Friday July 23
Gibbs almost didn't open the door when he saw who it was waiting outside, but Shannon would've said that leaving a visitor on the porch was rude, so he let her in. "Make it quick," he growled. "I've got somewhere to be."
She talked more than was necessary but did take her leave just in time for him to jump in the car and race to the building where Ziva's ceremony was to be held. She was genuinely happy to see him when he took his place at her side, but he saw the side look she shot the empty chair between him and Ducky and wanted to take back all his nice thoughts about Director Vance from the day before. Tony should've been here. He was her partner. He brought her back after Somalia. It wasn't fair that he had to miss witnessing this moment in her life.
Hoping to help make up for the disappointment, Gibbs took Ziva's hand in his and held it for the whole time it took to say the words with the rest of the group, while Abby, McGee, Ducky, Jimmy, and the director stood proudly on her side. "I hereby declare on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen. That I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same."
Again her gaze drifted beside him but she quickly forced it back to the front and continued. "That I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law. That I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law. That I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by law. And that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God."
Just like that it was over and by the stunned look on her face, Ziva hadn't expected it to be that easy. But she was an American now and she belonged here with them. He wrapped her in his arms. "Congratulations Ziver. You've earned this."
She leaned into the hug. "Thank you Abba." Abby was next in line, so exuberant with her embrace that she nearly knocked Ziva over. McGee's hug was gentle but no less welcoming. Ducky had a proverb to offer when he slid his arms around her and received a kiss on the cheek for his efforts. Jimmy, ever awkward and yet wanting to be included, was grateful when she accepted his embrace without comment, though with Director Vance she settled for a handshake and the coolness in her expression made him wonder yet again just how close the partners were. But unlike Gibbs, he didn't consider that any of his business.
They all filed out of the crowded room and once outside in the sunshine Vance looked at the group. "I think a debrief can wait until Agent DiNozzo returns. Just have your reports on my desk first thing Monday morning. Today seems like a good time to play hooky, don't you think? And Agent David, congratulations, again."
Almost unbelieving expressions stared after him as he walked away, then Gibbs grunted. "Come on Ziver, we're taking you out for lunch." And as it was a very special occasion, they decided to spoil her. The lovely restaurant they ended up at usually required reservations, but all Gibbs had to do was mention a name and one of the many favours he'd collected over eighteen years of being a cop was cashed in. They ended up with a very nice table, a great view, spectacular service, and food of the quality none of them normally could afford.
Afterwards Ziva thanked them all, there was another round of hugs, and Ducky, Jimmy and Gibbs drifted off after Gibbs kissed her cheek one more time and whispered how proud he was of her. She smiled and squeezed his hand, then let McGee and Abby drag her away for ice cream. Being late July the temperature soon caused she and McGee to shed their jackets, but they did not refuse to walk arm in arm with Abby, who chatted happily about anything and everything and was a nice distraction for the 'poor me' road Ziva's thoughts would've otherwise taken. They spent the afternoon entertaining her - taking her to some of the monuments, buying cheesy American trinkets, and trying to help her thoroughly enjoy her first day of officially being one of them.
The main part of the day was drawing to a close when Abby suddenly remembered plans and McGee excused himself to be her escort. Ziva took her time wandering through the city and back to her car, her mood growing more and more somber the closer she got to her empty house as her focus narrowed to the fact that the man she loved hadn't been there for her today. He'd tried though, as soon as she opened the door that was obvious. A beautiful bouquet graced the table, with ribbons of red, white, and blue wrapped securely around it, making Ziva wonder which one of his fraternity brothers he'd enlisted for that task. In front of it lay a beautifully designed American flag t-shirt, an As American as Apple Pie fridge magnet, and a souvenir copy of the Declaration of Independence. A smile touched her lips as her fingers drifted over the items. Tony had done his best when he couldn't give her the one thing she wanted most, and she tried to appreciate that when the disappointment still weighed heavily on her heart.
She almost missed the folded letter bearing his handwriting, and pulled out a chair so she could read it. Dear Ziva, my beautiful Israeli-American. No amount of apologies can make up for me not being there today, but still I want you to know how sorry I am. You are everything to me Zi, and I hate disappointing you more than anything else. I hope the team spoiled you as you deserve and were able to make this a good first day of being an American citizen. That's something else I hate to miss. I love you so much sweetheart. If you start forgiving me now, maybe you'll be ready to give me a hug when I get back. I'll miss you every moment I'm gone. Yours always, Tony.
It was hard to stay mad at a man who was doing his best to make up for something he had no control over, so Ziva went to the journal Dr. Maitland had given them and poured her heart onto the creamy pages, hoping that if she got it off her chest now those feelings wouldn't spill out all over her husband when he walked in the door. When writing didn't quite have the desired effect, Ziva set the book aside and went to the kitchen for the phone, bringing it to the office with her and curling up in the corner chair to dial a number she'd known by heart since she was small.
The old woman answered so quickly Ziva wondered if somehow she'd known to wait up for a call. "Shalom."
Nettie smiled delightedly. "Laila tov motek! It's so good to hear your voice! It has been too long."
"Yes, it has," Ziva acknowledged. She was quiet for a moment, then spilled her secret. "I gave up Israel today Doda."
Her aunt spoke softly, thinking back to several hours before. "I know little bird. Anthony called me this morning."
Enjoying her first cup of tea for the morning, Nettie was surprised when the telephone rang. "Shalom."
On the other end a sigh came over the line. "Hi Doda."
Her brow furrowed. "Anthony? Motek, it is very late there for you to be calling me."
He swallowed. "Yeah, sorry. Hope I'm not too early."
Nettie shook her head. "Not at all achyan. I am often up to see the sun rise. But tell me, what is wrong? And do not deny there is something, I can hear it in your voice."
"Ziva takes her oath to become an American citizen today."
"Oh." Nettie set her cup down. "I knew it was coming, she studied so hard, but..."
"I know." Tony dragged a hand down his face. "I wonder if she'll regret that decision, one day."
"Ziva is not doing this only for you, but for herself Anthony. She needs to be free of the hurt and bitterness and memories this country holds. And while I am sorry to see her renounce her heritage, I know that in DC and in your arms she has found a very warm welcome to a new family."
"I won't be there," he blurted out. "Our director sent me on a surveillance mission. One of the most important moments of my wife's life and I'm going to miss it."
"Ani mitzta'eret achyan," Nettie said softly. "That does not seem fair."
"It's the penalty we pay for keeping our love a secret," Tony explained, weary of all the things that decision had cost them. "I don't know how I'm ever going to make it up to her."
"Ziva has spent her life following orders motek. Even if she does not like them and it is hard, she will understand. Besides," the woman smiled, "she loves you. That will make the difference."
"I hope you're right." He didn't sound convinced. "Anyways, I just thought you should know."
"Thank you for that. Be safe Anthony, please."
"I will. Boker tov Doda."
She smiled. "Laila tov achyan. Chalomot metukim." Sweet dreams.
Ziva sighed. Her husband kept giving her reasons to appreciate him, which was at war with how she felt right now. "I'm angry at him Doda, for missing the ceremony when he knew how much I wanted him there, how much I counted on his support and presence by my side. And then I am frustrated with myself because it is unfair for me to be angry when he had no more control over this situation than I did." She expected Nettie to say something, but the elder female David knew when a time to listen over a time to speak. "I am angry because he did not fight for us, but how could he, when I have not yet given permission to share our secret?" No words came from the other end of the line and Ziva frowned. "Are you not going to say anything?"
Nettie played with the long gray and white braid that fell over her shoulder. "I will not take sides Zivaleh, between you and my nephew. This decision of your director has torn the two of you apart, should I encourage these feelings that will only do more damage?"
"You think I am wrong?" A bit of hurt crept in, the sense of betrayal when Nettie was her aunt and advocate by birth, and Tony's only through marriage.
"I think you have a right to your feelings, because the situation is unfair. But I would be very careful how many of them you dump on your husband when he arrives home. It may be a different side of the coin, but he is just as hurt and angry as you, with a good dose of guilt on top. Keeping the secret means there is no choice between spouse and job, there is only job. You are stuck in a corner dear one, until your news is out. Think carefully about that as you wait for Anthony to return and remember that you also have followed your share of distasteful orders through the years."
Ziva pulled her knees up and rested her forehead on them. "I am so confused Doda."
"Then let us start with the truths that do not change regardless of circumstance. Do you love your husband?"
"Yes."
"Do you believe he meant to break that promise to you?"
She closed her eyes. "No."
"Do you believe he wanted to be at your ceremony?"
Ziva's voice was barely above a whisper. "Yes, of course."
"Do you think he tried to hurt you?"
"Never."
"Does he deserve your forgiveness and grace for a decision that was not made by him nor through any fault of his own?"
Her fingers reached up to tangle in the chain of her necklace. "We have made each other a promise, in very difficult times." She remembered more than once after Somalia when tough truths came up. "He loves me. Because of that, I will forgive him for anything." Ziva refused to let tears fall. "I am just not sure I can do it before I see him."
"That is your choice, and your burden to work through little one. But I beg you to do your best to welcome him back. I do not want to see any more space coming between you."
No, neither did she. With her heart in turmoil Ziva sat up again and forced her lips to smile. "How was your day Doda?"
Nettie knew the topic was closed and she could only hope her niece would make the right decision while she had the chance.
Their conversation wrapped up half an hour later and, feeling a bit at loose ends, Ziva stripped out of the pantsuit she'd worn and changed, then took a step back and studied her half of the closet. Needing to do something to occupy her hands and her time, she decided now would be as good a time as any to go through her wardrobe. She undressed down to her underwear and spent hours trying clothes on and either keeping or discarding those she wasn't as fond of or that didn't fit quite right any more.
She was on her second last dresser drawer when she found a pair of pants tucked in the back and pulled them out. Memories flooded back in of wearing them when she couldn't wear anything else, because they had a draw string and she'd lost too much weight last summer for even a belt to keep her jeans up. Holding them up, Ziva shook out the wrinkles and tried them on. They fit like they'd been made for her, no longer hanging off her slight frame, and when she put her hands in the pocket she discovered, to her surprise, a handful of paper scraps.
Sinking down on the bed she unfolded them and realized what they were - Tony's 'I love you' reasons, rescued from the little plastic box attached to her memorial stone before they'd pushed the rock off a bridge. She'd totally forgotten about them. #568 - I love you because of the way your skin feels next to mine when we're almost asleep and you haven't quite gotten comfortable, but when I press in close and kiss your neck you totally relax, like you only just realized it's okay to feel safe here. I love you because you make me feel like the luckiest man alive. #572 - I love you because when you're here you make me feel like more than me. I'm a person and not just a shadow. I miss that a lot. #579 - I love you because I have everything I ever wanted when you were in my arms. I wish I'd cherished those moments more. #581 - I love you because you make me feel alive and now nothing has for so long.
Ziva held the crumpled papers to her heart and closed her eyes, holding back tears for the pain her husband had been in when he thought she was dead. Going into the office, Ziva dug through the desk drawers to find the sticky corners she used for scrapbooking pictures. Then she pulled her journal off the shelf and carefully pressed each piece onto the clean white page as a reminder. Then she curled up in the corner chair with Moses and cried because her husband should have been there and she missed what today could have looked like.
NCIS
Scenes from earlier that day played over and over in Tony's head as he waited for Vance to call him in. Walking slowly down a Mexican street watching Alejandro laughing and talking and eating free as you please. Getting shoved into an alley by Mike Franks who, thankfully, wasn't as dead as they'd thought. "Hola."
Tony took off his sunglasses. "Franks."
"What's your assignment here?"
"No small talk?" Franks gave him a look he must've borrowed off of Gibbs and Tony sighed. "Director's orders, observe and report."
Franks nodded once. "I'll take it from here probie." He couldn't help a glance at the man's bandaged hand and the question was answered before he could ask. "I can pull the trigger with my thumb."
Mike left Tony in the alley and stalked over with the intention of confronting Rivera. Then shots rang out and all was chaos. Tony ran over in a crouch, gun sighted. Alejandro escaped in a black SUV that screeched to his rescue. Mike was hit and down but he managed to get out of the street before Tony could see how bad the damage was. He grabbed the nearest piece of debris and flung it hard at the ground, cursing at the events. It was a set up. They'd walked into an ambush. They were lucky to be alive.
Vance finally decided to acknowledge his agent, then Tony spent close to an hour getting chewed out for being careless, for giving away the tail, for not smelling that something was wrong, and also for letting Mike get away, because a lot of questions needed answering and he would've come in handy. Tony stood there the entire time, arms hanging at his sides, staring straight ahead while Vance railed about everything that had ticked him off. As if he didn't already feel bad enough for playing into Rivera's hands and missing Ziva's ceremony, now it was worse. He wanted to shove Vance's toothpick down his throat and tell him what he could do with his opinion and his stupid orders, but he couldn't , because come Monday he had to have a job, even one where his best efforts never seemed to be appreciated.
It was getting close to eight pm before he finally dragged himself in the door of their house. Ziva was waiting for him, sitting on the couch with something in her hands. "My Certificate of Naturalization," she said without looking up. "I can apply for a United States passport on Monday. I am an American now."
Tony sighed and set his backpack down. "I know honey. I wish I'd been there to see it."
"So do I."
He stayed on the mat, not yet certain of his welcome. "What are my odds of getting that hug?"
Ziva set the piece of paper down and walked slowly over to him, sliding her arms around his waist. Tony was thankful for anything right now and hugged her back, knowing nothing he could say would change the events of that day. When she let go Ziva looked into his eyes, her palm coming to rest on his cheek. "Are you okay?"
He tried to smile. "Found Mike Franks, or rather, he found me. Almost got caught in a shoot out. Blew my mission. And Vance hates me. How was your day?"
Ziva made him coffee and sparsely dispensed details of the ceremony and lunch and afternoon. She didn't tell him about closet cleaning or finding the papers in her pants' pocket because it was still too hard to look at him, let alone with her heart on display. Warming supper for him while he showered was the most generous offer she could make, the time by herself welcomed even though she'd spent most of the last several hours alone. Thinking to ease into reconnecting, Tony hopefully asked her to watch a movie with him, but that pushed pretending past its limits and Ziva declined in favour of going to bed, hoping sleep would allow her to shut out all of the heart issues she was doing her best to avoid.
He didn't push by trying to join her as she went through her nightly routine, and she was sitting on the edge of the bed when Tony came in after brushing his teeth. She didn't look at him and his heart sank even further. He mirrored her position on his side and stared at the floor for awhile before remembering the journal Honora had given them. Easing open the drawer of his bedside table, he found it laying on top of everything else and turned to a clean page. Uncapping the pen, Tony set it on the paper and began to write. The sound of his scrawling caught Ziva's attention and she turned slightly to see what he was doing. Very intent on his mission, he didn't stop to acknowledge her until he'd finished. Then he slid the book across the bed and waited.
Swallowing, she lifted the journal onto her lap and read what her husband had written. This isn't about sex, I want you to know that straight up. But I was thinking about something Mark gave me to read a long time ago, when we argued about how seriously to take the act. Sex is tearing down all walls and showing the very deepest part of yourself to your spouse. It's pouring everything about yourself into the one you love. Husbands and wives give each other the gift of themselves and let their actions say 'I love you'. It's a way to communicate and know each other, so I'm wondering if you'll let making love be that for us tonight. Can you let me tell you how sorry I am by the way I touch you? Will you tell me how hurt you are by how you respond? Let's share everything tonight Ziva and not hold anything back. Maybe we'll still be bruised and broken, but at least we tried to work it out.
When Ziva looked up with watery eyes, Tony held out the pen and she took it, scratching her response below his plea after a long moment of thought. I will. We promised to never withhold intimacy as a punishment. But you cannot say a word Tony, because even one would be too much. And afterwards I still need to be alone.
He accepted the journal back from her and almost winced at the brevity, especially when he could hear the silent continuation of her words, which had been altered slightly. There was a scribbled out letter between 'after' and 'wards' and Tony knew what she'd been thinking - after you're done with me. But that wasn't at all what he was going for and he'd do his best to make sure she didn't still believe that way when their time was up tonight.
Dropping the book on his nightstand, he walked around to where his wife sat and joined her, pushing wavy hair over her shoulder and drawing her close to cover her mouth with his. At first she barely responded, then everything came pouring out in a rush of emotion and they couldn't keep up with the passion and anger and hurt and frustration flowing back and forth between them. Tony was still careful, so careful when he took her, after their clothes lay in tangled heaps on the floor, and he vowed to make their intimacy last as long as possible because he couldn't bear to think of the moment that connection was severed.
But he hadn't taken into account that a non-verbal response could hurt more than a spoken one. The moment when he first felt her tears was a thousand times worse than if she'd screamed and hit him. And Ziva knew from the beginning that tonight there would be no rush to reach their destination. Everything was slow and tender, using the most intimate positions that kept them face to face even when they could barely stand to read what lay heavy in the other's shuttered gaze. Tony's kisses reflected a spirit of desperation, and in return Ziva sought to share the disappointment and hurt that loomed so large in her head and her heart.
There was a point when he sat against the headboard with her in his lap, stroking his fingers up and down her back, his other hand against her cheek, his world narrowed to the soft slide of their lips over and between each other. Swallowing, Tony at last broke away to look into her eyes and his heart shattered with the weight of the burdens he saw there. He'd never wanted to say 'I'm sorry' and mean it more deeply except during the Jeanne assignment, so despite their agreement his lips parted. Ziva saw it coming and laid her fingers over his mouth, shaking her head slightly. Leaning back, she pulled him down on top of her and renewed their activities, using her body to say 'I love you' when she couldn't yet manage the words out loud.
The moment he'd dreaded came despite all attempts to stall the loss, and it absolutely killed Tony when she rolled away at the end after he stole one last kiss and slipped out of bed. He flopped back against the pillows and wanted to cry, but the journal caught his attention instead and he propped himself up on one elbow, flipping through to see what else had been written. They'd only had it for a month and a half, and the first entry was dated a couple weeks ago during the break she'd begged for. Not really wanting to delve into barely healed wounds, his eyes scanned the page until one sentence grabbed and drew him in.
You have no idea how much I want this to be good for us, to be like it was before. I am sorry ahava, so sorry the desert keeps invading our lives. I wish I knew how to make it stop.
"Yeah," Tony sighed, "me too."
A few pages later he came to today and a very long emphatic rant with capital letters and exclamation marks scattered all over. Her fury and frustration at the situation leapt off the paper, shadowed by confusion about how she could be angry with him for something he had no control over, and wanting him to fight for their rights when she was nowhere near ready to share the secret they guarded so carefully. Several times Hebrew characters had begun only to be scrubbed out, because a language they both understood was required for successful communication, and she ended with one thought.
The truths I know are these - I love him more than I've ever loved anyone and there is nothing I wanted more than to have him by my side when I took the oath. I do not understand my own heart Tony, I only hope you will be able to see through all of the walls I am throwing up because I do not know how to stop them, to the me that belongs only to you and no one else.
"I'll try babe," he whispered. "But it'd be so much easier if you just let me in."
An hour passed before Ziva stepped foot back in their room. Then she changed into pyjamas with hearts scattered over the bottoms and a short sleeve shirt brightened with a splash of sunshine. Slowly she crawled under the covers and leaned in to kiss him softly. There was forgiveness in her touch and Tony closed his eyes, holding her hand against his face, and hoped to keep her right where she was. But her hand slowly withdrew from under his and she offered him a sad smile before settling on her own side. The emotion in her eyes matched the declaration of love he'd read and for now Tony would content himself with that. Even so, rejection stabbed at him watching her curl up in a tight ball so far away and he knew without asking that despite what they'd shared, she felt as lonely as he did. Some things just couldn't be made up for. Tony was beginning to wonder if this was one of them.
NCIS
Saturday July 24
They were up late and they slept late; what finally drew Ziva out of slumber was a gentle caress up and down her back. For a moment she lay there and enjoyed the sensation, then she rolled over to face her husband, aware that they had work to do. He studied her expression. "Can I talk to you now?"
Her eyes shadowed. "I am sorry Tony. I was...not in a good place last night. That is no excuse for how I treated you. It is not right for us to fall asleep so far apart." Hearing what she didn't say, Tony knew she meant more the distance between their hearts than their bodies.
He rubbed his finger over the back of her hand. "I read what you wrote in our communication book."
Ziva looked pained. "Ani mitzta'eret ahava, that was not fair of me. I was angry when I left the book for you to find."
"I'd rather know how you feel Zi. It hurt to read, because I've asked myself the same questions and made the same arguments and I'm hard pressed to find a time I've liked my job less than when Vance gave that order, but at least you were honest." He sighed. "You wouldn't let me say it last night, but I'm sorry Ziva. I'm so sorry for missing your ceremony. I promised and-" a thought suddenly occurred to him. No wonder it hurts so bad. "And that's the first one I broke. Can you forgive me?" Tony only just stopped himself from adding 'please' and begging to be back in her good graces and welcome in her heart.
Her forehead creased. "I have already forgiven you yakiri."
"When?" he asked hoarsely.
Ziva's soulful gaze reflected the remnants of their time together. "When you held me in your lap last night and I could read in your eyes how profoundly this situation affected you as well. All my anger drained away and I just wanted to be with you."
"But...you still left," Tony protested.
"Yes," she replied quietly.
"Why?" If he didn't want to know so badly, he'd find a more fun way of dragging the answers out of her.
She moved closer and lay her hand on his neck. "I am not sure we have ever had sex that way before, or used it as a means of talking when we were both too hurt to use words. You had a grip on my heart from the way you had loved me, and it simply took more time to process than normal." Her eyebrows drew together. "Did you not...I hoped you could taste in my kiss that I held nothing against you."
Tony clenched his jaw. "I was afraid to hope at that point. And you didn't really reinforce it by sleeping all the way over there." He eyed the other side of the bed like it carried a communicable disease.
"So it is my turn to apologize again. Can you forgive me for shutting you out?"
"Yes." He tapped the journal. "I guess I was fairly warned and I get it, but please try not to do that again."
Ziva nodded. "I will do my best."
Feeling a thousand pounds lighter, Tony slid his arm over her waist, drawing her to him, and lowered his mouth to hers. Ziva sank into the kiss, drinking in the tenderness of his caress, and felt a terrible loss when he pulled away. Raising his eyebrows as an invitation, he started to get out of bed but she grasped his wrist, stopping the movement. Tony saw something in her eyes and lay back down, waiting for her to explain what it was. Her fingers sought the pulse point at the base of his thumb, the steady beat reassuring and grounding her.
"Can we just stay here, with you holding me and kissing me? Not for sex, but to be together and reconnect, only us. I am so afraid we have lost something these past two days neshama, I want to get it back."
He threaded his fingers into her hair. "We haven't lost anything sweetheart, I promise you that. But I'll be glad to spend as much time in bed as you want." His lips laid claim to hers. "Doing this." The next was more deeper, more possessive. He gave her a half-grin. "I'd be hard pressed to think of anything I'd rather be doing than staying here with you."
Her smile was almost teasing this time. "Good."
The couple didn't leave their room until it was officially afternoon, and they worked around the other in the kitchen creating a sumptuous feast for what was deemed to be brunch despite what time the clock said. Keeping up with the relaxing theme they'd begun, Tony and Ziva treated themselves to a bubble bath and did little else but rest in each other's arms and let the hot water soothe away aches and bruises just as much emotional as they were physical before they got dressed for their friends' wedding. With all that had happened in the past few days, they were glad to have something to look forward to.
NCIS
It rained on their wedding day. The whole week had been beautiful - hot, sunny, cloudless blue skies - but the morning they were to be married, Emma woke up to a soft, warm, steady rainfall. Standing by the window in her apartment, she flipped open her cellphone and pressed speed dial #1. She'd decided months ago that Beth would forgive her for being relegated to the #2 spot. Adrian picked up right away. "Are you watching the same thing I am?"
He sighed. "Not exactly what you were hoping for, huh?"
Emma shrugged. "I'll admit to imagining sunny skies."
"You still want to have it in the garden?"
She frowned. "Of course. We were going to use the gazebo anyways. I just don't know what to do about our guests."
Relief filled Adrian. "So this doesn't make you want to change your mind?"
Emma rolled her eyes. "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"
"That's not what I meant. I just...wanted today to be perfect for you."
"It's your wedding too," she pointed out. "Besides, it's already perfect."
"Yeah, how's that?"
"Because I get to marry you Adrian. That's what I've been waiting for."
"I'd kiss you if I was there right now." She always knew what to say to make him feel ten feet tall.
Emma smiled slightly. "You're supposed to save that for after 'I do'."
"I've been thinking about that actually, and I don't see why you can't have more than one kiss in a wedding ceremony. I want to kiss you when I meet you at the end of the aisle to walk you to where the minister waits, and when we get there and stand looking into each other's eyes, and then when vows are made and it's too late for anyone to back out. What's wrong with that?"
"I won't complain," she said softly. "But I don't know how we're going to do a walk down the aisle without looking like drowned rats."
"Leave that to me," Adrian replied.
"One of your many connections?" Emma guessed.
"You'll have to wait and see."
There was a knock on the door and she turned slightly. "Beth is here to do my hair, I better go."
"Okay. I'll see you in a couple hours. And Em? I love you."
"I love you too."
Shortly past mid-afternoon Emma, Beth, and baby Sophia arrived at the outdoor garden where the ceremony was to be held. Regrettably Chris had deployed only days after Emma and Adrian announced their engagement. Originally he would've walked her down the aisle, but she was just as happy to have Adrian fill that spot. They walked through the building and onto the covered patio that overlooked the garden and Emma was amazed.
"Oh, look at it."
A flat white cotton tent with sheer curtained sides was set up to cover the entire aisle and guest area, right up to where the gazebo stood. Underneath was gathered everyone she and Adrian loved and they rose from their chairs to smile at her. At the entrance to the tent Tony waited with an umbrella and he came forward to escort Beth and Sophia to their places. The bride and groom had opted not to have attendants so they could focus only on each other, but also so it didn't appear they were picking favourites from within the group.
Beth wiped her eyes and stared at her sister. "You look beautiful." The simple, knee length, strapless, flowing, sweetheart style dress suited her, and with dark hair gathered up in a style they'd copied from a magazine with a single white flower as the only adornment, she was a bride to behold. "Congratulations."
Emma hugged her and Beth kissed her cheek. Sophia squealed with glee and Emma brushed her lips over the baby's head. "You go ahead and cheer Hope, this is a best day." She was left standing alone for only a few moments before Tony was back to take her as far as the tent. There Adrian met her and grinned, placing his hands on either side of her face and pressing his lips to hers. Emma smiled into the kiss, delighted that he hadn't been kidding earlier, and tucked her hand around his arm while they followed the aisle to its end. There they climbed the two steps into the gazebo and faced each other, his warm hands enveloping hers, and before the minister could say a word, Adrian leaned in and kissed her again.
From the group came a wave of laughter. "Save it for the end!" someone called, and though she didn't look Emma thought it was Darien. Joy showed on her face as she turned towards them and tossed her bouquet straight at CJ. The redhead caught it and dipped her head, but couldn't hide the blush colouring her cheeks as Brent's arm came around her waist. They'd been engaged for a week and she was still getting used to the attention it drew them.
The minister cleared his throat and Adrian and Emma composed themselves. For the entire ceremony, each vow that was spoken, each unshakable promise made, they never once looked away from each other's eyes. Rings were exchanged, the titles husband and wife bestowed, and then the line Adrian had been waiting for, "You may now kiss your bride." So he did. Slowly, tenderly, with every ounce of love in his heart, Adrian kissed his brand new wife and when they faced the group he threw their joined hands up like they'd just won a championship game.
Clapping and cheering and congratulations flowed around them. Just in time the rain stopped and a ray of sunshine broke through the clouds overhead. Emma lifted her face to the warmth and felt her husband's hand resting on her lower back. "Well Mrs. Platz, what did you think?"
She grinned at him and touched her lips to the corner of his mouth, resting against his chest. "Perfect Adrian, just perfect."
They were separated briefly as well-wishers gathered around and hugs and handshakes were exchanged, but seconds after the last one drifted away Adrian slid his arms around Emma's waist and kissed her neck. "I think I forgot to tell you how amazing you look."
Her eyes danced and she turned to face him. "Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself." She glanced to the side as the photographer snuck in a few shots of them alone. "How are you handling being on the wrong side of the camera?"
Adrian linked his fingers behind her back. "Well, since I can't capture these moments and be here with you at the same time, I've chosen what's most important. Besides," he gestured to the kids running around with disposable cameras he'd provided earlier, "I think our best memories might come from their point of view."
Emma ran her finger back and forth over his wedding band. "I am looking forward to being alone with you."
His lips quirked up. "That's quite a bold statement coming from you." She blushed becomingly and he fit his lips over hers. "Ditto. And as soon as the crowd dissipates, Europe awaits." There would be no reception for their wedding, just the simple ceremony and a send off by their closest friends and family.
"Tomorrow," his wife reminded him. "Today is ours."
"Yeah," Adrian agreed, "and I think it will be one of my favourite days ever."
NCIS
To make up for last night, after they got home from the ceremony Ziva came to him with one of Sean Connery's Bond movies and Tony was quite eager to get changed and snuggle with her on the couch, stealing kisses and feeling her heart's rhythm against his chest, their fingers linked and resting on her hip.
When the phone rang Tony thought seriously about ignoring it, but then he placed the sound as being his cellphone and reluctantly maneuvered out from behind his wife so he could race to the bedroom and answer it. "DiNozzo."
"Catch you in the middle of something?" Gibbs' gruff voice asked.
He rubbed his face. Yes, but the details are classified. "Just hanging out," he replied vaguely.
"With Ziva?"
His heartrate jumped. "Why would I be with Ziva?" Better question: why would I be without Ziva?
Gibbs rolled his eyes. Any time Tony was evasive it usually had something to do with his partner. "Figured you'd have some apologizing to do."
"Rule 6," he quoted, thinking of the many times it had been ignored today.
"Might not apply when you break a promise and your partner is a former assassin."
"What do you want Gibbs?" Tony bit out, his patience with the conversation depleted.
The tone reminded the older man of how his senior field agent acted when Ziva first came home to them and he wondered if he'd ever know the truth about the partners. "Office, twenty minutes."
That was the last thing he wanted to hear. "We got a case?"
"On call. You know the drill."
If Gibbs ever wondered, he was the reason Tony had learned to talk his way around questions instead of answering. "Fine."
"Bring Ziva."
Tony bristled, wanting to tell his boss what he could do with his orders. But that freedom, like many others, was denied as long as their secret remained hidden. He hung up without responding and flung his phone at the bed in a moment of rage, watching dispassionately as it bounced rather high and clattered to the floor. Sighing, he dragged back out to the livingroom and knelt beside the couch, lifting a lone curl away from Ziva's face. She could feel their pleasant afternoon draining away with one glance as his expression.
"We have to go?"
"I'm afraid so." He brought her knuckles to his lips. "I'm sorry honey. I guess a whole day off was too much to ask."
She offered a faint smile. "That is the nature of the job, I suppose. Perhaps next time we should leave the state for a weekend and forget our cell phones at home."
His eyes widened in pretend shock. "And break Rule number 3? Agent David, I had no idea you were such a rebel."
Ziva beckoned him closer and touched her lips to his. "Today I am just Ziva DiNozzo."
Tony followed the comment with a slightly more ardent kiss. "Didn't you fight me for David-DiNozzo?"
"Sometimes I only want to be with you, and erase every part of my past that does not involve us," she said softly. "Have I told you yet today Tony? I love you."
He grinned, a dazzling thousand watt smile that showcased his whole heart. "Mrs. DiNozzo, that is one of my favourite phrases." His phone beeped with a text and he huffed. "That'll be Mc Interruption, making sure we didn't forget. I doubt he wants to brave the wrath of Gibbs by himself on a Saturday."
"We should go in as his back up, it is only fair."
"I know." Tony helped her stand and fought the urge to wrap her in his arms and never let go. "You got my back Zi?"
She too had to struggle with her desire to touch him, because they were wound a bit too tight today for it to stop there. "Always."
"And I've got yours. Let's go save the world."
"Yes," Ziva whispered. "Let's."
They left the house hand in hand, more firmly on the same page than they had been all week. Sometimes it was easy to get distracted by the outside forces determined to test their love, but the only thing that mattered was being together, at the beginning of the day, in the middle, and at the end. That was the best way they knew to make love last and if they always fought for it with the same intensity they put into getting justice for others, theirs would endure until the end. There were no other options.
Replies:
Christie (MIT41) - apologies Christie! I got distracted and forgot why I was answering reviews before I posted the chapter. Right after I posted I realized I miss the non-signed in reviews. Tsk. Anyhow... haha...yes, RL invaded. That's a good way to put it. I don't know very much about quilting, I only learned how to do the stitching for this project. It's getting there but I'm on a countdown with 6 weeks left and still quite a bit to do. I am excited to give it to her tho. Well, you'll get your wish in Ch 43, Z's ceremony is coming quick. I think the security will take awhile to sink in, but at least she'll have something that can't be taken away. Glad you liked the BCJR stuff, I enjoy them. Yeah, B's doing good :) Thanks, as always, for reviewing! :) ~Aliyah
Guest (MIT41) - my apologies for this being a late reply. Yeah, that wasn't an easy victim or situation for Z to face, but I think she held her own. For his first real Dad act, I think Brent did okay. Glad you liked the visit. It was just something fun for them to do. Thanks for reviewing! :) ~Aliyah
Christie (MIT42) - thank you :) I'm glad the story is flowing rather smoothly between episode stuff and my own plot. We won't actually see R's reaction to the engagement, I kinda don't think it'll be that big of a deal because, as he put it, they're already a family, they just don't live in the same house. But he'll be pretty excited at the wedding. I wish T could've been there for her ceremony. I'm glad you think so. It's going to be a rough little bit when T gets home and they both have to deal with the emotions this situation created, some bittersweet moments there, but they'll get it figured out. They always do. Thanks so much for reviewing! :) ~Aliyah
