Author's Note:
Thank you for the all the PM's and reviews. I'm glad this story is still so well liked.
Here's the next chapter… Enjoy and let me know your thoughts.
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The next afternoon Dr Munroe, against her better judgment, agreed to discharge Ziva.
As she removed the caste from Ziva's previously dislocated shoulder and placed her arm in a sling she stated, "I am discharging you into Agent Gibbs's care."
"But I can't stay with Gibbs. I need to go to my apartment." Ziva protested.
"Sorry Ziva. The only way you are leaving the hospital is if you are in Agent Gibbs' care. I want to see you at the end of the week to remove the stitches from your wound. The caste on your leg will be removed in 4 to 6 weeks. Agent Gibbs if she experiences severe headaches, dizziness or starts vomiting you need to bring her back to the hospital immediately." Dr Munroe said.
"That's fine. But I need to go to my apartment…" Ziva stated in frustration.
How can Tony and I be together if I am at Gibbs' place?
"It's settled Ziva. Both, DiNozzo and you will be staying at my place." Gibbs said.
"What?" Ziva exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, we already moved your stuff into Gibbs' guest room…" McGee started saying.
"Oh…" Ziva blushed.
"So can we leave now?" Tony smiled.
I love it when you blush…
It is so beautiful and makes you seem so soft and delicate…
God, Ziva … I love you so much…
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It was almost evening by the time the team got to Gibbs' house. Abby had arranged supper and Gibbs and Tony helped Ziva up the stairs to the guest room.
Although she didn't admit it, she was exhausted and in pain.
Tony could see it in her eyes and asked Abby to bring their supper upstairs.
When they were alone, Tony leaned into her as she sat on the bed and kissed her.
"You okay, baby?" He asked.
"Ahem." Ziva replied. "I can't believe we're together and want the same thing."
"Me neither." Tony replied. "I have been in love with you for over a year now and never imagined you felt the same."
"Oh Tony…" Ziva leaned forward and kissed him deeply. "I have loved you for almost as long… but I have lusted after you for even longer."
"Oh really…" Tony smirked.
"So when do you think we can…" Ziva started to ask at the door to the room was opened.
"Hey lovebirds, supper is served." Abby chirped walking into the room with a tray covered with food.
"Thanks Abby. I'm famished." Tony said, but his eyes were on Ziva and she blushed at the double meaning.
"Tony, Gibbs asked if you could join them downstairs for supper. I'll stay with Ziva until you get back."
"Okay." Tony said, not really wanting to leave Ziva.
When they were alone, Abby turned to Ziva and asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Like I'm in a dream, and when I wake up all this will be over." Ziva replied as she rubbed her forehead.
"Oh Ziva. This is real. And it's so great. Tony and you are meant to be together. Even Gibbs agrees." Abby said as she hugged Ziva. "And I love that I am free to hug you like this."
"Me too, Abby." Ziva replied, but her eyes clouded over and Abby sensed that she was very emotional.
"What's wrong Ziva?"
Sighing heavily she said, "I have spent so many years alone, protecting my personal space that this is all a little terrifying. What if this doesn't work out? What if I hurt Tony or he hurts me? How will we continue to work on the same team?"
"Oh Ziva. That's not going to happen."
"You can't guarantee that." Ziva said, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I… I lost my brother and Tali… and my father is in essence dead to me. I have not had a real sense of family until becoming a part of this team. But things have a way of falling to pieces and that ..."
"Scares you." Abby finished.
"Oh I don't know what I'm thinking. I'm usually not afraid of anything. I hardly ever cry and now I can't seem to get anything under control." Ziva dashed her tears away and pressed two fingers to her aching temple.
"It's okay Ziva. You've been through a lot and it is natural to be emotional and a little afraid. This is new for you. You have opened up about your feelings and you have shown us that you are not just a trained assassin but a very caring and loving woman. It is wonderful to see. I feel so much closer to you and I know that the rest of the team feels the same way."
"Abby," Ziva said as she closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. "Thank you. But I'd like to be alone now."
"Not just yet. You need to eat and take your meds."
"Abby,"
"No use arguing with me. You wouldn't want Gibbs or Tony to come up here and force feed you, right?"
"Okay, but I'm not really hungry."
"You need to eat before you take your meds. And then I'll help you into your pajama and leave you to get some rest."
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Down stairs, Tony and Gibbs sat in his dining room finishing their meals. McGee and Ducky were in the kitchen washing up the dishes and Ducky was relaying a story about his youth.
"How are you feeling?" Gibbs asked indicating Tony's wrist and ribs.
"Stiff and sore." Tony replied.
"Good."
"Good?" Tony questioned.
"Yep, it means you won't get up to any vigorous activity any time soon."
"Boss!" Tony blushed.
"Ziva needs time to heal, physically and emotionally. Give her some space and for heaven's sake don't let her seduce you."
"Boss, we really shouldn't be discussing this."
"But we are. Do you understand what I'm asking you?"
"Yes, hands off Ziva until she and I are healed."
"Yes. I want her to sort through all the emotional stuff. There will be confusion and fear and uncertainty. That's what I went through when I got my memory back." Gibbs took a swallow of his coffee.
"I didn't know." Tony said.
"Of course not. I didn't want any of you to know. It almost cost me Ducky's friendship." Gibbs said.
"So how can I help Ziva."
"She's a lot like me so I expect she will be vulnerable at times and brutally tough at other times. Bianca suggests that you go with the flow. Don't challenge or upset her. Let her lead and you follow and support. But before you take that final step you make sure she is ready and happy about it."
"Got it Boss." Tony said. "I'm sorry for all you went through but I promise you I will take care of Ziva. I think she's the one for me Boss."
Gibbs placed his hand over Tony's and said, "I think so to."
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