Ch.9: Love, comfort, and a new meaning of home
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, NCIS' characters are not my property, I only intended to have fun writing about them.
A/N: This story 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).
- Damn it.
Ellie muttered as she felt her cheeks burn, and the urge to cry took over her body. This couldn't be happening. Had she really frozen at that moment? At that precise moment?
She took her coat and bag in a hurry, then ran to the elevator. Ellie walked in the elevator like a caged lion.
Less than a minute ago her dream had come true. Nick had told her that he loved her, but she hadn't been quick enough to respond. Now Ellie thought about Nick leaving the Navy yard with a broken heart.
Ellie couldn't take that because she didn't want to break his heart. On the contrary, she wanted to scream from the rooftops that she was in love with him.
After so long she was in love again, and Ellie was not going to miss this opportunity. Not after seeing how fragile life is.
She ran to the parking lot and there he was, next to his motorcycle. As Ellie ran Nick put on his helmet. She panicked.
- Nick, please don't go! - Ellie yelled.
He looked at her with a frown, she could read confusion and anger in his face. Nick sighed and left his helmet hanging from the motorcycle.
Ellie caught up with him just then. She turned him by the arm, and before he could make a sound, she threw herself into his arms and kissed him passionately.
A few seconds passed and the kiss softened, while Nick's hands rested on her waist.
They parted slightly, bringing their foreheads together.
- I love you too, Nick.
Ellie murmured against his lips and they kissed again, this time with tenderness.
After a few seconds, they heard applause in the background. They laughed softly without separating. Although they already knew who was there, they turned and looked at the audience.
There were Tony, Ziva, Jimmy, and Breena watching the scene, while the girls ran through the parking lot living their own fantasy world.
In a reflex action, Nick took Ellie's hand and they started walking in the direction of their friends.
Ellie felt her cheeks burn at the sight of Ziva's smile.
She was so proud of them. Ziva knew, despite not knowing Ellie and Nick for many years, that they are both stubborn about their feelings. But after being at that dance for many years, Ziva also knew that time is precious, and a push wouldn't hurt. And she was right. She was so right.
Tony was proud of them too because Ellie is like a little sister to him. She has grown a lot as an agent and a person in these 4 years. Also, after witnessing the fiasco of her marriage to Jake, he knows that Ellie must be with someone with a good heart, and Nick definitely has a good heart. The man helped his family when he didn't know anyone! And Tony DiNozzo would only wish well to a person who helped his family.
- Thank you, Ziva.
The brown-haired winked and hugged him.
- You're welcome. Apparently, you're not that wuss.
Ziva whispered in her ear, they laughed, and then she hugged Ellie.
- And thank you, Tony.
The former SFA smirked and hugged him.
- No, problem, buddy, no problem.
Jimmy watched the exchange of hugs carefully.
- Well, apparently I was wrong, there is chemistry between you two. Congratulations.
Nick smirked and Ellie frowned.
- How…?
- I explain it to you later. How about we head to your place and we talk? - Nick said as he tucked Ellie's hair behind her ear.
Ellie looked at him suspiciously and nodded.
They talked a little bit, and Nick and Ellie left the parking lot first.
Ziva was happy to see them, especially because she was ecstatic to see Ellie's bright eyes.
Tony raised his hand and looked at Ziva, she got it and high five.
- We did it, babe. We are an amazing team, aren't we?
Ziva nodded in response and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Jimmy looked at the scene confused, and Breena laughed. She understood immediately.
- You know something that I don't, Bree? - Jimmy asked as he put his arm around his wife's shoulders.
- I think Tony and Ziva "pushed" Nick and Ellie to talk about their feelings, am I wrong?
Tony and Ziva shook their heads.
- You are right, dear Breena. Your wife is smarter than you, autopsy gremlin.
Jimmy laughed out loud and shook his head.
- Well, in that case, your fiancée is smarter than you, Tony.
- And you are right, Jimbo, I can't discuss that. We love smart women.
Kisses and hugs were delivered in the form of farewell.
The girls were ecstatic and sad. Ecstatic because they had an amazing evening, and sad because they've to say goodbye. Even though her parents already told them that they will see each other before coming back to Paris. Victoria and Tali were hugging so tight that Ziva's heart clenched. She looked to Tony and snuggled into his chest. He softly kissed her hair. If Ziva David has a soft spot, that's her daughter and fiancé being sad.
Breena's heart clenched too. She looked at her husband, and they spoke without words for a few seconds. Then Jimmy nodded with a grin on his face. Breena turned to Ziva and touched her arm.
- I'm not going to work until you will wrap this case up. I'm going to take care of the girls - Ziva opened her mouth, but Breena cut her off -. And this is not a question, this is my decision.
Ziva opened her mouth, but she didn't say a word. She knows Breena.
- Thank you, but how about your work? - Ziva replied.
- How about that?
- You have a job, Breena, you can't just…
- I do have a job, but don't you remember that my dad is the owner? - Breena took one of Ziva's hands in hers - Look, I wouldn't say this if I didn't want to and if I couldn't. Also, my father will be delighted to know that her granddaughter plays with Anthony DiNozzo Sr.'s granddaughter - Ziva smirked in response and nodded.
- Very well, I know that I can't tell you otherwise because you are a stubborn person - Breena grinned
- Just like you, David, just like you.
Jimmy and Tony couldn't help it and they laughed out loud. If somebody would confront Ziva and survive it, that person would be named Breena or Abby. Tony has survived following rule number one about Ziva David "Don't make her angry", and confront Ziva was against that rule, and against his life.
- Yeah, just like me. Okay, Bree, but you have to promise me that you would call me if you need help - Breena opened her mouth, and this time Ziva cut her off -, I know that you will be okay, but - she sighed heavily - it's still painful to leave Tali with someone else. Don't get me wrong, Bree, I trust you and…
Breena snorted in exasperation.
- You don't need to justify yourself to me, Ziva, I'm your friend. You know what? I'll take them to the zoo and call Delilah. Maybe we could have dinner together, we like the DiNozzos, the Palmers, and the McGees. We'll be fine, and if she misses you, she'll call you, and if you miss her, you'll call her.
Despite Ziva's initial refusal, they decided that the girls would spend the day with Breena.
Tali and Victoria couldn't stop jumping with excitement.
On the way back to Gibbs' house, Tali didn't stop talking. Victoria, Frozen, Aunt Breena, and watching Frozen with Victoria were the themes chosen by the little girl. She is definitely Tony's daughter.
Tony parked outside the house and Tali squealed with delight.
- What's up, baby? - Ziva asked
- I just remember that tonight it's movie night with Grandpa Gibbs! We are going to watch Moana! - the girl exclaimed looking at her parents.
- That sounds super funny, princess.
- Yeah, daddy… Daddy?
- Yes, little ninja?
- Can I get a fluffy animal from the zoo? Please?
Tony smirked while Ziva shook her head.
Tali was definitely daddy's little girl, and Ziva was so glad about it. She was always grateful and marvelous about their father-daughter bond.
Sometimes when she was alone in the dark, Ziva wondered if Tali would have a close bond with her. In general, the response was positive. However, sometimes the demons were so strong that they only let her see the negative side... and on those occasions, the only thing that comforted her was the fact that her daughter would always have a strong bond with her father.
She was glad that even with Tony's history with his father, and her history with her father, Tali has an amazing bond with her daddy.
Ziva never doubted that Tony would be an incredible dad, but she did doubt her, especially on those lonely nights in Israel. The first time she did not doubt her ability as a future mother was when she cried non-stop after seeing Casablanca, Ziva cried because she missed Tony, and at a time when it was difficult to breathe from the pain she felt in her chest, she felt that her baby moved. At that moment reality hit her, and she told herself that she would be the best mom for her baby.
After eating pizza, Tali and Gibbs started watching Moana. The little girl was curled up next to her grandfather, while she did not stop talking. For his part, Gibbs couldn't stop smiling at his granddaughter's ideas, especially when Tali was singing at the top of her lungs.
- I'm so glad that she has grandparents - Ziva confessed to Tony while putting the dishes away, he replied with a big smile.
- Yeah babe, me too I would have loved for my mom, your mom, and even your dad to meet Tali. They would make wonderful grandmothers. And I'm sure your dad would be delighted with our little ninja, although he would not be delighted with your decision for Tali's father.
Ziva smirked and hit Tony's shoulder playfully.
- He did like you, Tony - he looked at her in the -are-you-kidding-me way -. I'm not kidding, I know he never told you that, but he hardly told me that he loved me, and he is my father - Ziva moved and took Tony by the arm, the two looked into each other's eyes -. He was impressed by you because you stand him, you defeated him, and he was not used to that by anyone. Perhaps you weren't his favorite person in the world, but after seeing how you love me and how amazing father you are, he would be very proud of you.
Tony sighed and wrapped his arms around Ziva. She rested her head on his chest and stayed like that for a few minutes.
Ziva was lost in the images of her mother and sister. Rivka would have been the type of grandmother you go to when you have a problem, or when you have an injury, and Tali would have been the type of aunt who encourages the artistic and emotional side. Ziva imagined a big recital in the living room, her sister singing, and her daughter dancing.
For his part, Tony imagined his mother as a pampering grandmother with a radiant smile. The three of them - him, his mother, and Tali - could have organized big evenings at the movies, and then his mother would have bought the entire mall for her granddaughter.
They both knew that such "memories" will only live in their memory ...
Tali was so exhausted after her big day with Victoria, and her movie night with her grandpa Gibbs, that she didn't need a bedtime story. The little girl fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.
Ziva woke up thirsty and gasping for air. Tony was miraculously not entwined with her, so she didn't wake him up when she got out of bed. After a few seconds, her breathing still did not return to normal.
She had clearly had a nightmare, but this was a new one.
Ziva went to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, and took a drink.
- You should be asleep - the brown-haired murmured in a hoarse voice.
- You too, Ziver.
Gibbs walked over to her and the two of them looked into each other's eyes, he clearly knew something was wrong.
- Something wrong?
She sighed and shook her head.
- Not really -Gibbs raised his eyebrows, she couldn't fool him -, just a nightmare.
- Just a nightmare? - Gibbs pronounced emphasizing the first word.
Ziva was silent for a few seconds, took another sip of water, and began to speak.
- Yes, it wasn't the worst I have ever had. I was fighting with Sahar, and suddenly Tali was there looking at me, and Sahar saw her and ran to her, and Tali ran too and… and Tony shot Sahar…- Ziva gasped - My baby saw a woman die in front of her eyes, Gibbs… I know that she confronted and she will confront pain, but I don't want her to know that kind of pain, I grew through that kind of pain and my Tali shouldn't, and…" - she was trying to stay calm, but she couldn't and started to sobbing, while Gibbs hugged her in response.
They both knew that was a dream, a very bad dream. But they also know that wasn't any bad dream. Sometimes you can forget things, and they will never forget the Sahar thing.
Although in hindsight, Gibbs has some reasons to "thank" Sahar: Tali, Ziva, and Phineas.
- She will be okay, Ziver, she is one of the happiest kids I've ever known… your kid's concerns are Frozen and crayons, and she has her parents every day for her, she is happy.
- But I hurt her, I hurt Tony, and I hurt you too… I'm sorry, Gibbs.
- Hey, that's water under the bridge, and I hurt you too, Ziver, I didn't come looking for you in the past… - they looked into each other's eyes- Tony loves you and Tali loves you. Probably she is going to have some questions in the future, but she will always remember how much you love her, no matter what, even when she will be upset with you. When she grows up she is going to get mad at you, and being the bad cop with your kids is not easy, but if you love them enough, they will always forgive you.
They both knew that Gibbs's words had extra meaning, he was talking about the two of them. Ziva had gotten mad at him, but she loves him so much that she forgave him despite everything. And he also forgave her. And at the end of the day, that's all that matters, having someone you love by your side.
Gibbs looked up after a few seconds and saw Tony leaning against the doorframe, a smile on his face. Gibbs shook his head and Tony immediately understood his boss.
Tony approached them, Gibbs undid his hug while Ziva saw her fiancé and hugged him tightly.
She stayed in his arms for a while, Tony is her safe place, and he will always be.
- I love you, Ziva. And I will always be with you for each question that our Tali could have in the future, we are a team, sweet cheeks.
Tony whispered into his fiancée's ear, not loosening his embrace. She needed security and support, and he will always be happy to be that person in her life.
Ziva caressed his face with her thumbs as she lost herself in his green eyes. Those green eyes that were a beacon for her in those lonely moments. Those same green eyes that have always trusted her, and that have always told her the truth.
She kissed him slowly, Ziva wanted to show him how much those words meant to her. How much he means to her. How much she loves him.
Ziva hugged him tightly, and Tony rested his chin on her head as he stroked her back.
- I love you too, Tony. You and Tali are my home.
And that was the new meaning of home to her. "Home" was no longer a physical place, but will always be where Tony and Tali are, where her family is.
After a few seconds, they went back to bed. She kissed his lips and snuggled into his chest.
Tony buried his head in her curls and breathed in her scent while caressing her bare back under her shirt.
It wasn't long and Tony heard Ziva snoring. He smiled, took her in his arms, and fell asleep.
Ziva had her gaze lost on the landscape, and at the same time, she was struggling to lower her anxiety level.
Before going to the Navy yard, they had dropped off Tali at Breena's, and Tali was delighted. Despite that, and the fact that she knew her daughter would be fine with Breena, Ziva couldn't help but feel anxious about this "separation".
- You 'kay?
Ziva looked at Tony and sighed.
- I'm just ... fighting my anxiety, and I'm happy to report that I'm better than 20 minutes ago when we left Breena's house.
Tony smiled proudly, took one of his fiancé's hands in his, and kissed her knuckles.
- I am proud of you, Ziva, and I am here for you.
She smiled softly in response, and Ziva knew they would be okay.
After a few minutes, they were already in the office.
- Good morning - McGee saluted when his friends reached the bullpen.
- Good morning, McGee, how you doing?
- Happy and nervous. Happy because Delilah is going to the zoo with the twins, and nervous for the same thing.
Ziva smiled softly in response, she was feeling the same.
- They'll be fine, McNervous. And Delilah will not be alone with the twins, Breena will also be there, and Tali and Victoria will play with them all the time. They'll be okay, Tim.
McGee smiled and narrowed his eyes.
- Sometimes I forget that you did grow up, Tony.
- Oh, yeah, you are not alone in that, Tim.
Tony smirked proudly and kissed his fiancée on the cheek.
- Did Delilah tell you about dinner at Jimmy's house today? - Ziva asked as she sat down at her desk.
- Yes, she is very excited about it. Although, I must say that she is more excited to meet you in person and for you to meet the children, and I am happy for that reason too ...That you meet my wife and kids seems unreal, but I couldn't be more thrilled.
Ziva smiled softly in response. She was also excited to meet them, photos and video calls were not enough for her, she wanted to meet her brother's wife and children.
- Thanks for your consideration, McUngrateful. I don't know the McTwins either! - Tony complained as he slapped McGee on the head.
- DiNozzo! - Tim, Gibbs, and Ziva exclaimed in unison.
- And still, you claim? You are insufferable - Tim countered.
- Yes - Tony said and sat down at his desk -, and that's how you all love me.
McGee snorted in response, Gibbs smirked and Ziva shook her head.
- And that, dear teammates, is a good way to start the day.
- Kasie! It's good to see you.
- And it's a pleasure to see you all again, especially when I have great news, but where are Bishop and Torres?
McGee rolled his eyes and Ziva said to her with a look "I'll explain it to you later".
Kasie understood immediately and felt a mixture of joy and concern.
- Kasie?! - Gibbs said - Big news?
- Oh yeah, big news. Well, I was able to compare the sergeant's blood to what was in the suitcase, and the good news is that it is from the sergeant, but I also identified another Sergeant… Sergeant Burrows wasn't alone in this.
A/N: First of all, thank you very much for each review, favorite and author alert; You are the best. It's been a while ... Things improve in my country (in relation to the virus), but in my city we are stilll in confinement. I'm in the beginning of my new semester at university and everything is a bit chaotic at the moment, but I'll be fine. I'm going to update as soon as I can. You are amazing.
I hope everyone is safe.
Greetings. C.