Author's Note: Sorry again about the wait, took me forever to find the angle on this one, hope you like it. Keep the reviews coming, I love it - only 13 to go till 100! Wow!
Chapter Twelve - Worth The Wait
In three short weeks, Tony and Ziva developed close bond, knowing without saying when they would be together and when they needed the night to themselves. Toothbrushes that had previously been solo on the bathroom counter now had a companion, an electric razor and aftershave had materialised in Ziva's bathroom, and Tony had not been especially surprised to find a box of tampons and a packet of hair elastics in his en suite Ziva made a space in her wardrobe where a couple of Tony's suits now resided, and he in turn emptied a drawer in his dresser for her, where she kept a stash of clothes. But it wasn't these obvious outward changes they were enjoying the most, it was the subtle, intimate layers that were forming, little by little they were shedding the previously strictly adhered to personalities of Agents David and DiNozzo, and discovering who they were, both as individuals and as a couple.
Tony loved that Ziva began to make noise as she walked around, she'd previously moved in complete silence, a way of upholding their prior agreement so as not to intrude on his life any more than necessary, but the fact he could now track her movements around their apartments meant she was comfortable. Ziva conceded that Tony would not join her for her morning run, but was thrilled to always find coffee brewing on her return, even if he'd retreated back to bed. Tony proved to be remarkably thoughtful and pre-emptive when it came to Ziva's needs, keeping his promise of braiding her hair every night they were together, even doing it before they separated for the night if they were not sharing a bed and noting her favourite foods, always keeping them in supply, even if his own snacks ran low, and in turn, Ziva revealed a surprisingly gentle, romantic soul, cooking dinner, simply because it had been a week since they'd agreed to give couplehood a try, and convincing Tony to join her in a barefoot stroll through the park when they had gone for ice cream afterward.
There were also certain, unspoken agreements; after hours Tony's work shirts were Ziva's property to wear as she saw fit, most often over sweatpants for watching movies on the sofa, occasionally tied in the front over a fitting tank top and yoga pants for an evening jog, although Tony's favourite was the shirt, and only the shirt, when she was fresh out of the shower, her hair still damp, the moisture from the curly locks turning the fine cotton blends see through - especially when it came forward over her shoulders, nothing diverted plans to get dressed to go out for dinner and a movie faster than that. Another, was that the person whose name was on the lease got first dibs at the shower after work, they much preferred brief, solo showers after a day on the field, a longer, joint shower if they wanted one, coming just before bed. The arrangements and intimacy making for two very comfortable people, time seeming to fly by.
At work, they kept up much the same façade deliberately aggravating each other, Tony taking digs at Ziva's English and driving, Ziva commenting frequently on Tony's dietary choices and figure. No one was any the wiser, they were good actors, treating it much like being under cover, and other than an occasional watchful gaze from Gibbs, what happened out of work hours stayed that way.
It wasn't until during a rare, quiet lunch break with Abby joining them in the bullpen that things got tricky. She had propped on the corner of McGee's desk, Caf!Pow in hand, lunch beside her, chatting while she ate.
"Hey Ziva," Abby put her drink down, turning her attention to the food.
"Yes Abby?" Ziva put down the novel she had been reading in the break, ignoring Tony's jibes about being a bookworm.
"So I'm going on a d..." Abby paused realising Tony's interest had peaked, Tim looked a little hurt, and Gibbs's eyes had narrowed, she amended her words quickly. "I'm going out with a friend tonight. Did you want to bring a da... a friend too?"
"I... oh..." Ziva seemed surprised at the offer. Tony's interest switched to Ziva, without meeting his eyes she could feel his gaze on her.
"If you can't find anyone, I mean that's not to say you can't of course, but if you can't think of anyone you'd like to ask I could call Joey and ask if he has a friend he could bring."
"Thank you Abby." Ziva spoke carefully. "I do not think that I am on the shop right now."
"On the market." Abby smirked. "It's not that big a deal, we're just meeting at the park, Joey's got a Guide Dog in training too. I'm taking Monty along to meet Samson."
"I am not on the market." Ziva corrected her words this time. "Even if it is just for friends meeting at the park right now."
"Oooh! Ziva's got a boyfriend" Tony sang. Ziva glared at him darkly.
"I did not say that Tony." Her tone was not so firm as it could have been, sounding wobbly instead, so to add to the effect, she blinked quickly two or three times, turning her face from view. Abby responded immediately, jumping to her feet.
"Quiet Tony!" Abby admonished, coming around the desk and giving Ziva a tight hug. "Do you need a girls night Zi? I can tell Joey and Samson we'll meet them another night, and you'll come home with me and we'll have chocolate and wine for dinner, and forget about whoever's made you feel like that."
"Thank you Abby," though the upset had been faked, the smile at her friend's generous offer was real. "That is very sweet, but I am fine. I do not think I need to forget him just yet."
"Something to learn," Abby nodded wisely.
"You could say that. Now," She paused, took a steadying breath and addressed her colleagues. "I am going for coffee, who wants one?" The three males nodded, Abby tested the weight of her Caf!Pow, and finding it satisfactory, declined.
"Be quick David." Gibbs warned. She nodded, turning toward the elevator.
"I'd better go too... she never gets my order right." Tony stood as Ziva left.
"But Tony, Ziva never forgets..." Tim began, puzzled.
"Go, DiNozzo." Gibbs interrupted, rolling his eyes. Tony crossed the floor quickly after her, slipping between the doors of the elevator as they began to close. Ziva ignored him for a second, waiting for the doors to shut fully and pressing the button for Ground. The second the doors were closed, as though drawn by magnets they turned to each other, Ziva's hands coming either side of Tony's face as they kissed each other hard for a second.
"You're not going to forget me?" Tony asked, his forehead against Ziva's, grateful there were no security cameras in the small box.
"Never." She assured, dark eyes locked with his. They kissed again, more tenderly, and moved apart in unison as the elevator slid to a stop at the ground floor.
"Just needed to check," Tony explained as they headed toward the nearest coffee shop. "Abby can be pretty convincing."
"Nothing that Abby could say would make me forget about you." Ziva lowered her voice, a few employees from another floor were also in the queue.
"Speaking of convincing, nice work with the broken hearted act." Tony added, subtly brushing his hand against hers as she leant on the counter.
"I have never had to lie about something so close to my heart. My emotions got the better of me." Ziva didn't seem as pleased with her unusually vulnerable behaviour in the office, though she had covered it well.
"You're human Ninja." Tony assured her once she'd given their order and they'd moved along to wait for their drinks. "We all do it sometimes."
"I did not like lying about you." Ziva's voice lowered further. Tony looked pleased, bumping his shoulder against her gently, the platonic gesture having to suffice for the physical contact they both wanted.
"I wasn't a fan either." Tony replied softly, shrugging. "But as long as we keep this to ourselves, that's what it's going to be like." They collected their order, Tony snagging a handful of sweetener packets, and headed out of the shop.
"In that case, I think something needs to change." Ziva mused, at a more normal volume, the traffic and other conversations around them covering their own. Tony nodded, holding the door for her. They were silent as they passed back through security and headed for the elevator.
"How does he even do that?" Tony murmured to Ziva, finding Gibbs in the elevator as the doors opened to let them in, she shrugged her shoulders briefly in response, stepping in past the man in question. The doors had barely shut before, predictably Gibbs reached out and hit the off button.
"Ya good Dinozzo?" He asked, turning to face the two, Tony's face split into a wide smile.
"Yes Boss, I..."
"Don't ask, don't tell." Gibbs cut him off, facing Ziva. "You happy David?"
"Very." Ziva replied sincerely.
"Good," Although his tone was firm, there was a hint of warmth in the blue eyes that studied Tony and Ziva, standing as close as was socially acceptable. "Don't screw it up."
"Yes Boss." Both agents nodded in unison. The ride back to their floor was silent, Gibbs's only action as the doors opened to turn and take his coffee, striding ahead of them back to his desk.
"Guess that's as close to a blessing as we'll get from him." Tony commented in an undertone.
"Hmm." Ziva responded non-committally, her face was set in a thoughtful, almost sad expression. Tony noticed this and caught her eye as he removed his drink from the cardboard carry tray Ziva still held, giving her a quick, reassuring smile, however her face remained troubled, and stayed that way for the rest of the work day.
Tony slipped out of work early, knowing he'd he'd get it from Gibbs the following day, but considered it worthwhile. The wheels in his head had been turning since Ziva had admitted she'd felt unhappy lying about their relationship and needed the extra hour on Ziva to put his plan into action.
By the time Ziva had clocked off (at the appropriate finish time) and arrived home, Tony was just pulling into one of the visitor's parking bays at her apartment at the same time. She still didn't look particularly happy, although she did perk up on noticing him waiting for her.
"Come on upstairs Ninja, I'll take care of dinner." Tony escorted Ziva to her apartment, hand around her waist.
"It is my turn to cook" She protested mildly, unlocking her door.
"You look like you could use a break. Hit the showers." Tony ushered her into the bathroom.
"Tony, I..." she tried to protest, pausing in the doorway. He leaned forward and kissed her mid-sentence.
"Tonight's on me Ziva, go shower!" He pushed her backward slightly, fully into the bathroom. Closing the door, he heard the water start up, and headed to her room. Ziva had already laid out pyjamas on her bed, he smiled, noting the large t-shirt had been at his apartment, and on his own back a few days earlier.
He headed for the wardrobe, shuffling past the work clothes, and to her selection of dresses. The stunning satin she had worn undercover with Gibbs had been returned to the dress hire shop, but she still had a good selection from casual, to a typical Little Black Dress, to a stunning red formal number - he'd have to get her into that one sometime - and after a bit of debating he selected a simple lilac sun dress with lace detailing that he had not seen on her and chose some white sandals to go with it. Laying the dress on top of her pyjamas, and the shoes at the foot of the bed, he glanced in her underwear drawer, decided that was too complex a choice for him to make, and instead, still hearing the shower going, dashed downstairs to his car to continue preparations.
Stepping out of the shower some minutes later, Ziva wrapped a towel around her body and paused for a second, something smelled like garlic and tomato, pizza she guessed, there was some faint music playing as well, probably the main menu on a DVD looping until she was back in the room. Rubbing herself dry, she headed for the bedroom and her pyjamas, figuring pizza and a movie warranted nothing more dressy.
"Tony...?" She spoke to herself, seeing her dress laid out on the bed. She glanced at her wardrobe, seeing it still in order, thankful Tony could be fastidious about taking care of clothing, smiled when she noted he had picked shoes, and laughed softly when the still open underwear drawer suggested that selection had been over his head. Quickly she set about making the choice for herself, and getting dressed, deciding to take the hint and spend a few minutes styling her hair and putting on some makeup.
By the time she emerged Tony had managed to sprawl himself casually on the sofa with a glass of wine. Hearing her footsteps in the hall, he glanced up at her, seeing her surprise at the softly candlelit room. Several dashes back and forth to his car had provided a romantic setting, hundreds it seemed, of tiny tea light candles flickering on every available surface, flowers on the table, a promising scent wafting from the oven, a soft jazzy CD playing quietly in the background, and Tony, a clean suit over a greyish-green shirt, open at the collar.
"What is going on here Tony?" Ziva still paused in the doorway, taking in her apartment, he rose to meet her, with a second glass of wine.
"Later." Tony handed her the glass and escorted her to the table gallantly. "Right now, we eat." He bent over the oven, producing two plates of what she quickly recognised as a pasta dish from an Italian restaurant they favoured for dinner dates. The garlic smell that had hinted at pizza proved to be her favourite ciabatta garlic bread from the same place, Ziva rising to help Tony locate a basket to serve it in.
"You may have respected my wardrobe, but I fear you have less for my pantry." She informed him when he protested that she should be sitting back and relaxing. He laughed, chivvying her gently back to her seat, and taking his opposite her.
"What is all this about Tony?" Ziva asked after their plates had been cleared. Whatever strange mood she had been in earlier had been replaced by a soft blush and flattered smile, clearly enjoying the romantic efforts Tony had gone to.
"Well," Tony paused to swallow the final mouthful he had been chewing. "I've been thinking about what you said earlier, not liking lying about us."
"Go on," Ziva nodded.
"I don't like it either. When someone asks you if they can set you up, I want you to be able to say 'No thanks I have a wonderfully romantic, handsome, intelligent and very satisfying man in my life.'" Ziva chuckled softly at the way Tony sat up straighter, puffing his chest as he praised himself.
"I would like to say that too... perhaps not to that extent though." She teased gently, causing a fake pout to form on Tony's face.
"Anyway, after thinking about that, I would like to propose..." He paused significantly, long enough to see the doubt cloud Ziva's eyes. They both knew they were nowhere near that stage in their relationship, not having shared "I love you" yet. "Propose that it's time to let some others in on our 'big secret'" he finished, amused at the relief written on her face.
"I am not sure..." Ziva leaned back in her chair, "I am ready to share you, but who did you have in mind?"
"Maybe just the team at first..." Tony chewed thoughtfully on a piece of garlic bread "Abby, McGee, Gibbs." At once the troubled expression Ziva had had earlier came over her face again. "Penny for 'em Zi?"
"I am not sure that Gibbs would want to know." She replied doubtfully, heavily.
"I don't think it's like that." Tony protested.
"His blessing is important to me Tony. I do not need his permission, but I cannot do this without his blessing." Ziva explained. Tony suddenly realised her set face had come with his offhanded comment about Gibbs's instruction not to screw things up being the only blessing they'd have.
"I was being a smartass Ziva, my mouth ran away from me. Don't let that get to you." He grasped her hand across the table, squeezing it lightly.
"For once it was not your mouth Tony. He said he would not ask, and we were not to tell. He does not want to know." Her expression sank at her final words, and Tony sighed at the sight of her sad face.
"He doesn't want to know the details, Zi... at work especially... we're his team before anything else. He's protecting that... you're going to talk to him aren't you?" Tony asked instinctively as the crease between Ziva's eyebrows deepened.
"Yes." Ziva pushed back her chair and rose. "This has been beautiful, thank you. I appreciate the gesture more than it seems. But to say yes to your offer I need to take care of this first." Her dark eyes looked to him, hopeful he understood.
"Whatever it takes cara mia. I'll wait." Tony kissed her forehead as he walked with her to the door. "It's not quite the response I imagined, but whatever it is, you need this."
"Thank you." The briefest smile flitted across her face. She paused at the coat rack, reaching for her overcoat. Tony stilled her hands, shrugging off his suit jacket, and sliding it over her shoulders.
"Just to remind you where you belong, no matter what." Ziva smiled again, looking a bit teary.
"You are something else entirely Tony DiNozzo." She reached to kiss him tenderly. "I will be back."
"See ya, Ninja." Tony kissed her again, shutting the door as she slipped out into the hall. He walked to the window where he could see her car pulling away from the building a few moments later. Resting his forehead against the glass and watching the car's tail lights fade into the distance he sighed, "She's worth this DiNozzo."
Ziva pulled up outside Gibbs' house, and after a deep breath, got out. "Damn it." She hissed as the skies opened above her, a typical summer storm, forecast on the weather report she'd turned down on the drive over, finding it aggravating, and she broke into a run to cover the last few yards quickly.
Gibbs was working quietly, absorbed in the block of wood he was sanding gently. The rain covered the noise of Ziva letting herself in and coming down the basement stairs, but he still knew to turn after a moment, to see her sitting on the steps, somewhat wet and bedraggled.
"Ziva." He greeted briefly, throwing her a towel from the bench.
"Gibbs," She responded, wiping her face with the towel. She shrugged off Tony's jacket and hung it over the banister, rubbing her hair.
"Bit overdressed for a night in the basement." He observed, turning back to his project. Though damp, her dress stood in stark contrast to Gibbs' familiar red hoodie and worn jeans.
"Indeed." Ziva agreed quietly, making no move to join him, still sitting quietly about halfway down the stairs.
"Figure you've got a pretty good reason to have left whatever it is you're all dressed up for." He resumed sanding, Ziva agreed again, but did not elaborate further. "You gonna tell me why you've left your date with Tony? Pretty sure as far as company goes I'm not what you're looking for."
"Gibbs..." Ziva sighed, and stood, finding two clean jars and pouring them each a measure of bourbon. Hers was smaller having already had wine with dinner and knowing she'd need to drive home later, and she held the larger serve out to Gibbs. He took a sip from it, waiting for Ziva to speak.
"Here," He said when she didn't begin talking. He took the drink from her hand and replaced it with a sanding block. The work roughened hand curled over the tanned one, showing her how to move the block smoothly along the wood. She watched their hands working in unison quietly for a few moments. "Used to do this with Kelly, sometimes." He threw in casually. Ziva drew a deep, shuddering breath against him.
"Tony and I are together, Gibbs." She said at last, her eyes on his hand covering her own.
"I know." He said shortly.
"We have been for almost a month now." Ziva continued, "At work, our jobs come first."
"I know." Gibbs replied again.
"I am very..." Ziva hesitated, "I feel very strongly for him, and it seems Tony feels the same."
"Know that too. You got something new to tell me?" Gibbs paused sanding to take a sip. It wasn't until his hand covered Ziva's smaller one again that she continued.
"I do not need your permission to date Tony." Ziva went on, she continued sanding as she spoke, the repetitive action somehow soothing.
"Never said you did." Gibbs shrugged. "Your choice to make, not mine."
"I do not want your permission either." Ziva sounded more agitated now.
"Then what's this all about?" Being so close to Ziva, Gibbs could feel her shoulders rise as she inhaled deeply to prepare for her next sentence.
"I want you to care Gibbs." She clenched her fist beneath his hand.
"Never said I didn't." Though his response was still brief his voice was gentler, sensing the floodgates were about to open.
"You are like a father to me, I did not expect this 'ask nothing, tell nothing' rule you have about it. It is too much to ask that you are happy for us?" Gibbs stepped back as Ziva began to pace.
"Ziver..." He used the softer version of her name, "I never said that I wasn't happy for you. But at work, whatever your relationship, you are Agents David and DiNozzo, all I need to know is that you can do your job."
"Of course Gibbs. Work comes first." Ziva stopped pacing, and turned to face where he had taken a seat on one of the lower steps.
"Today was work. You took a break from work to collect yourself about a personal matter. That can't happen." He warned, turning the jar of bourbon around slowly in his hand. "Abby put you on the spot sure, but you need to get your story straight if it's not going to interfere."
"I know Gibbs. It was unprofessional and it will not happen again." Ziva dropped her head, chastised. "That is why I came. Tony suggested tonight that we tell the team about us. But I... I could not agree to that thinking you do not approve."
"C'mere." Gibbs patted the step beside him, shifting over so Ziva could fit too after she collected her own drink. "You don't need my permission or approval in this Ziver. But it's an honour to be asked."
"I want it Gibbs, there is a difference. I cannot tell my fa... Eli about Tony. I cannot expect his joy or blessing. Mossad Agents - women particularly - are not expected to meet someone and fall in... form serious romantic relationships." Ziva looked at her feet, studying her toes visible between the white straps of her shoes.
"Rough." Gibbs put in, sipping from his jar again.
"But this, this relationship with Tony, it is big for me Gibbs, this could be the 'it' I have heard spoken about so often. It would mean a lot to me to know that you are happy about it."
"Still not happy you broke Rule 12 in the first place, before I told Tony to let it go that is." He added, knowing that the conversation in the gym a month earlier would have been relayed to Ziva.
"I call Rule 18." Ziva countered. Gibbs bobbed his head, conceding.
"Ya got me there David." He chuckled softly, resting his hand on her shoulder. "But, might not be such a bad thing you went ahead and broke the rule anyway. I've never seen two Agents together working out, but you and Tony are different - you might have what it takes to break the rule for good."
"Do you really think so Gibbs?" Ziva queried.
"Sure do. As far as a blessing goes, I want for you what any father wants for his daughter, to be happy with a man who loves and respects her as much as she does him - even if it means breaking one of my rules. And if that happiness for you is with Tony, then you have it."
"Thank you Gibbs." Ziva's voice was clearly touched, but then she gave a small laugh, "Although I am not too sure about that mutual respect you mentioned!"
"You can handle DiNozzo when he gets smart." This time they both chuckled. "Tell the team, and remember there's going to be plenty of eyes on you for a while to prove yourselves. I'll take care of Leon for now, but first sign of this interfering and one of you will transfer."
"Of course, thank you." Gibbs leaned over and wrapped his arm around Ziva, hugging her to his side.
"You chose well kiddo, now get back to your date." He stood with her, holding out the jacket for her to slide on, and walked her to the car, Ziva pausing before stepping off the kerb.
"Thank you, I cannot explain how much this means to me." Her face had lit up with a genuine, heartfelt smile.
"You're welcome," He took the back of her head and kissed her forehead briefly. "Get out of here." Gibbs turned back to his house, and by the time the sound of Ziva's car had faded into the distance, he was back in this basement absorbed in his work.
"Don't think I need to ask how it went." Tony glanced up as he heard the door open and saw Ziva's smiling face. He crossed the room, Ziva meeting him halfway, almost throwing herself at his chest. He held her, stroking her hair.
"It went well." Ziva looked around, "I think we should re-light the candles and not let your hard work go to waste." They busied themselves for a few moments, lighting the candles Tony had blown out and turning the music on again, then sat, facing each other on the sofa, picking up the romantic atmosphere where it had left off.
"Ziva..." Tony started but was silenced by a gentle finger pressed to his lips.
"Let me." She shook her head, waiting for him to nod and let her continue. "Tony, this last month has been amazing. You are wonderfully romantic, handsome and intelligent, not to mention loyal, funny and yes, very satisfying. I cannot wait to tell our friends that we are a couple." Tony beamed from ear to ear.
"That was more the answer I was looking for." Tony admitted with a grin. "I can't wait to tell them either"
"I should not have left before. It was not fair." Ziva said, grasping Tony's hand. "You went to a lot of trouble to make a beautiful night."
"It was worth waiting to get an answer like that. You're worth waiting for." Tony squeezed her hand back. "Besides, it's good to know he's okay with it, feels kinda like I've let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. How was Gibbs about it anyway?"
"Gibbs, well he was Gibbs. Short, to the point, and honest. He is happy for us though Tony." She leaned forward to kiss him. "He said he thinks we could be the reason to break Rule 12 for good."
"He does?" Ziva nodded the affirmative in response to Tony's surprised question. "Wow, that's big coming from the Bossman."
"It is, I think we should do our best to prove him right." Ziva smiled.
"Yeah... wow... breaking a rule for us. Who woulda thunk it? Oh, hey! Guess that means I can give you my present now." Tony leaned forward, feeling into the pockets of the jacket Ziva was still wearing.
"You did not need to get me anything," Ziva protested, leaning back to let Tony find whatever he was looking for.
"If we're going to tell everyone we're together you need something fantastic to show them to go with it." A few more seconds had Tony pulling a box - too large for a ring, but unmistakably jewellery - from the inside breast pocket.
"Tony... that is... wow." Ziva held her arm out allowing Tony to clasp the simple silver link bracelet around her wrist. "The number 8?" She queried, admiring the centrepiece, holding her hand like reading a watch.
"No," Tony took her hand and held her wrist out straight pointing in front of her so she was looking at it longways. "The symbol for infinity. Whatever happens, you and I always end up back together."
"I have nothing for you." Ziva apologised, still studying the pretty bracelet. The brushed silver infinity symbol was not much bigger than the pad of her thumb as she gently rubbed it over the metal, and the fine links of the bracelet sat delicately on her wrist.
"You gave me you, your trust, you let me in. I don't need anything else than that... but if you really feel the need, I wouldn't say no to a 1968 Corvette Stingray!"
"Ha, I would not hold your breath on that one Tony." Ziva chuckled. "Thank you, this is just amazing. No one has ever gone to this much trouble for me before." She shifted around to lean back against his chest, his arms wrapping around her.
"You're worth it Ziva. I'll tell you a thousand times if I have to. You're worth the time, worth the wait, worth everything. If it means at the end of the day like this, I get to call you mine, then it's worth it." He kissed the top of her head.
"You are worth it too, Tony." She replied softly, leaning further back into his embrace. The pair were quiet for a few minutes, Tony's hands idly playing with the new bracelet.
"How will we tell the others?" Ziva asked finally, breaking the silence.
"Might play with it for a bit... get them wondering." Tony's voice held a mischievous laugh.
"Not too long," Ziva warned, "We have waited long enough to tell them."
"I can think of something else I've waited for long enough," Tony suggested, sliding his hand under the strap on Ziva's dress and easing it down her shoulder.
"Perhaps we should stop wasting time then." Ziva agreed. She turned and Tony shifted, moving together so he was full length on the sofa, Ziva's body over him. Tony pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
"Although," He added, kissing her once more. "I can't see any need to rush things either."
"Perfect," Ziva sighed. Still, despite not rushing things, it wasn't long before the only thing she was wearing was the lovely new bracelet.