Hey!
Finally I'm back, sorry it took me so long before uploading a new chapter. The past few weeks have been so hectic but I know that's no excuse. I really need to start working on planning my days better.
But I want to thank all of you for reading, hope you enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS or the characters!
Chapter 25:
A few days later both Tony and Ziva received a phone call from director Vance, politely asking them to meet him on Monday the sixteenth at nine o'clock sharp at NCIS. The director simply told both of them he would like to see and talk to them regarding their future at NCIS, nothing more than that. Ziva and Tony both hoped Vance would have good news for them, something along the lines of Gibbs being back or all of them, including McGee, getting their jobs back, preferably both.
Gibbs had been gone for over four months now, leaving all of them behind with no explanation other than he was sent on an undercover operation. They all knew not to ask for further information or to try to contact him, it would be pointless anyway, they all understood the meaning of the word undercover. Every member of team Gibbs, including Ducky and even Jimmy missed the man, nothing felt the same since he left. Tony and Ziva hadn't talked much about the whole 'Gibbs leaving situation' but Tony as well as Ziva recognized how much Gibbs means to the other. Especially after Eli David's dead Gibbs had offered Ziva a lot of support, so not having seen or heard from him was not easy. Ziva really hoped that Vance had good news for them.
But being unemployed has his benefits as well, during these four months Ziva and Tony got the opportunity to finally act on their feelings and become more than best friends. The couple was glad for all the time they had been able to spend together, both got the chance to get to know the other so much better and to talk about many things that were long overdue. Ziva realized that their road to happiness would not always be easy but she knew she wouldn't change a thing about the last four months, despite all their difficulties. Her relationship with Tony was absolutely worth everything to her.
Tony and Ziva decided to enjoy their hopefully last days of unemployment and spend a couple of nights with their little family. They had a lot of fun and both learned to cherish these moments/ their dysfunctional little family. McGee had told them that he had received a phone call from the director as well, meeting him at the time as them. Later that week on Friday night Ziva and Tony lay close together in bed, facing each other, simply enjoying each other proximity.
"Do you think Vance will offer us our jobs back?" Tony asked, after placing a lovingly kiss on Ziva's forehead.
"I think so, there is no other reason why he would like to talk to all three of us." Ziva answered, feeling completely at ease at the moment. The last few days had been very peaceful between them, Ziva had even reschedule her appointment with Dr. Lewis that day. Her reason being that she needed her time to spend with Tony and their friends without any shadows of the past overshadowing her/them before they started working again hopefully.
"Yea I think you're right, I hope that also means that Gibbs is back."
"I hope so, I miss him…" Ziva whispered, playing with Tony's chest hair unconsciously.
Tony knew how important Gibbs is to Ziva but at the moment words failed him so he just held her a little closer.
"Are you ready to go back to work?" Ziva asked him after a couple of minutes.
"I guess, I like spending all my time with you but I can't live of my savings for ever." Tony responded honestly, tucking Ziva more firmly into his side. "Are you?"
"I miss all of us working together..."
"But?" Tony questioned.
"But I do not miss the violence and dead." Ziva breathed.
"Me neither Zi but our job is meaningful and I like being able to work for the good guys."
"Me too, it is just going to take some time to get used to it again I suppose. But I am looking forward to it, all of us working together and you being my partner again." Ziva responded, a small smile appearing on her face.
"Yea me too! Do you think Gibbs will approve of us? I know it is not against NCIS policy to date a co-worker but it would be nice to have Gibbs' blessing or whatever you want to call it." Tony said, his voice giving away his uncertainties about Gibbs' reaction about their relationship.
"Yes it would certainly be nice to have Gibbs' approval but Tony…" Ziva started, urging Tony to lie down on his back and propping herself up on one elbow. "You are more important than Gibbs' opinion, if he does not agree with us being in a relationship than so it be."
"Seriously…?" Tony asked, feeling very uncertain and vulnerable at the moment. He knows how much Ziva loves Gibbs and how important he is in her life.
"Seriously Tony! I love Gibbs and it would be difficult if he would not be happy for us but I love YOU Tony. I can change jobs if that is what it takes but I am not giving up on us honey." Ziva put into words, knowing very well how insecure Tony still is about this part of their relationship. He had never verbally voiced his fear about losing her or them breaking up but she knew that that was something Tony was afraid of. But Ziva had absolutely no intension on ever leaving him again but understood Tony's fear of abandonment a little bit better everyday. So this time it was her turn to reassure him over and over if that's what it took to make him believe.
"I guess we just have to wait and see." Tony whispered, breaking all eye-contact with Ziva. Feeling uncomfortable at the moment.
"Hey…" Ziva spoke, placing her other hand on his face to make him look up at her. "I am not going anywhere Tony."
"I know Ziva but I am… You know." Tony shrugged. "Never mind, I am not giving up on us either." Tony added, hoping to change the conversation.
"You can tell me Tony." Ziva answered, placing her head on his chest.
"I know but I don't really want to talk about it right now."
"Okay but know that I am here for you, always." Ziva spoke.
"That goes both ways Zi."
"Hmmm."
"I love you sweetie, sleep tight." Tony whispered against her ear after a while.
"Love you too." Ziva answered quietly, feeling tired. Before making herself comfortable into Tony's side Ziva placed a tenderly kiss on Tony's lips murmuring good night afterward.
A little before nine o'clock next Monday Ziva and Tony arrived at the Navy Yard, both nervous about what Vance had to tell them. Back at Ziva's apartment Tony and Ziva had agreed to tell director Vance about their relationship if they got their jobs back. They wanted to clear the air to prevent any misunderstanding in the future. Both hoped Vance would not transfer one of them to another team but all they could do was wait and see how things go. Once arriving at the director's office Vance and McGee were already waiting for their arrival.
"Good morning David, DiNozzo." Vance greeted them both.
"Director." Ziva and Tony answered simultaneous.
"McGee." "Tim."
"Tony, Ziva." McGee acknowledged them.
"Please come all in and take a seat."
With that the doors closed and the three of them spend more than an hour talking about their future at NCIS. Things had gone even better than they hoped for, Vance announced that Gibbs would be back on Friday. Which of course was amazing news for everyone, Gibbs had been gone for too long. But with Gibbs being back so would their team, Vance had offered them their jobs back. Saying all the problems regarding Parson were gone, no further questions asked. All three of them only had to re-take a couple of tests, like re-taking their shooting qualification test, a physical -and psychological evaluation. Which of course was only normal since they had been of work for four months. In the end it came down to this: they would get their jobs back and their team would be reinstated beginning on Monday the 23rd. All three got the idea that they would most likely never knew what happened during these four months of absence but right now that didn't matter because they were more than delighted to be back on team Gibbs.
At last, after McGee left the room knowing Ziva and Tony were going to tell Vance about their relationship, it was Ziva who came forward that Tony and she were in a committed relationship. But Vance had surprised both, he congratulated them and wished them all the best for the future. Following he told them it was not against NCIS policy to date a co-worker, which they already knew, and assured the couple that it would not be a problem as long as their relationship didn't intervene with their work. Tony and Ziva left the office shortly after, feeling very relieved at how things had turned out. Both equally thrilled to see Gibbs after so many months of absence.
Afterward Tony and Ziva went for a walk feeling peaceful even if they knew things were going to change. The last few months they had spent almost every minute together, being able to work on their young relationship. Of course they would see each other at work but they knew they had to be careful to not let their relationship come between work. Holding hands and showing each other their love would not be appreciated but both were willing to try, if that would assure them that they could work together as partners. Neither were willing to change teams but obviously there was still Gibbs. They knew he could split them up if he didn't agree with them being together.
It was Tony who realised that he had to make sure that he and Ziva took time for each other. He knew that working at NCIS was not a 9 to 5 job and that they most likely would spend some nights at work. But Tony was going to make sure that they would find the time to spend together outside of work on a regular basis.
After walking in silence for a long time it was Ziva who broke the silence:
"Gibbs is coming back!" Ziva said, her voice sounding light and chirpy.
"I know!" Tony answered, feeling equally as happy. He encircled Ziva in a tight hug, while peppering her face with kisses. It was rare of them to show their affection for each other so openly but both couldn't care less. They were ecstatic, Gibbs would be back on Friday, they would start working again on Monday and most of all they are in love and overjoyed to be together after holding each other back for so long. Not everything was perfect but Ziva and Tony were willing to work through their issues together.
"I love you Tony." Ziva whispered against Tony's neck. "Can we go home?"
"Hmmm, you don't wanna go out for lunch?"
"No, I want to spend our last free days together at home."
"Sounds perfect to me." Tony responded, loosening his hold on Ziva and instead taking her hand. "I love you too Ziva." Tony whispered against Ziva's ear, which brought a shy smile on Ziva's face.
On Friday Ziva started to get more fussy the hours passed, feeling exited to go and see Gibbs.
"Relax honey, Gibbs will not be home until tonight you know that." Tony expressed, tugging her closer toward him on the couch where they were currently watching a movie. He placed a sweet kiss on her neck and directed her to sit between his legs.
"I want him to be happy for us." Ziva whispered, leaning back against Tony's chest. "Gibbs has been a better father to me than Eli ever was, his opinion matters to me Tony. What if he separates us?" Ziva questioned, telling Tony about her fears for the first time.
"We will know when we visit him tonight honey… I know Gibbs means a lot to you but Gibbs loves you! He may not like us being together but that doesn't mean he will love you any less." Tony answered, placing both arms around her waist.
"I hope so and Tony… Gibbs loves you as well. You know that right?" Ziva said, turning around to look at Tony.
"Myea no you and Abby are his favourites." Tony murmured.
"Maybe but that does not mean you and McGee are not important to him as well." Ziva told him, gently stroking his cheek with her hand. "We all love you Tony!"
"I don't care about them, it's only your love that I need." Tony uttered, his voice trembling with many emotions.
"Tony why are you so afraid to let people in?" Ziva asked tentatively, placing both arms around his torso bringing their bodies closer to each other.
"I am not afraid Zi!" Tony answered quickly, even when he knew Ziva was right. "It's just easier." Tony added quietly.
"How so?"
"I think I don't have to explain that to you, it's not like you are the easiest person to get to know Ziva David."
Ziva was not offended by Tony's words, she had learned not to let his words hurt her when he was just saying them to deny his real feelings. "That may be true Tony but I can accept Gibbs' love and McGee's and Abby's and the others as well."
"Than why is it still hard for you to accept my love?" Tony snapped, defending himself.
"You know very well that that is a different kind of love Tony and I do not find it hard to tell you I love you!" Ziva answered back a little harsh.
"I know, I'm sorry…"
"It is okay but Tony can you open up just a little please. Can you be honest with me and tell me why you do not let people get close to you? Why does no one get the chance to get to know the real Tony, the man I love and got to know so much better over the last few months?" Ziva asked him, placing a tender kiss on his lips afterward.
Tony stayed silent for a long time, contemplating how honest he should be with Ziva. Was he ready to share more about his past with her? Things he had never talked about with anyone… Ziva gave Tony all the time he needed and kept her arms around his waist.
"I guess…" Tony started. "I guess it's easier to not let people in at all than getting hurt when they leave you." Tony whispered, burying his face in Ziva's hair. "I have tried to be more open and have a normal live but in the end you always get hurt."
"Wendy? Jeanne?" Ziva asked in a soft voice. "Your mother… ?"
"Hmm yes… What I feel for you Ziva, I've never felt that before. We know each other for a long time and this, our relationship, is what I want but…"
"But you are still afraid that I will leave you?" Ziva put into words when Tony's didn't finish his sentence. "You know I am not going anywhere right?"
"You have told me that many times already but I guess it will take more time to really believe you, sorry Zi." Tony muttered, keeping Ziva close to him.
"No need to apologize honey, we both have are own insecurities. We may not like them but it will get better." Ziva warmly responded.
"Yea just know that I love you no matter what, okay Ziva?" Tony told her. Placing both hands on Ziva's face, looking directly into her eyes.
"And I love you Tony!" Ziva told him, kissing him for a long time after.
"Will you help me with dinner?" Ziva asked him after ending their kiss.
"Of course sweet cheeks, come on." Tony answered, getting up and offering his hand to Ziva.
Once in the kitchen they started to prepare dinner, Tony doing whatever Ziva directed him to do. Suddenly Ziva embraced Tony in a big hug, placing a soft kiss on his collarbone.
"Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me." Ziva whispered against his neck.
"You're my girlfriend Ziva, it may sound silly but you make me feel safe. And every day I'm started to learn that it is okay to trust you with my stuff."
"Nothing silly about that, I feel safe with you as well. We will get better at this, sharing the difficult stuff." Ziva voiced, before capturing Tony's lips in a passionate kiss.
"Hmmm Zi, I like this." Tony smirked between two kisses, breathing hard. Tony gently bit Ziva lower lip, earning a moan from her.
"Stop distracting me." Ziva whispered, completely out of breath.
At that a laugh escaped Tony throat. "You're the one who started this David and don't tell me you don't like it." Tony breathed against Ziva's lips.
"I can not deny that mon petit pois but right now I would like to finish dinner." Ziva responded.
She loved kissing Tony and as time went by Ziva started to get more and more comfortable being close to him but nothing more had happened between them since their time in the shower. During their relationship Tony had never pushed the boundaries, even when they kissed or were close and Ziva could definitely feel Tony's bodily reactions. They had talked about it and he knew it didn't bother her but there were moment that Ziva hoped/ longed to do more, which made everything more complex. Tony was a gorgeous man and he treaded her like she was the most precious person in the whole world. Ziva couldn't remember a time when she felt so safe with anyone, their little family had filled a void and she was so grateful for that. But Tony had filled a whole different place in her heart, it was impossible for her not to love him!
It was a little after 7pm when they finished dinner and at that time Ziva had a hard time sitting still for longer than two minutes.
"Do you think Gibbs is already home?" Ziva questioned.
"We can go and check it out if you want?" Tony answered, knowing how bad Ziva wanted to see Gibbs. And he couldn't deny that he was looking forward to see the boss man as well.
"We can?" Ziva asked hopefully. She knew that Gibbs would probably like some time alone but she couldn't wait any longer.
"Yes he wouldn't mind. Come on go get ready honey."
"Okay." Ziva happily responded, immediately leaving the room to get changed.
Within two minutes Ziva was back, fully re-dressed and ready to go.
"Ready?"
"Ready." Tony responded, glad to see Ziva's eyes twinkle with joy.
"I am!" Ziva exclaimed.
"Okido but I will drive, you're far too exited." Tony said, planting a swift kiss on her lips. "Love you."
"Thank you Tony, I love you too!" Ziva responded, so thankful for everything Tony did for her.
Fifteen minutes later Ziva and Tony arrived at Gibbs' place, both relieved when they saw light shining through the window.
"Ready?" Ziva asked, intertwining her fingers with his.
"Ready when you are." Tony smirked, kissing the knuckles of the hand that held his.
The couple made their way toward Gibbs front door, knocking a few time because they suspected Gibbs was most likely in his living room.
"Come in, the door is open." Gibbs shouted, having heard a car arrive.
Ziva didn't hesitate for a second, she opened the door and ran in looking for Gibbs.
"Gibbs?"
"In here Ziver."
"You are home!" Ziva proclaimed, enwrapping Gibbs in a tight hug. "I missed you." Ziva whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
"Missed you too kiddo." Gibbs answered, kissing the top of her head.
"Welcome back boss." Tony putt in. "Good to have you back."
"Good to be back DiNozzo." Gibbs responded, shaking hands with Tony.
"You two came together?"
"Yea our little ninja here couldn't wait to see you." Tony answered, which earned him a dirty look from Ziva.
"Something you need to tell me DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked, having witnessed the look between the two.
"Yea…" Tony started, not completely sure how to announce their relationship.
"Tony and I have been together for over a little more than two months now." Ziva put into words. Stepping toward Tony and linking their hands together.
"You're gonna headslap me now?" Tony questioned, trying to lighten up the situation.
"You two are happy together?" Gibbs almost demanded.
"Yes." Tony and Ziva responded at the same time.
"As long as you two keep it out of the office I have no problem with it."
"What about rule 12?" Tony murmured, bewildered that Gibbs had taken the news so well.
"The last four months rule 12 didn't exist so I don't care about what happened during that time but the moment it interferes with the job I will not hesitate to transfer one of you. Am I making my self clear?" Gibbs stated. But truth was he was contented for the both of them, they both deserve to be happy and Gibbs knew it would only be a matter of time before these two would finally be honest with each other. He was glad that despite everything that happened during the last couple of months Ziva and Tony had found their happiness with each other.
"Yes boss." "Yes Gibbs."
"Okay, DiNozzo give me a moment alone with Ziva." Gibbs told Tony.
"Yea sure." Tony quickly responded, squeezing Ziva's hand before making his way upstairs.
"You're happy Ziver?"
"I am Gibbs, he makes me feel loved and I do love him very much."
"I don't need any details David." Gibbs smirked. "You know where to find me when you want to talk, my door is always open."
"Thank you Gibbs that means a lot to me. I am very excited that you are back."
"Glad to be back, been gone for too long. If Tony hurts you in any way he will have to deal with me."
"He will not." Ziva responded, a smile appearing on her face. It was nice to know that Gibbs would be there no matter what, just like any father should be. "He is not the same man when we are together, I mean he is still DiNozzo but he is a really good man Gibbs."
"Always knew he had it in him to man up and be a good guy." Gibbs answered, actually real proud of Tony. Gibbs knows Tony is a good man and that he hides himself behind many masks, so it was very good to know that Tony felt safe enough to let go of these masks in Ziva's company.
"I suppose that means he knows about your nightmares?" Gibbs asked gently, knowing very well how much they affected Ziva.
"He knows… I visited a therapist two weeks ago and I am planning on having an appointment with her every two weeks. I cannot do it on my own anymore and Tony deserves more than what I am able to give him now." Ziva quietly told Gibbs.
"I'm proud of you Ziver!" Gibbs started, invading Ziva's space and placing a finger under her chin to make her look up at him. "It's not weak, never think it's weak. You deserve to be happy and if asking for help can make that happen you go for it. Got it?"
"Yes." Ziva whispered. Afterwards Gibbs placed a fatherly kiss on Ziva's forehead, hoping to let her know, by his actions, how proud he was of her.
"DiNozzo you can come back!" Gibbs shouted afterward.
Only when Tony took the place next to Ziva Gibbs started speaking again. "You don't hurt her, you got that DiNozzo?"
"Yes boss."
"Okay now you two go home, I need some time alone to work in my basement." Gibbs voiced.
"Okay, see you soon Gibbs." Ziva answered, giving him a kiss on the cheek and wishing him a good night.
"Night boss."
With that being said Ziva and Tony left Gibbs' place, both pleased at how things had turned out. Tony was almost positive that Gibbs was happy for them.
"Everything okay between you and Gibbs?" Tony asked when they drove back toward Ziva's apartment.
"Yes, he was just making sure I am fine. I have told him about therapy, I hope that is fine?"
"Of course why wouldn't it be? You tell Gibbs everything you want him to know, you don't have to ask for my permission. That would just be odd Zi." Tony responded honestly. He knew Ziva trusted Gibbs with a lot of things and Tony was perfectly fine with that.
"Okay." Ziva said, her voice sounding small.
"Zi?" Tony called, not liking the tone of her voice.
"I just do not want you to feel like I do not trust you or that Gibbs is more important." Ziva said honestly.
"You don't have to worry about that, I know that it is easy to talk to Gibbs. This is Gibbs we're talking about, no need to explain yourself sweetie." Tony sweetly answered, squeezing her tight lightly.
"Thank you, something you want to do tonight?"
"Nothing special? You?"
"We can go for a run if you want to, I have too much energy at the moment." Ziva answered. During the last few weeks it had become a habit to go running together at least once a week, after Ziva had convinced Tony that they couldn't spend all their time inside in front of the TV. After a few times Tony learned it was actually nice to work out together and had re-discovered his joy of running.
"I would like that but not too fast." Tony answered, gladly agreeing with everything Ziva wanted right now. It was a true gift to see her so content and carefree, Tony would absolutely do anything to see her like this all the time and hoped that real soon Ziva would find pace with her past and be able to open up completely.
"You big baby." Ziva smirked, kissing his cheek playfully once they made their way upstairs toward her place.
"Yea I love you too." Tony responded joyfully.
Together they made their way outside enjoying all the time they spend together. Finally things started to fall back into place, Gibbs was finally back and as of Monday they all would be back at work. Ziva knew that on a personal level she still had a lot to work through but realized that she was not alone in any of this. There was her NCIS family, Gibbs and of course Tony! Ziva slowly started to understand that Tony would be by her side no matter what happens and that was something Ziva was not going to take for granted ever again!
Again sorry for the delay...
Thank for all your wonderful reviews, please keep them coming it really helps me to keep going!
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Greetz
I.