Sorry about the delay! :( i have a pretty hectic period in my life right now. I try to write when i can, but the time is little.
Still thans for all the great reviews and the new followers and such! i love you guys. Here the new chapter! A little longer specially for you :)!
Enjoy your reading!
Gibbs house, 7:33 am
As Ziva came down into Gibbs living room, she was pleased to see Tony sleeping on the couch. She hadn't heard him come in last night. She walked to himsat down on the coffee table and just sat there staring at him. He looked exhausted, but also peaceful. A small smile appeared on her face and she ran her fingers over his cheek. She didn't even bother to pull back when she heard the door towards the basement open en close and Gibbs walking into the kitchen.
''Morning'' She said quietly not looking away from Tony.
''Morning. You want some tea?'' Gibbs said, knowing she didn't drink coffee.
''Yes'' She smiled and patted Tony on his cheek. She stood up and walked over to the kitchen, sitting down at the table. ''I uhm... wanted to thank you. I didn't hear it after our talk'' she told him.
Gibbs turned from making coffee to look at her. ''That's good'' He smiled softly.
''Yes it is'' She smiled for a moment then it faded. ''Does is sound weird when I say that I hate it that I lost a baby before knowing I was pregnant?'' she asked softly looking over to the couch to make sure Tony wasn't awake.
''No, Ziva. How a baby is conceived doesn't change you motherly instinct'' Gibbs said and sat down as the water was heating and coffee in the making.
''How did you know that I was pregnant?'' She asked.
''I didn't know before you lost it, just like you'' Gibbs began. ''I knew something was wrong with you, when you went to the doctor. After that I had a guess of what it could be, so later I went into my investigator mode and I found out. I didn't say anything to you, because I knew you would talk about it when you were ready'' He explained.
''And for that I thank you'' She said sincerely and reached out her hand to grab his. She smiled softly.
A moment later the water was boiled and Gibbs stood up to make tea and coffee. From the sounds in the kitchen, Tony began to stir and his eyes fluttered open. He looked around for moment remembering where he was, then he saw Ziva's eyes focused on him. She smiled, he hadn't seen that in a while. He stretched, let out a yawn and made his way over.
''Good morning'' He smiled at Ziva.
''Good morning to you too'' She said.
Tony sat down next to her ''I smell coffee. Just what I needed''
''How late did you get in?'' Gibbs asked and placed a cup of tea and coffee in front of them.
''Uhm.. I think it was just after 3 am'' He glanced at the clock. It was now 7:45 am. He rubbed his hand over his face and took a long sip.
''How's Tali?'' Ziva asked softly.
Tony looked at her and Gibbs, both were staring at him waiting for an answer. ''She's taking it calmly... a little too calmly. She says that she wants to keep the baby no matter how hard it's going to be and knowing about the risk'' He explained.
''She was telling you stories, was she not?'' Ziva knew how Tali was.
''Yup, It maybe a different kind of reaction, but she is doing the same you did'' Tony said sternly.
''Hiding behind a mask'' Ziva confirmed.
Tony nodded and took another sip. ''How are you feeling?''
''Better, I talked to Gibbs'' Ziva said.
Tony glanced over to Gibbs, momentarily forgotten he was still there. Gibbs smirked at him. He simple watched the interaction, wanting to know where their relationship stood. Looking back to Ziva, Tony smiled. ''Good. Did he scare ''it'' away?''
''Yes. The voice was scared of him. You know how Gibbs is, with things he doesn't like'' Ziva smiled.
''That's great to here, Zivaleh'' He tried out the name. He bit his lower lip to see her reaction. Gibbs raised his eyebrows at the name too.
''Tali told you that name, didn't she?'' Ziva asked sternly.
''Yes she did and I like it'' Tony stated
''I don't'' Ziva stated. ''I mean I did... but not anymore''
''Ziva, you know I'm nothing like your father and it was your mother who called you that'' Tony said and grabbed her hand.
''It seems that you and Tali are going along well'' Ziva said leaning back in her chair and taking a sip of her tea.
''I like her'' Tony told her.
Ziva raised her eyebrows ''I hope you love me'' She chuckled, knowing that Tony didn't know that Gibbs knew.
''You know I do'' Tony said, leaned over and kissed her briefly on the lips. Then his eyes widened at the realization that Gibbs was right there. He pulled back and looked at Ziva. He was shocked seeing her hiding a grin. Then he looked over to Gibbs, who's face was unreadable. ''Uhm... It's not what it looks like, boss'' He stammered.
''It's not? So you didn't just kissed your girlfriend and told her that you loved her?'' Gibbs asked.
''yes.. but—'' He stopped as he heard Ziva trying hard not to laugh. He looked at her to see her amused face. ''You already knew, didn't you?''
''Apparently we are not that good in keeping secrets'' Ziva smiled.
''But I'm still alive what does that mean, boss?'' Tony asked Gibbs. ''I thought you didn't approve''
''I don't like the fact that two of my agents are dating. but you two are both my family and I want my family happy. I can see that you two make each other happy and that overrules the rest. I will make a exception for now'' Gibbs told him.
''Really?'' Tony was surprised.
''Tony, do not do that. Other wise he will reconsider'' Ziva touched his arm.
''She's right DiNozzo. I also reconsider it if I hear that you hurt her in anyway. I will shoot you and bring Abby along to make sure I leave no evidence, is that understood?''Gibbs stated seriously.
'Tony nodded, knowing that Gibbs would actually do that. ''I love her, I wouldn't hurt her on purpose''
''Don't care what the reason is. Understood?'' Gibbs demanded.
''Yes of course boss'' Tony said confident. He looked over to Ziva who just grinned at him.
''Ziva, why don't you take a shower?'' Gibbs asked. ''If everyone's ready we go to the hospital again'' Ziva nodded and emptied her cup of tea. She stood up and gave Tony a kiss on his cheek, which made him smile and walked upstairs. Gibbs turned to Tony. ''How are you feeling Tony?'' Already knowing the answer.
Tony looked at him. He kew that look. The older mans eyes daring him not to even think about lying to him. ''I uh... am tired, boss'' He admitted.
''The past weeks have been hard on you'' Gibbs stated.
''Yeah kinda. But I won't break down!'' He protested, more to himself than to Gibbs who had said nothing about it.
''Sometimes, DiNozzo. It makes it easier after a breakdown. Look at Ziva. She had breakdowns yesterday and now she is calm'' Gibbs said.
''Yeah, she looks so much more at peace doesn't she?'' Tony smiled to himself.
''You did a great job, DiNozzo'' Gibbs assured him.
''Did you just gave me a complement?'' Tony asked shocked.
''Don't get used to it. Won't happen anytime soon'' Gibbs said sternly.
Tony snorted and then the smile faded as Ziva's phone that was still lying on the kitchen table began to ring. Tony picked it up and ran a hand over his face, seeing the name on the caller ID. He clicked to ignore the call and threw it back on the table.
Tony looked at Gibbs, who had his eyebrows raised. He let out a deep sigh. ''Ziva didn't tell you about Eli David calling her, did she?''
Gibbs was surprised to hear the name, after all what happened. ''No''
Tony growled. ''Of all the times, he had to choose now to call her''
''Do you think he knows that Tali is hear?'' Gibbs asked.
''You read my mind, boss. I do think that, I just don't know how much he knows or why he's calling'' Tony said. ''He left both of his daughters out there to die, after he separated them for 9,5 years. What kind of father does that?'' He voice full of frustration.
''Don't know, DiNozzo'' Gibbs said honestly.
Tony looked at Gibbs, trying to read the older mans face. His voice was smaller and with concern. Tony picked it up. ''This father daughter thing is getting to you too, isn't it?''
''The connection between father and child is supposed to be good. A child is supposed to see his or hers father as his or hers hero. The strongest man that will protect you no matter what. You two both hadn't have that and I...'' Gibbs trailed off and looked away.
''Gibbs, what happened back then is not your fault'' Tony knew what he was talking about. ''And look at Ziva, she think that about you more than about Eli. She may not say it and she's maybe older. But if Ziva would be younger or I would be younger. We would have think that about you. I know for sure that you were a great father. You still are! For me, Ziva, Abby and McGee, whether you like it or not'' Tony explained. He knew that Gibbs didn't like to talk about what happened, but he had to say it. Had to convince Gibbs with the truth. ''What happened to all of us is not your fault. Shannon and Kelly was not your fault''
Gibbs let out a small smile. ''Since when did you became so wise?'' He said and looked up at Tony.
''I had to grow up, in a short time this few weeks. But I learned from the best'' Tony said honestly.
''Don't expect me to lay off the head slaps, DiNozzo'' Gibbs smirked.
''Wouldn't be you if you did, boss'' Tony said.
A moment of silence ran over them as the both finished their coffee. 10 minutes later Zivacame down. ''Oh, thank god!'' she said with a sign of relief.
''What?'' the men asked at once.
''Well it was so quiet. So I thought that Gibbs had killed Tony, because of his rambling'' Ziva chuckled.
''No, you can't get rid of me that easily'' Tony grinned.
''Yes I can! But I don't want that'' Ziva smiled back.
''Gonna go shower and change'' Gibbs said as he stood up. ''And you two. Don't bring it into the office and don't bring it into my house'' Gibbs pointed at the two.
''Don't know where you're talking about, Gibbs'' Tony laughed. Gibbs glared at him. ''Of course not, boss''
''Good than, I'm very happy for you guys'' He said and went upstairs. As he passed Ziva he gave her a kiss on the forehead.
Before Ziva could ask why Gibbs' face and body language was so full of emotions, the phone rang again. Both Tony and Ziva were silent. Tony looked at Ziva, but both didn't move. After 5 rings it stopped again.
Ziva closed her eyes frustrated and relieved.
''I don't want to talk to him'' Ziva said quietly.
''Then don't'' Tony said simply.
''Tony, he's my father. I can't ignore him'' Ziva argued.
''Works for me for over ten years now, Zee-vah'' Tony retorted. ''Of course he did the same thing when I was young for my whole life... but okay'' Tony thought to himself.
Ziva sighed. He was right. He gave her up, left her for death and didn't do anything to help her. There was really no reason for him to expect that she was going to accept his call. ''Okay. You are right''
Tony smirked. ''I am always right''
''You wish'' She said. She stood up from her seat only to sit on Tony's lap facing him.
''I don't wish that'' Tony told her, his hands automatically resting on her hips.
''Then what do you wish?'' Ziva asked. Her voice was low and she looked him in the eyes.
''I can't tell you that, otherwise my wish won't come true'' Tony said with a husky voice. His eyes flickered from her eyes to her lips and back up again.
Ziva smirked. ''I guess I have a pretty good idea of what you want, right now'' She leaned forward and captured his lips with her own, in a quick kiss and pulled back. ''Did I guess it right?''
Tony grinned, but didn't say anything. This time he leaned forward and attacked her lips, in a passionate, almost hungry kiss. Ziva's fingers played with the hairs at the back of his neck and Tony hands slowly drifted up from her hips to her sides.
Tony pulled Ziva closer and wanted to deepen the kiss, when they both felt the sting on the back of their heads. Gasping in surprised they pulled apart.
''What did I just tell you guys about, leaving it out of my house!'' Gibbs snapped.
Ziva abruptly climbed from Tony's lap and stood. ''Gibbs! I.. we.. just..uhm'' Gibbs smirked. She sighed. ''Won't happen again, Gibbs''
''Better not'' Gibbs said and walked away.
Ziva turned to Tony again and was surprised to see him grinning at her. ''What's with you?''
''You forgot that we were at Gibbs house'' He said amused.
''And you didn't?'' Ziva raised her eyebrows and folded her arms over her chest.
''I did'' He paused. ''It's just nice to do that. Seeing that you have no worries for just a couple of minutes, forgetting about all the pain and such. Gibbs saw it too that's why he smirked''
Ziva put both her hands on his cheeks and rested her forehead against his. ''I love you''
''I love you too'' Tony said and stole a quick kiss.
They both didn't know that Gibbs was still standing in the living room just out of sight. He smiled to himself. As much he disliked they broke his rules, how can he be mad about this? He looked at the picture on the wall. ''Even when you're up there you're still reminding me that you're always right'' He whispered. Soul mate couples can handle every break through every obstacle they will meet on their paths. Shannon had told him.
…...
Hospital, 9:12 am
As Tony, Ziva and Gibbs came into the hallway of Tali's hospital room, again a cell phone went off. Tony and Ziva looked at each other, nope this wasn't their ring tone. They stopped and looked at Gibbs. He smirked and grabbed his cellphone, shaking his head when he saw who was calling.
''Yeah, Abbs'' Gibbs answered.
''Gibbs Gibbs Gibbs! How is our newest Israeli friend! How's Ziva? Is she okay?'' Abby's voice came load and clear through the phone. Load enough for Tony and Ziva to hear too.
''Calm down Abs. We are in the hospital now. Were just about to go to Tali. She's as good as she can be and Ziva is fine'' Gibbs reassured her.
''When can we go see her too?'' Abby asked.
Gibbs looked at Ziva, who had pleading eyes. Knowing Tali full well that a crowd wasn't her thing. ''Not until she's out of the hospital, Abby. She's still getting used to more than one person in the room. Let alone your positive energy''
Abby sighed on the other side of the line. ''Okay. I will tell McGee and Ducky that. Do you know when she comes out?''
''Doctor says when she eats and doesn't throw it up'' Gibbs explained. ''Should be 2 nights or something''
A moment of silence on the other side of the line, but then, ''Okay'' Abby said softly, not liking that it still would be so long for her to see Ziva's sister. ''I'll call you later tonight''
''I know'' Gibbs said and with that he hung up. He looked up to Tony and Ziva.
''Hard to say no to her, isn't it?'' Tony smirked.
''Uhu'' was all Gibbs said and they started walking again.
When they arrived by the door of the room, they looked through the glass of the closed door. They saw Tali sitting a little more upright and she was zapping through the channels of the TV with the remote in hand. By the looks of it, she couldn't find a amusing channel
Tony knocked softly on the door and Tali looked up. She gave him a small smile and he opened the door.
''Good morning Little Ninja!'' He said happily, as he walked in followed by Ziva and Gibbs.
Her face immediately changed as she saw Gibbs. ''Uhm.. good morning'' She forced a smile.
Ziva went to her and gave her a kiss on her forehead and sat down on the edge of her bed. ''How are you feeling?'' She asked.
''As good as I can be I guess. The medication is finally working and as much as I dislike them, they help and I will accept that for this time'' Tali said. She turned to Tony. ''How did you sleep Tony? It was very late when you finally walked out''
''I thought you were sleeping'' Tony said surprised.
''I don't think I can sleep when a men is in my room. Do not take that personally, it is just something that is in my head'' Tali explained.
''Right, I understand'' Tony said and sat down on the chair. ''I cracked my back, Gibbs' couch is not the best couch to sleep on'' Tony told her pointed to Gibbs.
Tali looked at the silver haired man. ''Agent Gibbs. It's a nice to see you again. Thank you for all that you have done for me so far and for my sister'' she said to him
''No problem, kid it's what I do for my family'' He smiled back.
Tali was a little taken aback by his statement, but nodded in understanding. ''So when can get out of here?'' She looked at the three of them.
''Well the doctor says, when you can eat something and don't throw it up'' Ziva explained.
''How are we going to know what if I can eat if I don't get any food?'' She argued.
''I will ask the nurses for some liquid food to start with'' Tony said to her.
''Okay'' Tali was satisfied with that. ''Tell me, did something happened. I'm open for a laugh''
''Apparently, your sister and I were not so good at keeping our relationship a secret'' Tony grinned.
''I could've told you that. I mean your are practically all over each other'' Tali stated.
''We are not!'' Ziva said wanting to smack her sister like she always did.
''Uhm.. Ziver? Do you remember you make out session this morning?'' Gibbs raised his eye brows. ''You were pretty over much all over Tony than'' He said making Tali chuckle.
''that sounds so wrong coming out of you mouth, Gibbs'' Tony said.
''Good than you have learned not to do or even think about that in my kitchen'' He smirked.
''That's the Ziva I know! Always going against fathers figure orders!'' Tali grinned.
''Tali, shut your mouth'' Ziva hissed, but couldn't hide the amusement.
''Oh I want to hear that'' Tony exclaimed.
''you want to hear how Ziva always made our father mad choosing boyfriends he would dislike on purpose?'' Tali clocked her head.
''Oh but your father doesn't like me either... I killed the only man he liked'' Tony stated, glancing at Ziva to look if she was okay with him saying that.
''You killed Najiev?'' Tali asked in surprise.
''Talia!'' Ziva hissed annoyed.
''Uhm..'' Tony frowned. ''No I killed Micheal Rivkin'' Tali's eyes went wide. Not because of Tony killing Micheal, but she just now realized Tony didn't Najiev. ''Who's Najiev?'' He turned to Ziva.
''No one important'' She said and saw the question in his eyes. ''I tell you an other time'' She told him.
He nodded. Tali smiled, seeing that she didn't screw up. She turned to Gibbs. ''Well agent Gib—'' she was cut off.
''Just Gibbs. You're not working for me and I'm here as a friend, not a agent'' He explained to her.
''Gibbs. Do you have any stories that will embarrass these two and make me laugh?'' Tali asked.
He smirked.
''Gibbs, don't even think about it!'' tony ordered. Gibbs glared at him. ''Sorry, boss''
''Well I can remember someone had to handcuffed your sister and Tony to each other and somehow they couldn't come out of them'' Gibbs tried to hide a smirk.
''That's because your hid the key!'' Ziva exclaimed.
''Yeah well, if you two fight and don't want to make up with each other... and I couldn't miss you in the investigation, I am forced to make you make up with each other'' Gibbs explaied.
''And how long did that take?'' Tali chuckled.
''14 hours, 46 minutes and 27 seconds'' Ziva stated.
''Why would you remember that?'' Tony asked confused.
''Please, at that point I did everything to distract for needing the toilet'' Ziva said. Tony's eyebrows went up. ''What? I'm not going to the toilet with you, while your attached to me''
''I don't know about you Ziva, but it seems that the most intense conversations from us are held in the rest rooms'' Tony argued.
''Not while I'm literally sitting on a toilet, Tony'' Ziva retorted.
As Ziva and Tony continued their discussion Gibbs went over to Tali. ''Are you sure that you still want to live with them?'' Gibbs said amused that one sentence from him could make a this kind of discussion between Tony and Ziva.
''I'm not sure'' Tali admitted seriously even though she found it amusing. ''Are they always—''
''Oh yeah'' Gibbs smirked, continuing looking at Tony and Ziva.
''In that case... Is there somewhere other where i can sleep?'' Tali chuckled. She looked at Gibbs who had a smile on his face. ''Thank you again for all that you have done for my sister. And I'm sorry about your wife and daughter'' Tali said quietly.
Gibbs head jerked to look at her. Surprise clearly in his face. ''How do you know about that?''
''Although that they hid the fact that Ziva was on your team and I didn't have any reason for to look into where Ziva was at the moment, a couple of years back, my father wanted to know about NCIS, something about Jenny'' She looked at him, seeing the sadness appear on his face. ''He especially wanted me to spade into your history''
''Dig. To dig into my history'' Gibbs corrected.
''Same difference. Anyway, I don't know why for sure. Now that I think about it, it was because of Ziva coming here. The time line can confirm it. I know everything and I'm sorry both for losing them and for having my nose somewhere it didn't belong'' Tali finished.
''Rule 6, David'' Gibbs said.
''Rule 6?'' Tali was confused.
''Don't apologize, it's a sign of weakness'' Gibbs said. ''Not that you are weak, because you and your sister are to the strongest girls I've ever met. But just remember them''
''Oh.. okay''
''I don't want you to apologize for my family's death, cause it's not your fault that they are dead and second I don't want you to apologize for following orders. You did what you thought was right. Do you understand that?'' Gibbs said.
she nodded. ''number 6... do you have more rules?'' Tali asked.
''About 50 of them'' Gibbs smirked.
''I assume that they have broken 2 or 3?'' Tali asked, nodding to the arguing couple.
''Breaking one right now'' Gibbs said. ''Rule 12, never ever date a co worker''
Tali grinned. ''So when Tony asks Ziva to marry him, the rule is no longer broken?''
Gibbs raised his eyebrows. ''You gonna start being a smart ass already?''
''It's just logical. They're no longer dating, so the rule doesn't count anymore, or am I wrong?''
''Yeah, but it will be a long time before Tony asks Ziva to marry him'' Gibbs said.
Tali frowned. ''Why? Don't you think he loves her?''
''I do! Trust me I do, I knew that before they both realized it. But it's complicated'' Gibbs told her.
''Ah that word. Always seems to pop on, when it gets serious around here'' Tali said with a smirk.
Their attention was back to the couple, when they weren't arguing anymore. Gibbs and Tali should've known to be less surprised when they saw them both kissing.
''Hey!'' Gibbs nearly yelled.
Tony and Ziva both jerked back. ''What? We're not at work or at your home!'' Tony protested.
''Which number doesn't have a rule, Agent David?'' Gibbs asked serious.
''The first one is 14'' Ziva answered after a couple of minutes.
''Good. Rule number 14. No couplely business in front of Gibbs, Gibbs house or work, at least until you're engaged, understood?'' He said.
''Yes boss'' Tony and Ziva both said at once.
''See you have trained them well'' Tali laughed.
''Glad that we can amuse you, Talia'' Ziva smiled.
So yeah that's about it for this chapter! :D next one will be up next week. Sorry it's changing from few a week to once... but like i said i can't get a steady pace. i'm tired, still healing from being sick and i'm working and helping to care of 2 girls (7 and 10) twice a week. Gotta love the busy life!
please review what you think! Do you like Tali?
-X- Leonie