A/N: Because I'm already two weeks late posting (for which I apologize), I won't make you wait any longer for an update. Unfortunately Tony and Ziva's Christmas vacation is taking much longer and proving to be more complicated than I'd originally anticipated. The good news is you're going to get a fair amount of detail about their trip, the downside is I may not be able to post once a week but just whenever I get another part of it finished. I'm anticipating three or four parts to this particular section, and though it is titled after an episode there won't be any actual episode content until the last part. Thanks for your patience guys, I'm glad people are still sticking around to see how this turns out. Lots more to come! ~ Love, Aliyah :)
PS. I've done a lot of research about their destination, but I couldn't always find everything I was looking for so some of it will still be creative license. If anyone has been there before, please forgive any inconsistencies. Thank you.
Friday December 24 - Day 1
Ziva sometimes felt she was losing her ability to sleep well when she knew there wasn't much time before the alarm went off when she found herself wide awake at one-thirty that morning with one and a half hours of rest remaining. Instead of laying there and trying to force herself back into slumber, she slipped very carefully out of bed and retrieved from her side of the closet the new bunny Ryan had passed to her at the group dinner last week while Meira and Cody were playing elsewhere.
Though she and Tony had tried to research a way to get their dog to accept a substitution for her beloved toy there was very little information available on the subject so they came up with their own idea. Knowing that Ziva was pretty much always Meira's first choice, Tony suggested she sleep with the replacement stuffed animal so it carried her scent (when Ziva reminded him of his rule about cuddling with something other than him, he conceded to making an exception but only this once), and they also left it laying on Meira's bed during the day with the bedroom door closed so she couldn't see, hoping it would also absorb the dog's scent and not seem like a foreign object when the two toys were switched.
Since Meira was sleeping out by the inside garage door tonight Ziva crept softly to where she lay, calling on all her former stealth skills to keep from making even the minutest of sounds that might catch her pet's attention. Crouching by the sleeping animal she eased the old bunny away from Meira's paws a little at a time and set the new one in place, holding her breath the whole time lest Meira wake up. But their dog didn't even stir and Ziva released a sigh of relief once she was safely back in the bedroom. So far, so good but the real test to see if their plan had worked would come when Meira awoke.
For now the old bunny was stashed in a ziploc bag in one of Ziva's dresser drawers, but before they left it would get moved to the large garbage can in the garage, which Cassie volunteered Mark to put out on collection day so they didn't come home to a smelly space. The entire operation took only ten minutes and Ziva debated about staying up but knew it would be a busy day and opted to return to bed. Tony's even breathing never changed when she settled back beside him, brushing her lips over his collarbone and closing her eyes. His warmth seeped into her tired body and to the rhythm of her husband's heartbeat Ziva found slumber again.
NCIS
The alarm buzzed at three am, far sooner than either was ready to get up. Tony had to smile though at the sleeping ninja using his chest for a pillow and he kissed her forehead. "Morning honey."
She groaned. "Morning does not come until sunrise."
"We'll probably be watching it from the plane." He yawned and stretched. "Feel like breakfast before we leave?"
Ziva sat up. "I do not think my stomach would appreciate food this early." Concern shadowed his features briefly before he buried it and she patted his chest. "We can get something there. I am sure there will be plenty of time."
Tony lifted her palm to his lips and chuckled. "Good plan, because I suddenly remember we're out of milk and yogurt so the selection is limited." He got out of bed and paused, keeping his voice low. "Hey, do you think Meira is still asleep? Maybe we should pull the old switcheroo now."
She shimmied out of her pjs and began getting dressed. "Already done."
His eyes narrowed. "When?"
Ziva shrugged one shoulder. "A couple hours ago when I could not sleep."
Tony buttoned his jeans and frowned. "Did you have a bad dream?" Usually he noticed these things.
"No. But I was awake and thought I may as well put it to good use." She gathered her hair to put in a ponytail but reconsidered and reached for a clip instead. Even though the cozy sweater she wore now would help keep out the winter chill, it was a relief to know that in a matter of hours they'd be basking in glorious eighty degree heat.
"Now we just have to wait and see how it works." As if on cue Meira came into the room, bunny held in her mouth and tail wagging slightly. Tony grinned and knelt beside her. "Happy Christmas Eve pretty girl, do you like your present?" She set the toy down and licked his cheek.
Ziva smiled and joined them, running her hand over the dog's soft coat. "Boker tov motek. I am sorry we will miss Christmas together this year, but you are going to have so much fun with the children and Cody." Mark, Cassie, and the kids would be coming to get her after breakfast so there wouldn't be much time alone at all, for which she was thankful. Their friends were such a blessing. She kissed Meira's muzzle. "Anahnu ohevim otcha." We love you.
Tony left the room and came back with a couple treats that they shared with her, then his watch alarm beeped. "Ten minutes babe and we need to be out of here."
With a last pat for Meira Ziva stood and went out to re-check their luggage while Tony made the bed and disposed of the tattered used-to-be-a-bunny. Together they did a last minute sweep of the house for anything forgotten - like toothbrushes that almost went back in the holder once they'd been used, extra hair elastics for Ziva and Tony's aviator shades from the shelf by the door. They were just heading out the door when she suddenly thought of one more thing and raced back to their room. He spotted the difference immediately, his pleasure at the change impossible to disguise.
"You're wearing the necklace I gave you."
Ziva touched his cheek gently, her lips curving up. The coolness of her rings on his skin was another reason to be happy - not since she first returned from the desert had there been an opportunity for them to wear the symbols for an extended period of time. "It is one of my favourite possessions," she assured her husband. "You have very good taste."
Tony dropped the bags he was holding and cupped her face, taking over her mouth for a deep kiss. "Yes," he murmured, resting their foreheads together, "I do." Her eyes shone at such a profound truth and the couple was lost in their own little world until the second watch alarm interrupted. Then luggage was gathered, Meira bid goodbye, and an adventure began.
Arriving at the airport, getting through check in, customs, and security didn't take as long as expected, though perhaps that was because four am wasn't exactly a high traffic time at the airport. After the official stuff was taken care of and they had only their backpacks to worry about, Tony and Ziva picked a sit down restaurant near their gate and ordered a hot breakfast. With nearly two hours until the flight left there was no need to rush so they lingered over an omelette and fruit bowl (Ziva's) and a full plate of bacon, eggs, and toast (Tony's), though he did share his toast and the packages of grape jam he picked just because she liked that kind. Fancy coffee and tea fortified them for the wait and by the time they chose two adjoining seats at the gate less than sixty minutes remained before takeoff.
Tony slid his fingers between hers, dropping a kiss on her head when she leaned it against his shoulder. "Are you excited?"
Ziva sipped her tea. "I do not think it feels real yet. Perhaps once we are on the plane I will believe this is actually happening." She looked up at him. "Are you?"
He put his arm around her shoulder. "Absolutely. I can't tell you how long I've wanted to take a vacation with you, something that doesn't involve work and has no purpose except us enjoying ourselves." And enjoying each other, he added silently, hoping for a lot of carefree vacation sex. "This is what husbands and wives should be able to do together. The next nine days are going to be amazing."
She traced his wedding band. "This will be one of my favourite parts," she shared softly.
"Mine too."
Lost in separate thoughts of what their trip might look like they hardly noticed time passing and then the announcement came on for first class passengers to begin boarding. Knowing their section would be next Tony and Ziva unfolded themselves from the chairs and stood with their backpacks on the seats, waiting. Not having any idea when the next time was they'd be able to take a trip together since stretches of time off were rare on Team Gibbs, the couple had splurged on this vacation - everything from their seat class to accommodations and, unbeknownst to Ziva, several activities Tony had reserved that he knew she'd love. He'd been doing some serious research on St. Martin since they booked the flight and all that collected information was now tucked safely in his backpack. He just hoped she'd be surprised in a good way when she found out they had an itinerary.
When their turn came they joined the business line and handed over the tickets. After walking down a long hall they came to the door of the plane. For once it wasn't the slow shuffle to the back and no acrobatic moves were required to squeeze themselves into tiny, without-any-personal-space seats. Instead Tony and Ziva dropped into nice wide cushy quarters complete with folded blankets and a gentleman that approached almost immediately to ask what they'd like to drink. Since it was far too early for anything fancy they settled for orange juice, tapping their plastic cups together in celebratory fashion.
"Just wait, in about eight hours we'll be sipping something a whole lot more exotic than juice," Tony commented, staring at the window.
Ziva followed the direction of his gaze and noted for the first time that without exception when they flew he gave her the window seat and yet spent much of his time looking out of it. "Would you like to sit here?"
He blinked and swivelled his head towards her. "What?"
She gestured to the window. "You always seem interested in seeing out. We could trade."
Tony settled deeper into the seat. "No thanks." His twinkling eyes met hers. "I'm quite enjoying the view from right here." What he didn't want to tell his wife because it would probably count as treading on her ability to care for herself, was that sitting on the outside of the row or at least the outside of her made him feel more like the guy, the protector. Though she no longer needed a shield as she had in the early days after Somalia, he still liked being that for her anyways. But he could never be sure if such a sentiment would be met with that adoring expression he loved or a roll of the eyes and aggravated huff complete with Hebrew muttering about overprotective husbands.
Ziva's searching look made him think she had already discerned his non-answer, but she turned her attention away without comment. In relative short order they were ready to go and his wife passed him a stick of gum as their plane taxied down the runway. It lifted into the air, climbed and slowly leveled out. As soon as that happened Ziva abandoned sitting properly and instead reverted to Indian style, tucking the blanket around her legs. She leaned forward to reach her backpack and withdrew another thick book from Cassie, this one involving a brilliant young woman and the submarine commander who loved her.
He sighed and shook his head. "You brought a book on vacation."
Ziva removed the bookmark that held her place. "I brought two, actually."
"I think you're missing the point."
She shrugged. "I find reading relaxing. And if you are taking a nap I may sit out in the sun to enjoy the story, or lounge by the beach. Whatever hits my fancy."
"Strikes my fancy," he muttered, catching her hand. "Plus, if I take a nap I'd certainly be hoping you'd join me."
Closing the book again, Ziva studied him. "Should this count as our postponed honeymoon do you think?"
He frowned. "No. Definitely not."
She arched one eyebrow. "Why not? You said it would be something special, somewhere we've never been before." A smile claimed her lips. "This vacation is something special and I have never been to St. Martin Island. Besides," she winked, a teasing sparkle lighting her eyes, "I do plan on making it everything we both deserve."
Tony rubbed his forehead. "You and your photographic memory. That is not what I meant." Her expression encouraged him to elaborate and explain his thoughts. "This is merely the vacation we've needed for a long time and it has to be a secret. Our honeymoon will be different because it'll happen after everyone knows we're married and I can kiss you in full view of the entire office without it affecting our jobs. And then we'll announce that we're taking time off together for the express purpose of the honeymoon we never got."
Ziva trailed her fingers down his cheek. "I did not know you had put so much thought into it."
He flexed his shoulders. "There's been...times in the last few years when the subject has...come to mind more often."
His hesitation made her wonder if those times included when he believed her to be dead and that they'd forever lost their chance for a honeymoon, but she didn't want to burden the joy of this trip by asking for details. Instead she kissed his cheek, indulging his mouth when he sought more than just a light brush of lips, and returned focus to the novel in her lap. Tony took her hand in his, content to relax for the moment and the two hour flight to Atlanta passed quickly.
On arrival the couple found their gate with little trouble and wandered around until they discovered a good place to grab drinks (decaf this time) and a snack before they boarded the plane that would take them the rest of the way to their destination. A four hour flight this time, departing nearly mid-morning, allowed them a chance to lay back in the comfortable seats and catch up on some of the rest that had been missed earlier. It made Tony enjoy the nap significantly more when Ziva moved the seat arm between them and cuddled up to his chest. He wrapped an arm around her back, pressed his lips to her forehead, and closed his eyes. Vacation had already begun.
NCIS
Waking up in his wife's old bedroom in her parent's house was not exactly how Jordan pictured his first anniversary, but they'd agreed after getting engaged to spend every other holiday with each other's family as long as it was just the two of them. Should they be blessed with children, the terms would then be renegotiated. Forcing everything from his mind except the most important - first anniversary - he rolled over and kissed his wife, stroking her cheek. "Happy Anniversary Mrs. Lewis."
Her lips curved up, though her eyes remained closed. "Twelve months and sometimes I'm still getting used to being called that." Granted the title didn't get used very often when most people in her work and personal life addressed her as 'Allie'.
Jordan rubbed her ring. "Makes me feel pretty special." He loved that, in a society where things were becoming less and less traditional, she'd wanted to take his name.
Allie blinked and focused on her husband. "Happy Anniversary." She stretched, then shivered at the less than warm temperatures outside their blanket cocoon. "I vote for staying in bed."
He chuckled. "Normally I'd be thrilled to go along with that suggestion, but I have a plan."
Scooting closer, she began planting tiny kisses down his neck. "What would I have to do to convince you?"
The words were a murmur on his skin and Jordan's pulse jumped. "That's playing dirty," he protested weakly as she continued bestowing kisses over his chest.
Allie glanced up, a twinkle in her eyes. "Is it working?"
Groaning, he grabbed her face and captured her lips, pouring out his answer in the deep caress. Mission accomplished, she grinned against his mouth and proceeded to thoroughly (but quietly) enjoy their private anniversary celebration. Sometime later, fully clothed in warm, appropriate for public pyjamas - following tradition in the Cameron household - the couple sipped mugs of hot chocolate made with the kettle she kept on her dresser, and watched snow falling softly outside the window.
"I have to say," Jordan commented when half his mug was empty, "I wasn't sure how we were going to work out time for us during this visit." Though considering her room came with an ensuite bath he'd come up with a few ideas.
Allie smirked at him over the rim of her cup. "Mom and Dad were very conscientious about soundproofing when they built this house. They had four little kids and no plans for more (Emily had been a big surprise when their youngest was nine) but wanted to ensure their marriage didn't suffer or get lost in the parenting aspect. We learned very early on that Mommy and Daddy needed to be alone together and as long as a movie was playing and there were snacks available we hardly noticed their absence."
She chuckled at a memory. "Brian was the first to figure out what they were doing behind closed doors but Mom wasn't embarrassed by his frank observation and told him that someday he'd have a wife and they'd want to do the same thing. We grew up aware that married couples spent time alone without their kids and though we didn't advertise it to our friends or anything, the subject wasn't taboo." She glanced towards the door where down the hall all four of her siblings slept - Brian and his wife Melody, Michelle with her husband Levi, Jeff and his new bride Nadia, and Emily whose boyfriend Tyler was in the basement guest room and due for an interrogation by older protective brothers after breakfast. If he survived, which she was confident he would based on the way he looked at her baby sister, Tyler planned to join them for supper and the Christmas Eve service at church before heading home to spend the holiday with his family. The cousins, four year old Liana who belonged to her oldest brother and three year old Jace from her older sister, minus his baby sister six month old Genevieve who was in a playpen, had the pullout couch in the livingroom so they could watch for Santa.
Allie cuddled close to her husband. "I'm sure we're not the only ones making good use of a peaceful early morning." It was almost over she knew, both kids would be up any minute and clamouring for attention from beloved aunts and uncles, as well and parents and grandparents.
Jordan shook his head. "We were never that open in my family. I spent a lot of energy trying not to think about what my parents did to get me and Aria." He leaned in for a warm sweet kiss. "But I wouldn't trade us for the world." She smiled, content to be with him. A moment later he placed a small box in her hands. "To commemorate the day."
Setting her now empty mug aside, Allie untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside, nestled on a pillow of cotton, lay a small old fashioned watch on a chain. Decorated with antique scrollwork the effect was quite stunning and her eyes widened. "Oh Jordan, how did you know?"
He shrugged. "I've spent enough time with you and Anne of Green Gables to know how you feel about classic things. When I saw this I knew right away you'd love it."
"I do," she assured him, lifting it gently and slipping the chain over her head. She clicked open the little round door and watched the hands move around the face. "You're so thoughtful, thank you."
Jordan captured her lips for several moments, then Allie broke away and retrieved his gift. "I don't think mine is quite as romantic, but I still think you'll like it."
He tore the wrapping away and gaped at her. "Allie, how-?"
She shrugged. "One of the guys in my office has a connection. I got the name from Darien. Figured you might like a jersey autographed by your favourite basketball player."
For that he gathered her close and kissed her breathless. "You figured right," Jordan grinned. "Thank you honey." He chuckled. "I might have to frame it."
Allie bit her lip. "Do you think it could go in the office?"
"What, you don't think it'd look cool in our room?" he teased, backpedaling at her look. "The office is great."
A knock came at the door. "Aunt Allie, Uncle Jordan, Daddy says it's time for breakfast."
Allie smiled. "Come in Lia." Their niece pushed it open and bounded into the room, clambering up in Jordan's lap. Allie barely saved his gift from being wrinkled and set it out of reach.
"We're having pancakes," she confided. "Daddy makes good animals. What's your favourite?"
Jordan rubbed his nose on hers. "Do you think he can do snowmen?"
"Ooh!" Liana squealed, grabbing his hand and dragging him after her. "Let's go ask!"
Shooting a helpless glance at his wife he allowed the little girl to lead him downstairs and into the cozy, family filled kitchen. Today was about being with the important people in their life and he was all for that. But tonight when he surprised her with a moonlight horsedrawn sleigh ride it would just be him and the woman he loved above all else. That was something to look forward to.
NCIS
His ever prepared wife came back from the bathroom twenty minutes before landing in cute tight capris and a t-shirt in several varying shades of blue and green, looking quite tropical. Tony, on the other hand, would have to wait until they got to their hotel to change pants for shorts. He did, however, sport his Hawaii Magnum shirt underneath the sweater that had been needed in DC, along with winter coats stashed in their suitcases upon arrival at the airport that wouldn't be in use for the next week and a bit.
He rubbed a hand down her smooth leg. "I've missed that sight."
She rolled her eyes and swatted him playfully. "Yes, and I think you planned this whole trip just so you could google me."
Tony kissed her slowly. "Since when is that a problem?"
Ziva was relaxed and content and they hadn't even arrived yet. "It is not. There is very little that makes a woman feel more confident than knowing her husband appreciates her appearance."
He brought her hand to his lips. "Then you, Mrs. DiNozzo, should be the most confident woman in America because your husband can't take his eyes off of you." His voice dropped to a whisper. "But it's not just your appearance I appreciate."
Faint colour rose to her cheeks, which he considered another victory, and the captain's voice announced, "We will be landing at Princess Juliana International Airport in approximately ten minutes. Local time will be two oh five pm , the current temperature is a balmy eighty-four degrees. Please make sure your seatbelts are fastened and tray tables up as we prepare to make our descent. Thank you."
Like she always did when they traveled Ziva changed her watch to match their destination while Tony just resigned himself to doing math or relying on his wife whenever he wanted to know the time. As the plane nose edged down in slow descent both halves of the couple pressed close to the window, eager to see where they'd be spending their vacation. The island was hilly and green, dotted with sprawlings of civilization balanced by an equal number of areas that looked entirely undeveloped. White strips of sandy beaches and gorgeous clear blue water caught their attention and suddenly they couldn't wait to see all of it up close.
It seemed like ages before they finally touched down and by then Ziva had repacked her bag and was ready to leave. Being close to the front gave them an advantage and they joined the line early, exiting the aircraft and following signs for baggage claim. Dutch, French, English, Spanish, and Creole, among several other languages, flowed around them as they traversed the beautiful yet busy airport and Ziva smiled every time her ears caught something she recognized. Sometimes it was nice to be a place where English wasn't the predominant language spoken.
To make their bags more noticeable Ziva had tied brightly coloured shoelaces to the handles and Tony spotted them right away. Once he hefted the suitcases off the carousel they both looked at each other with a 'now what?' expression and he grinned. "I guess transportation is our next step, assuming we didn't want to use up our vacation bumming around the terminal, nice as it is."
Ziva slipped on her sunglasses and took her bag. "Lead the way."
Thankfully Tony's research had prepared him for this and he knew taxis would be waiting outside. When they walked out heat slapped them like a wave and he took a deep breath of warm tropical air. Looking towards the vehicles parked close to the doors he found a gentleman eager to be of service. Greeting them in French and English and storing their bags, he seemed surprised when Ziva replied in his native language. The two chatted until they were settled inside and then Tony gave the name of where they were staying and the journey began. Their driver quickly discerned that French was not in Tony's repertoire and gave a short history lesson on the island in lyrical accented English.
There didn't appear to be any rush as he navigated the n arrow road, pointing out sights of interest along the way. Some Tony was already familiar with from his reading and others he hadn't come across at all. Almost an hour and a half after they'd landed, complete with several stops waiting for others or so the driver could greet friends, Tony and Ziva were delivered to their accommodations where they were met inside the door and their reservations inquired about. Once the details were confirmed a porter was dispatched to lead them to the bungalow Tony had rented, complete with all the amenities of a regular hotel.
Following a generous tip the man left them alone with the key and he pushed the door open. The inside was a little piece of island paradise, done in light colours that made the whole place seem bright, airy and spacious. A full kitchen and small dining area was the first thing they saw, then a door opened into the large bedroom and ensuite bath. Since Tony hadn't let her in on many of the plans, Ziva was taken aback to realize he'd found something that quite closely matched the idea in her head of a romantic island getaway. She set her things down by the bed and immediately threw open the balcony doors, taking in the gorgeous view of ocean and sand right outside their room.
"Oh Tony, it is beautiful." He came up behind her and she turned, sliding her arms around her waist. "You chose very well."
He dropped a kiss on her hair. "I'm glad you think so." It was actually better than expected, considering he hadn't been able to find as many pictures of the place as he would've liked. Besides having lounge chairs and a small soaking pool, the balcony also boasted an inviting white hammock covered in pillows, which he couldn't wait to relax in.
Ziva tore herself away from the view long enough to wander into the bathroom, where a smirk claimed her lips. "Tony, I think you will like this." He was at her side in mere seconds and whistled at the decor. "Wow. That's...unexpected."
Tastefully done in a style that made it feel like a tropical island, the bathroom had stone counters and bamboo sinks, plus a large spacious tub along the wall. But the biggest surprise was the shower - completely open with no doors and only set a few inches below the normal floor to avoid flooding. The showerhead was a large rain shower design and Tony already loved the thought of enjoying their daily routine with her underneath it. He drew her into his arms again, kissing the side of her neck. "It feels like more freedom already, doesn't it?"
She understood what he meant. "Uninhibited, out in the open, everything we long for." She closed her eyes. "Ahava, thank you for this vacation."
Tony sensed her struggling with the emotion and grazed his lips over her ear. "Just wait honey, this is only the beginning." He led the way back into their room and flopped down on the bed. "Oh yeah, we're going to sleep well here."
Ziva sank down beside him her lips finding the corner of his mouth. "Somehow I think sleeping is not the main part of what you were thinking."
He twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. "You guessed correctly. But early morning taken into consideration, I'd be fully on board with waiting carefree vacation sex until tomorrow morning."
Her laughter warmed his heart, as did the look in her eyes he knew so well, making him shiver as her mouth brushed his neck. "If that is how you want to wake up on our first day, I'm inclined to indulge that fantasy." Tony was thinking seriously about indulging in a few other things, but she moved out of reach before he could act on them. "I know we are probably going out tonight, but we should go shopping and stock the kitchen for breakfast tomorrow at least."
His nose wrinkled. "That isn't quite as much fun."
Ziva rolled her eyes. "Shall I leave you here then?"
Tony was up in a flash. "Not a chance lady. Where you go, I go." He glanced down at his attire. "After I change into something that better reflects summer temperatures though." He knelt to unzip the suitcase, fished out a pair of shorts, and with a cocky grin dropped his pants right there and replaced them with the other bottoms.
Pivoting around with a swish of her hair, she commented, "If you were trying to tempt me into changing my mind, you will have to do better than that."
"Oh yeah?" he growled, catching her around the waist. "I know a few things that could change your tune in a hurry. Remember that I've spent four and a half years learning you."
His breath hot against her skin Ziva nearly gave in, then effortlessly extricated herself from her husband's grasp and backed away. "And you know me better than anyone. Well enough to know that I am not falling for your tactics until after grocery shopping."
"So there's still hope then?" Tony called after her, tucking his wallet in the front pocket of his shorts. Her silence wasn't terribly reassuring but he felt quite confident that there'd be plenty to satisfy both of them later on.
At the front door she used the key to lock it and handed the small piece of metal to Tony. He followed her down the winding pathway, glancing at her suspiciously. "Do you know where you are going?"
Ziva tipped her sunglasses down far enough to wink at him. "You are not the only one who can research our vacation spot during lunch hour."
"Ooh," he grinned and grabbed her hand. "A woman with skills, I like it."
She bumped him lightly with her hip and after a short stroll they found the store she was looking for. A basket of exotic looking fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice, milk, and a loaf of bread later they had what was needed for a simple breakfast. Ziva also picked up a jar of local jam when it was recommended while Tony kept dropping in anything that seemed remotely interesting. They headed back to their bungalow when he caught sight of the sun's lowered position in the sky and suddenly stopped. "What time is it?"
"Just after five."
He pulled her towards the hotel. "We have to hurry."
Ziva arched an eyebrow at him. "Why?"
"I'll explain later, right now we need to dump that stuff inside and get my map."
Curious but willing to go along, she obligingly picked up the pace and quickly stored the food while Tony dug through his bag for the map he needed. Then they were off again, a brisk fifteen minute walk bringing them to their destination. Folding the map and stuffing it securely in a pocket, he laced their fingers together and slowed the pace. "Ziva, welcome to Baie Longue. Aptly named as it is one of the longest beaches on the island."
Standing at the edge of the trees, Ziva slipped off her sandals and dug her toes into the pristine sand, staring out over bluer waters than she'd seen since she was a child swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. "It's lovely," she said softly, a light breeze teasing strands of hair across her face. "But why this beach?"
He didn't want to tell her yet that he'd read through the descriptions of all thirty-seven beaches belonging to St. Martin and had chosen the best nine - one for every day of their stay - to see with his wife. "It's one of the quietest ones and I thought we could use a little peace after the hecticness that is traveling. And," he squeezed her fingers, "I hear the sunset here is absolutely not to be missed."
She gazed out at the dreamlike setting, trying to convince herself that it was all real and they were really here together. Only the gentle lapping of the waves disturbed the stillness and she closed her eyes, letting the serenity of it all wash over her. "I think I finally know what vacation feels like."
Tony cradled her cheek in one hand, gently bringing his lips to hers. "I know what you mean." The pure blue sky began slowly tinting a rich orange and he tugged her forward. "Fancy a walk in the surf while the sun sets?"
Ziva walked by his side, pleased to dip her toes in and find the temperature pleasantly warm. "Do you know how much I love water?"
He still didn't know how she could think of it so fondly given portions of what she'd suffered both in Somalia and Mossad, but it was one thing on which her positive opinion never wavered. "I know how you feel about swimming, what else do you love?"
"Everything," she answered softly. "The sound of the waves rolling in, the colour, the way it seems to go on forever. Free, unfettered, ready to take you wherever the wind blows. I love the way it smells and feels," at this point she crouched and swirled her hand through the clear liquid, "and how it reminds me of my childhood. Of staying at Aunt Nettie's cottage and playing on the beach with my brother and sister. Of childhood and joy, a blithe time before the world intruded." She shrugged one shoulder. "I do not think I am putting it into words right."
Tony swallowed, pressing his lips to her temple. "I think you did just fine. And I'll be happy to watch you enjoy being surrounded by water this week."
The clouds had become purple, overlaying the orange sky - the effect was breathtaking and Tony wished he'd brought the camera, but knew that no matter how hard he tried a picture would never be able to do this view justice. The couple was quiet as dusk crept in, content to bask in the atmosphere, but eventually they retraced their steps and returned to their room.
Since dinner hour on the island was as late as seven or eight in the evening, they still had time to unpack before making their reservations. He was planning to start their trip off with a bang at one of the fanciest, most romantic restaurants the island boasted. They couldn't afford to eat like that every night, not even with all the comp time he and Ziva had cashed in to fund their impromptu holiday - her shortly after they'd booked the flight and him only days before the holiday began - but at least for one night he could make her feel like a princess.
Instead of putting their things in drawers it seemed to make more sense just to leave their suitcases propped open along the wall where they were out of the way but still accessible. As he was looking for something a little more dressy to wear to dinner Tony came across the small item he'd packed, not sure about Christmas traditions in other countries. Coming up behind Ziva he held it over their heads and whispered, "Turn around and look up."
She did without question, a smile spreading across her face. "Mistletoe?"
He endeavoured to appear innocent. "Wouldn't quite be Christmas without it."
Her hands came up to hold his face, soft lips melting into his. "No, it would not." With that he dropped the bit of greenery on the floor and surrendered to the magnetic pull between them and the intoxicating taste of his wife's mouth, positive this was already the best vacation ever.
Replies:
Debbie - I'm glad that's the way you see the chapter. Things have been heavy lately so uplifting and sweet is a nice change of description :) The second half of this part I'm aiming to have more Tony focused since everything has been about Ziva for so long. She's going to get the chance to repay some of what T's been giving her all these months. They do make a great team, that's part of why I love them. Thanks for reviewing! :) ~Aliyah
Hi ya - Hi! :) Well, thank you very much. I'm glad you're enjoying the series. Yes, the way Somalia was glossed over is the reason my other series, Remnants of Somalia was born. I hadn't planned to go into as much detail in MIT as I did there, but I can't always predict which way a story will go. Haha...you and many others are anxiously awaiting the reveal of their marriage, however, it is a year and a half away (in story time, but maybe in real life time too, I have no idea how long MIT will go for yet) so try not to get your hopes up yet. You're welcome for the story, I really love writing it. Thanks for reviewing! :) ~Aliyah