Disclaimer: I don't own anything, NCIS' characters are not my property, I only intended to have fun writing about them.
A/N: This One-shot is not edited and corrected by a Beta, so forgive me for my grammar mistakes. English is not my first language. Mi primer idioma es español, en caso que quieran saber (My first language is Spanish, in case you want to know).
One-shot: Rule 38
It was a warm spring day in Washington DC. For two of the visitors, the Navy Yard seemed normal for a Monday, but for the third visitor, this place was worth exploring.
- Don't you think it's strange that they just let us in just like that? There are supposed to be rules for visitors - Tony said as he watched a marvelous Tali spinning around, a few steps in front of them.
- Of course, there are rules, Gabriel warned by radio that we would enter the Navy Yard without credentials or escort...I can't stop thinking that six years ago I was not with you in this building - Tony stopped his walk, turned and stared at his girlfriend, Ziva took one of his hands in hers and the other put it on his cheek; both could hear Tali's words of amazement in fluent French - and it feels so good, it feels like the two of us were meant to be.
Tony gave her his charming smile and kissed her lips shortly.
- And we always will be, sweet...
A shout of joy from Tali made them come out of their bubble. They didn't notice, but they were already outside the NCIS building, and no one but the director was at the hall. Tali was hugging the director, as she had recognized him from some pictures her parents had shown her. Vance looked delighted, a smile adorned his face while Tony and Ziva approached them.
- I must admit that you, Miss DiNozzo, grow very fast - Vance said as he broke the hug with Tali, and she laughed.
- That is because I eat all my vegetables, Director, and now that Ima is with us, I eat all my fruits too - Tali said showing her "arm muscles".
- That's because thanks to heaven she did not inherit Tony's stubbornness.
Ziva said before just everyone laughed. She approached the director and hugged him quickly.
- It is a pleasure to see you again, Director, thank you very much for receiving us.
- The pleasure is mine, Agent David - Vance shook his head - old habits don't die. Since you no longer work here, I am Leon for you, Ziva - Ziva replied with a smile, Vance turned and looked at Tony - also for you, Tony, I guess I can call you that now? - Vance said as he extended his hand to Tony.
- Of course, you can, Leon.
Tony extended his hand to Leon and shook hands, followed by a short hug.
- It is a miracle to see you here, I thought you wouldn't come because Parisian life is very good for you - both looked at him questioningly -. Doctor Palmer has given me some updates about you, about you all three - explained Vance.
As he spoke, they began to enter the building, they first met the hall and the second they saw was the elevator in the back wall. Tony and Ziva were filled with memories, some bad and many good; but all of them had taken them to this particular moment, where they were in the building where they had worked for long years, where they had met, fought and in love. And now they entered the building with their almost six-year-old daughter.
- Overwhelming? - Vance asked while Tali was already at the elevator door after having to greet the receptionist.
- That's falling short - Tony replied.
Both greeted the receptionist and joined Tali and Vance, who were already inside the elevator. Ziva sighed heavily while squeezing Tony's hand.
- Hey, you okay?
- Yes, Tony, I'm fine, just a little overwhelmed.
Tony nodded as Vance looked at his cellphone. Tali turned around and looked at her mother smiling, Ziva smiled back.
- Ima, did you and daddy work here? Is this the place where the two of you met so long ago? - the little girl asked enthusiasm in her eyes, Ziva noticed that she was excited because she kept moving.
- Ken, Tali, when we leave the elevator, I will show you the exact place where we met.
Tali nodded as she looked back at the elevator door. Vance and Tony smiled at the questions of little DiNozzo.
- She has the innate curiosity of an investigator, I wonder who will have taken her out - Vance said as Ziva laughed and Tony shook his head, finally, the elevator rang, they had reached the bullpen.
- And here we are - Tony said taking Ziva's left hand to intertwine his fingers with hers, Tali had already jumped out of the elevator followed by Vance -, everything will be fine, Zi.
- I know, I know - Ziva replied giving a squeeze to his hand, then they left the elevator towards the bullpen.
The orange walls made them travel in the time immediately. In less than five seconds Ziva went from her last moment in that place until the first time she was there, in both memories Tony was involved, which made her smile wistfully. Instead, Tony recalled two particular moments: the first when they returned from Somalia, and the second when he met Tali; in both memories, Ziva was involved, which made him smile wistfully. Again, a shout of joy from Tali took them out their reverie, the little girl was in Tim's arms, and they were spinning around in the center of the bullpen.
Ziva squeezed Tony's hand again and they both continued their way to the desks, where only McGee and Gibbs were. Ziva released Tony's hand and hugged Gibbs tightly, at the same time Tony hugged McGee, as Tali was already with her feet on the floor.
- It is good to see you - Ziva said in Gibbs' ear.
- I say the same, kid - Gibbs replied in Ziva's ear, they both broke the hug smiling -, and who is this little girl? - Gibbs asked looking at Tali, who smiled immediately and threw herself into his arms.
- ¡Giiiiiibbbbsssss! - Tali exclaimed while Gibbs lifted her from the floor in a tight hug, a bear hug. The little girl put her hand on Gibbs' cheek so she could look at him in the eye - We miss you so much, why didn't you go to see us in Paris? We were waiting for you.
Tali's gaze mixed with tenderness and defiance made Gibbs' heart melt for her. On the one hand, she had the audacity of her parents, and on the other, the tenderness that gave her a full childhood. Ziva couldn't stop looking at the interaction between them, years ago she dreamed of this moment.
- Well, I've had a lot of work, kiddo - Tali looked at him with a frown, she didn't seem convinced by his answer -, but I will fix some things with the Director and take a few days to be with you in Paris, deal? - Tali kept looking at him in the same way for two seconds, then gave him a big smile and a loud kiss on his cheek.
- Deal, I believe you, Gibbs - he kissed the little girl's cheek in response and left her on the floor again, Ziva smiled, even more, the same happened with McGee and Tony. Tali had bewitched Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
- Well, I missed you too, Ziva - McGee said.
Ziva turned and hugged him tightly.
- Me too, scarecrow - they broke the hug smiling -, and this time we are here to meet Johnny, Morgan, and Delilah - Ziva said.
- Exactly, McGoo, we all want to meet the McTwins, and T wants to play with them - Tony added smiling, McGee rolled his eyes as he smiled.
- McTwins? It's something that doesn't surprise me coming from you, Tony - McGee said while shaking his head with fun.
- Some things never change, McGee.
- Something I'm grateful for, Ziver.
Vance had observed all the interaction supported on the window, within a few seconds that the old MCRT had begun the welcoming hugs, Jack had joined him, watching from a distance.
- Since Phin had not seen him this happy - Jack said, while Tali was asking Gibbs about Paris, Vance smiled.
- It is true, he has always had a connection with children, although this little girl is a particular case - Jack looked at him questioningly - Come on Jack! She is the daughter of two former agents whom Gibbs considers part of his family, especially she is the daughter of Ziva David, whom Gibbs considers his daughter - Jack did not take his eyes off Leon - What happens? - She looked away.
- Nothing, I just didn't think you knew so much about Gibbs' feelings - Leon laughed while Jack looked at him with challenge.
- I don't know everything, Jack, but I know something about Ziva… Agent David and I share a very sad moment in our lives - Vance sighed - and that's why I understand and know how Gibbs feels about her.
Jack nodded silently as they both continued watching the scene. When she heard "McTwins" from that man, Jack confirmed that he was Tony DiNozzo, as McGee had told her about Tony and his daily Mc-nicknames. She smiled when she heard "Ziver" from Gibbs because with that she understood that some wounds were healed. While Ziva laughed, she noticed Jack's presence. She walked and stood in front of her.
- It's nice to see you again, Jack Sloane - Ziva said smiling.
- The pleasure is mine, Ziva David - Jack replied with a smile and hugged her - I am glad you took my advice, you have taken care of your heart - she whispered in the ear of the Israeli.
- That's right and I thank you for that, also for continuing to taking care of his heart - Ziva whispered in response before breaking the hug smiling - There are two people I would like to introduce you, Jack Sloane, will you follow me?
Jack nodded and they walked toward the center of the desks. Ziva took Tali's hand and approached the blonde.
- Jack, I introduce you to my daughter - Jack crouched at Tali's height and smiled at her, the little girl smiled back.
- Nice to meet you, I'm Jack.
- Nice to meet you too, Jack, I'm Tali DiNozzo… Can I hug you? - Jack nodded and the little girl hugged her.
At that moment Jack understood Gibbs because with just one presentation followed by a hug Tali had won her heart. They both separated and Jack stood up, a tall man with green eyes extended his hand to her.
- Anthony DiNozzo, everyone calls me Tony, it's a pleasure finally meet you and thank you so much for helping Ziva, I mean, help us - Jack shook Tony's hand while they both smiled, although Tony's smile contained a hint of mischief, Jack assumed at that time that Ziva had told him about that "we take care of our hearts" thing.
- Nice to meet you, Tony, I'm Jack, forensic psychologist - they left the handshake -, I must admit that at the beginning I did not agree with all the help, but then I had more data and I could not he...
Jack's explanation was interrupted by a heated argument from the elevator that had just opened its doors.
- I don't know, Ellie, I don't think it's a good idea. That woman was trained in MOTC, What if…?
- What if what, Nick? Are you jealous because Odette offered me specialized training?
At this point in the discussion, they had both reached Ellie's desk. Everyone was watching them carefully, but they didn't seem to notice it.
- I'm not jealous, Bishop, I'm fucki…"
- Watch your words, Torres - Gibbs interrupted.
While Nick turned to answer to his boss, Ellie's face was filled with surprise and joy as she recognized the visitors. In less than five seconds the former NSA was hugging her former coworker, Tony DiNozzo. Nick, on the other hand, stayed with the words in his mouth, because his sight remained in Ziva.
- Ziva the badass David, nice to see you again, although I'm still looking for my revenge - Ziva chuckled and approached Nick.
- I know, Special Agent Torres - Ziva hugged him shortly and then whispered - I told you to tell her how you feel, you wuss - Nick narrowed his eyes in response and laughed as he shook his head.
- I will… eventually - Ziva narrowed her eyes in response.
- Nicholas, if you have a moment, I would like to introduce you to two very important people for me, the most important people for me.
It was at that moment that Nick noticed the girl who now took her mother's hand. The first thing he noticed about the little girl was the great resemblance to her mother, then he noticed that she was a confident girl, because she was not hiding behind her mother. Nick reached down to the girl and smiled; the little girl smiled in response.
- Hello, Special Agent Torres, I'm Tali DiNozzo, it's nice to meet you - said the little girl while she extended her hand, Nick took it and shook it for a moment.
- It's my pleasure, Tali, and you can call me Nick if you want, all that "Special Agent Torres" is something that only your mother tells me - Tali laughed in response.
Nick felt a great affection for Tali and at that moment he understood Ziva's actions because that little girl was worth everything. Tali watched Nick for a few seconds and hugged him. He was surprised, but he hugged her back and thought that if something happened to that little one, he would move heaven, sea, and earth to find her. At that point, everyone looked at the jug between them, even Bishop, who had finished hugging Tony. Within a few seconds, they broke the hug and Tali laughed as she reached for her mother's hand again. Nick laughed and stood while shaking his head.
Tali's gaze was fixed on the blonde who had come arguing with Nick. Ellie took Tali's gaze as an invitation to kneeled at her height and greet her.
- Hi, Tali, I'm Ellie, it's nice to see you again.
- Hi, Ellie, I'm Tali, nice to meet you… Would you like a hug?
Ellie nodded and they hugged. Bishop thought Tali's hugs were magical, she also thought she had helped protect that little girl, and she held her a little closer in her arms.
Tony saw the beginning of the hug between his little girl and Bishop, but he couldn't take it anymore and stand in front of Torres.
- So… Are you the one who was fighting with my ninja? - Tony asked seriously, Nick looked into his eyes.
- Yes, but I must say that I never wanted to hit her, she forced me, I also let her win - Torres defended himself, something in Tony's gaze made Nick respect him and wanted to take a defensive stance. Tony stared at him, then laughed and offered his hand, Nick took it and shook while laughing uncomfortably.
- I'm Anthony DiNozzo, nice to meet you, and thank you for helping Ziva without even knowing any of us, I appreciate it - Tony said in a sympathetic tone while Nick sighed in relief and then smiled.
- Nick Torres, it's a pleasure, and you're welcome, I don't have any regrets about that.
At this point, Tali was next to Gibbs, while Ziva looked disapprovingly at Tony and Ellie shook her head at Nick.
- What?! - Nick and Tony pronounced at the same time, the first looking at Ellie and the second looking at Ziva. McGee laughed as he mortified himself, apparently it was his destiny to be the third with his co-workers.
- That was not gentle, Tony.
Tony was going to laugh, but Ziva's serious gaze made him regret it. He approached her and kissed her cheek, she nodded, and Tony looked at Torres.
- I'm sorry, Nick, that was kind of rude.
- No problem, Tony.
- Nick - Ellie said, he looked at her -, it is not necessary to say for the umpteenth time that you let Ziva win, that is so childish.
Nick wanted to argue with Ellie, but he let it go because he wouldn't let Ziva win by watching them both fight again.
- Okay, B, I got it.
The atmosphere was silent for a few seconds until Ziva sighed.
- I need a cup of coffee, somebody with me? - she asked looking at the team.
- Me, Ima, I'm hungry - Tali answered reaching for her mother's hand.
- Did you say coffee? I need one before starting the day - Jack said.
- I also go with you, I want a latte in an IV now - Bishop added, taking her coat.
- Yey! It's Girl's out! - Tali exclaimed - Can we go to the cart outside, please? When we entered, I noticed that they have croissants, Ima.
- Then that's where we will go, T - Ziva replied.
The girls began their path to the elevator, although they failed to complete two steps and a groan was heard. Ziva immediately recognized the owner and said something to Tali in the ear, the little girl nodded and ran to her father. Tony received her in his arms, and she kissed his cheek loudly.
- Goodbye, daddy, see you soon, I love you.
- Goodbye, princess, I love you - Tony replied as he left her on the floor.
There he noticed that Ziva was also by his side, she kissed his cheek and he kissed her other cheek, both smiled as Ziva and Tali took the path to the elevator. Gibbs' shell rang the moment Ziva reached the elevator door, everyone looked at Gibbs expectantly, he looked at his large audience.
- Grab your gear, dead marine in Baltimore - Gibbs received sighs and laughter in response, while he searched for his gear smiling.
Tali, Jack and Ziva left the elevator, while McGee, Nick, and Gibbs enter it. Jack looked at Tony.
- Are you coming with us too, Tony?
- I would love to.
Outside the building of NCIS Tali ate his croissant and drank fruit juice, while adults drank coffee and ate muffins.
- Ima, I finished my meal, can I go to play there? - Tali said pointing to the playground.
- Sure, honey, you can go and play.
Tony looked at Tali smiling while she reached the play area, he had a perfect vision of his daughter from where he was.
- Just ask for your permission now? - Jack asked because she knew the effects of Ziva's return on Tali's life
- Not really, it is all balanced - Ziva explained - I will not say that it has been easy, but I think that after these months we arrived at a good port.
That's how part of the morning went by, Tali playing while the adults talked. It had been a while when the little girl noticed that Gibbs was walking to where Jack was next to her parents, she ran to him and Gibbs raised her in his arms.
- Good to see you again, Gibbs.
- The same I say, Tali, it is always good to see you again - he said kissing the girl's head, then left her on the floor, took her hand and kept walking.
Gibbs told them that they have returned from the field, but that work was just beginning. Since Tony and Ziva knew in advance everything that a dead Marine meant, they explained to Gibbs that they were waiting for them to return to say goodbye and see each other again when the case was resolved, for they would stay for a week in DC. With that in mind they took the elevator to the bullpen, Gibbs entered with Tali by the hand, but Bishop did not notice the little girl and began to speak.
- Gibbs, marine's ID led us to a previous case of NCIS, a case that could not be closed - Gibbs narrowed his eyes, that was when Ellie noticed that Tali, Jack, Tony, and Ziva were in the bullpen - Who was the agent in charge, Bishop?
Bishop sighed as all eyes turned to her.
- It says: "Agents in charge: Ziva David (provisional), Anthony DiNozzo (senior field agent)".
The bullpen was silent for long 10 seconds. Gibbs looked at where Tony and Ziva were and gave them his classic smile. They knew what it meant because Tony laughed and Ziva shook her head while smiling.
- DiNozzo, Ziver, Rule 38: Your case, you're lead.