his hand to give it to her.

Ziva stood up and took it from him. She stared unbelievingly at the bouquet wondering who could send her flowers. And then it hit her – an apologize from Tony. He told her to expect such things from him. The only question was – did he sent them before they had a fight or after that?

Tony watched her closely and saw the flick of realization in her eyes. But still no smile from her.

"This belongs to it." A messenger boy handed Ziva the card. She put down the bouquet on her desk and overheard surprised words from McGee. "Wow."

She accepted the card and put it on the desk too because the messenger boy handed her the acknowledgment. She signed it still with neutral expression on her face.

"Thank you." She expressed her thanks and handed him back the acknowledgment.

"You're welcome." The messenger boy replied with a smile as he turned on his heels and went back to the elevator. Then he stopped and turned around to face her.

"I don't want to interfere but I think that you should give this man a chance. He even gave us instructions how to pronounce your surname correctly." She looked at him astonished and nodded gratefully. "Thanks. That's very kind of you."

The messenger boy just winked at her and left to do his work. Ziva was pretty aware of the curious looks that everybody in the room sent her but before she would say anything, she wanted to read the card first. So she sat back to her desk and opened the card as she began to read. Tony wasn't embarrassed by watching her because both McGee and Gibbs were staring at her too and tried to guess who could sent the flowers.

Dear Ziva,

I'm sorry for rejecting you yesterday but it would interfere with my plans. I promised you a date and I needed to plan it because I don't want to waste another seconds without you. Because without you my life is meaningless. I realized it a long time ago but I was too afraid of telling you and also admitting to myself. But when I did, which was thanks to the recent events that happened between us, my life has found a new direction. That's why I hope that you will accept my invitation on a date tonight so we can explore this new direction together. I'll be waiting in front of your apartment at 8 o'clock.

Yours, Tony.

P.S. This is a note added after our fight in the women's restroom. I'm sorry – once again. My behavior was inexcusable and you have every right to be angry with me but now when you're reading this card, I hope that you realized what I was doing on yesterday evening so I hope you could forgive me. I also still hope that you will accept my invitation.

Love, Tony.

Ziva read the card holding her breath and with every word the corners of her mouth twitched into the smile. By the end of the card her smile was really huge. So he was planning a date for them... She closed her eyes and mentally cursed herself for doubting him. She should listened to him and let him explain it. When she opened her eyes, her gaze slipped to the bouquet. Her smile grew even wider because the bouquet was really beautiful.

She resisted the urge to slip her gaze to Tony and give him know that she forgave him because it could be too much obvious for the other people in the bullpen. Besides, Tony already knew judging by the smile on her face that she understood his reasons for not telling her what he was doing on yesterday's evening.

Finally, Gibbs was the one who broke the silence. "Got a new boyfriend, Ziver?" He asked her curiously.

Ziva looked at him distractedly because her thoughts were still with Tony while she tried to think about what to reply.

"Sort of." She said uncertainly fearing that Gibbs might suspect that it was Tony who sent the flowers and could make a scene.

Gibbs raised an eyebrow on her in question. "Sort of?" He repeated amusingly while Tony began to sense trouble.

Ziva stayed perfectly calm. It was no big deal after all. "Well, we haven't had a proper date yet." She said and titled her head.

Then she pointed out at the bouquet. "This is an invitation."

Gibbs smirked and stood up to look properly at the bouquet. Ziva stood up too prepared to object if he would try to imply that it was Tony who sent the flowers. However, Gibbs caught her off guard by his reaction.

"Well, it looks like he's worth it. You should really give him a chance. It must cost a fortune." He said calmly and pointed out at the bouquet.

She looked at him unbelievingly – he had to know who sent them, didn't he?

Gibbs just smirked, leaned down and kissed her on a cheek. "Good luck."

She watched him surprised as he jogged up the stairs into Vance's office. He acted absolutely strange in her eyes but maybe Tony was right. Maybe he waited for them to tell him, maybe he wanted to think about the possibility of Tony and her together as a couple first and then take a stand. She finally looked at Tony who watched her expectantly and raised an eyebrow in question. She smiled sweetly and gave him a short nod.

Tony smiled relieved that she forgave him. "You should probably give them some water or they will wither." He pointed out at the flowers.

She smiled gratefully and went to the break room to find some vase and put the flowers in it.

Tony grinned satisfied that everything was OK.

"Great job with the flowers." Said McGee who broke his silence after he just looked back and forth between them.

Tony looked at him and then back into his computer. "Thank you, Tim. I know."

The End of Chapter 14

So, I hope that you're not giving up either and you're still going to read this story. Thank you all for ongoing support and please – review… :)

P.S. Sadness overload - I don't know if anybody of you heard about Mishka, The Talking Husky but I love her and her dog sisters so much and unfortunately one of her dog sisters Moki died. R.I.P. Moki - I will never forget your cuteness which made me smile everytime I look at you.

I'm sorry that I'm pouring my heart here but I just need it to get out of my system somehow...