On December 19, there was a crisply cool night when Ziva left NCIS; she had her sweet friend Jimmy dropping her at the Dulles airport. Ziva walked to the gate and looked at her phone as it rang, realizing it was Tony calling her. She answered the phone, "Hello Tony."
"Hi my sweetcheeks, I know I called you earlier, I had to call you because Tali is bugging me to call you to see if you are on the plane. She is so excited to see you; she misses her Ima, you know?" Tony said.
"Aw. That is so sweet of you to just call me for Tali; maybe I can talk to her and calm her?" Ziva said.
"Hey sweetcheeks, that sounds good idea and I will give the phone to Tali," Tony replied. Ziva could hear Tali saying "Abba!?" in the background.
The moment Tali got the phone, she ran to the window at the Cairo airport.
"Hey hi Tali, my plane will be ready for me to board real soon, you hang on there, hold on that necklace, a deep breath and Ima will be there in person before you know it, I love you my darling, see you soon, ok?" Ziva said.
"Alright, I can't wait to see you, Ima. I love you Ima and see you soon!" Tali said excitedly as she gave the phone back to Tony.
"Ah, I think that helps, my sweetcheeks, I can't wait to grab you in my arms, and I love you, see you soon my love" Tony added.
"My Tony, I love you too, I think I hear the PA saying boarding for Cairo. Here I come, I will be in your arms before you know it, mwah," Ziva answered.
As the plane took off, Ziva had a deep relief as she looked out the window by her seat. She looked at the Washington DC landmarks, as she was thinking about her family she had abandoned out of love, and protecting her family was the first thing she thought. She would find a way to ease her anxiety by resting her eyes to make the time go faster.
As time had gone by quick before she knew it, she woke up the moment the plane was landing down. She pulled up the shades to look out the window by her, she noticed the Cairo airport. As she smiled the sun was shining on her face. Ziva would check her phone since it was beeping with many text messages from few people including Tony, and noticed the date of December 21st on her phone. Moments later, Ziva grabbed her carry-on bag, zoomed out of the plane. She did her power quick steps as she moved around other passengers, until she saw Tony standing there smiling, holding Tali's hand.
Tali excitedly screamed "Ima!" Ziva stood on the steps going down, smiling at Tony and her little girl jumping around excitedly. Ziva slowly walked closer as she knew Tali would get all excited by running into her arms as Tali screamed joyfully. The moment Ziva picked Tali into her arms, Tony opened his arms around Ziva, and their daughter, as he kissed Ziva's forehead.
"My sweetcheeks Ziva, it sure feels good to have you back in my arms. I will never let you go, I will always make sure you don't feel alone," Tony spoke softly after kissing Ziva's forehead.
Ziva stroked Tony's soft beard, staring into Tony's eyes and whispered under her breath.
"Oh my Tony, I am so sorry for..." Ziva responded softly.
"Ziva, remember what Gibbs taught us about apologizing, it is sign of weakness. I know you are very strong person, you had your reasons. I do understand, and that is why I never gave up on you, I waited patiently. Tali kept me going daily knowing the day you would come back. I know you never intended to leave us, you just wanted to protect Gibbs, even made sure he and McGee were safe. You would do anything to protect your family from those people that don't get the picture of who you are, you are who you are. I have never left, I am still here, always will be. Ziva, are you ready to go home with us?" Tony spoke with his gentle sweet voice that calms Ziva.
"Thank you, I love you so much for putting up with me. Gibbs told me that I am ready, I think he is right, I am ready to go home with you and Tali," Ziva answered as she hugged Tony.
"Ima, why you are squeezing me?" Tali whispered as she pondered why her Ima had her in arms hugging her Abba.
"Oh Tali, I am sorry, I am just so happy to have you and your Abba in my arms," Ziva spoke softly, stroking Tali's cheek.
Ziva, Tony and Tali headed to the lovely home that reminded Ziva a lot of the farmhouse that she grew up in, realizing how much the farmhouse had turned out lovely after the fire.
"Ziva, here is the surprise that we want to show you, this farmhouse... Adam and I rebuilt this home for us, what do you think?"
Ziva gasped as her memories of the old farmhouse flooded back in her head, "Oh my, Tony, you did not have to do this, I was ready to move on from that farmhouse that blew up," Ziva spoke as she cried.
Tony sat quietly, pondering for a minute, and looked in the back seat where Tali was sleeping soundly in her car seat,.
"Ziva, I got to show you something" Tony responded.
"Oh? More surprises? Ziva whispered softly.
As soon Tony parked the car front of the garage, he got out of the car, went around the car to open the door where Ziva was sitting, and he reached out his hand for Ziva to hold., Ziva looked at Tony, as she leaped out of the car, then hugged Tony as she broke down in tears.
"Oh Tony, this home is lovely, it is just the memories... " she sniffled.
"Ziva, it is ok, let it all get out; shh it is ok, my sweetcheeks. You have to remember one thing, this farmhouse is not the same spot that blew up. It broke my heart thinking you died; when I met Tali, she gave me a lot of hopes that you were still alive. She would tell me all those dreams of you all the time, and she knew you were alive. I believed in our daughter so that is when I decided to look for you, then l I found you in Cairo. The reason I asked you to fly back to Cairo is because it is a new memory for us. It is where we found each other again the first time, and I just wanted to make us a new memory of a new farmhouse for us to enjoy those together. I am sorry if I let you down on this, we can go find another place if you really want to," Tony answered as he comforted Ziva.
"Oh this is so sweet of you, you did not have to explain whole thing, I think I got the picture here as you just explained my thoughts I was thinking. This farmhouse is lovely, only different is that this garage, for your workshop?"
"Yeah, Adam suggested me to have a garage for all those tools that Gibbs had sent me. I guess being a handyman is just right for me when I need to stay busy, and Adam did great looking after us. He was doing his job, I am sorry that he died," Tony responded as he walked to the back door of the car to get Tali out.
"Ah, I can see the great job Adam did with the garage and the house. Yeah Adam risked his life to make sure I have a good life, and he did a lot for us, he made sure of that. The house and garage are lovely, seriously. Let me hold Tali, and you can guide me through," Ziva answered with a sweet smile.
Tony opened the door in the garage, greeted Ziva and Tali into their home, as Tali took off running to her bedroom, hollering for her mother to see her room, as Ziva chuckled in awe, realized how much Tony did great job with the home, and taking care of their daughter. Ziva walked toward to Tony, squeeze his arm, hugged him gently, and told him how much she was so happy to be home, be with him and Tali is what matters to her at that moment. That night, Ziva was tucking Tali in her bed, she decided to sit with Tali to chitchat.
"Ima, I am so glad you are home now, will you promise me that you will not run away from us again?" Tali started the conversation with her mother as she looked at Ziva pondering if she will run away again.
"Oh my sweet Tali, you know what, I can't promise everything. I did not like to run away from you, I am sorry that you had to go through that, I did not mean to leave you and your Abba. I had to help your Grandpa Gibbs and Uncle McGee by making sure they are safe like you and your Abba," Ziva sighed softly. She started singing in Hebrew as she held Tali, the same song that Ziva recalled Tony had played on one of those days in honor of her late sister, Tali. Tony was quietly standing in the hallway listening to the Hebrew song Ziva was singing to their daughter, wondering if Ziva would run away again as he reminded himself not to think about it. By not thinking or wondering about that, Tony walked in Tali's room, singing Hebrew along with Ziva, which had surprised her how good Tony had done with Hebrew.
"Tony, you are singing Hebrew, did you know that?" Ziva smiled at Tony being impressed.
"Oh yeah, I just want to keep Hebrew alive for you and Tali. My Dad was encouraging me to have lessons to learn how to speak Hebrew some more for Tali. The first few nights without you here was hard on her, she was upset at me for speaking English all the time. She seemed to feel left out so I thought I could speak Hebrew at her bedtime. It seemed to help her calm down, sleep better when she had piece of you by holding that scarf, and singing in Hebrew until she goes sleep like she is now." Tony smiled softly as he looked at Tali sleeping being cradled by Ziva.
"Oh my Tony, you did wonderful, and it feels so good to hold Tali, she is so beautiful. She seems to be at peace, she told me she doesn't need the scarf, because I am holding her, and it is so sweet have her hands holding on my arm as I cradle her". Ziva kissed Tali's head, tucked her in with her blanket, placing scarf by her just in case as Tony looked on. He could sense something was not right but he did not want to think about it, then he walked out of the room, as he went to the garage, the garage had been his place where he learned to chill by working on wood projects just like Gibbs did.
About an hour later, Ziva was in her bedroom, finishing up her journal on her laptop, and sent emails to Gibbs and McGee to let them know she is all good, settling in with Tony and Tali.
Tony walked in the bedroom, noticed Ziva was in the bathroom which is in their master bedroom, he just stood there staring at Ziva, realizing how real it was to see Ziva being at home even in his bedroom, it had been so long time since they have been in a bedroom together.
Ziva was taking her clothes off, she noticed the mirror reflection, noticed Tony standing there at the door.
"Oh Tony, you scared me, I am sorry if I was so quiet, I figured you were in the garage, I got the chance to talk to Gibbs, and McGee, told them all is good," Ziva gasped softly as she realized Tony is just there to look at her.
"Oh I am sorry, I did not mean to scare you, I just wanted to stand here, looking at you just to make sure you are really here, and I really miss you so much, I did not think my manhood will work or be alive because it has been too long since you left, you know"? Tony answered carefully as he struggles.
"I am so sorry, I know it is the weakness, I have not slept with anyone ever since last time we met, even conceive our daughter, and I just shut down, due to my anxiety. I just kept myself busy and you both were always on my mind. Why don't we just go with the flow?" Ziva responded as she took her shirt off.
"Yeah I understand, we can go with the flow," Tony responded softly as he walked into the bathroom watching Ziva taking rest of her clothes off.
"Tony, while we go with the flow, do you want come in shower with me?" Ziva replied to Tony, as she reached out to invite Tony in shower with her.
"Oh sure, it is working, I need to take this clothes off, I will be there in with you in a minute," Tony carefully taking off his pants as he got all worked up throbbing as he craved to hold Ziva to himself and wanting to make love with her.
As soon Tony leaped into shower with Ziva, he would look at her as she would stroke her hair, all wet and naked being with her was what matters to him and his mind was focused with Ziva. Ziva noticed Tony being all worked up as she stroked her hair, then she reached out to Tony, kissed him as Tony kissed her back, as they hugged tightly as if there is no way to let each other all go. They spent a lot of time in shower and bedroom pouring out their love making as they was exploring and embraced their love.
Next morning on December 22nd, Tony woke up, looking at Ziva right by him, sleeping peacefully as he stroked her hair away from her face. Ziva woke up softly, looking at Tony, stroked Tony's soft beard.
"Tony, do you remember the time we was on undercover mission?" Ziva asked softly as she wakes up
"Oh yeah, every moment of it, and it was real, I think back then we did not really explore in embracing, we had too much fun, too much wild sex, and we did our mission, I have no regrets of that, don't you? Tony replied carefully as he looked at Ziva
"Yes, you are right, no regrets here, I think that moment I have told myself that you are my soulmate, even though we did not say it or show it until you found me in Israel. Remember that house we actually explored and embraced our love, we got blessed with Tali, that is when I knew for sure that you are the one in my life, even though I made mistakes with other men, Michael, Ray, all those guys I noticed that there was never true embrace in them, not the same kind that I saw in you, and I love you. I will do my best not to abandon you and Tali; I can't promise but I am doing a mission to make sure my family is safe, I am ready with everything," Ziva responded as she sat up on the bed, looking at Tony.
"Yeah, I understand, what matters to me is that I have you in my life. You are my daughter's mother, you mean a lot to me, you taught me a lot to be a better man, and a father that Tali deserves to have. I just don't want to raise Tali like my father did to me. Not saying my Dad is bad person, he is just not perfect but good man at his own ways, you know," Tony giggled softly as he adjusted himself.
"Yeah, I think you are doing awesome... oh I think I heard something, is it Tali?
"Ah yeah I think she will be here to crash, I should get up to get our morning going, I will make us breakfast," Tony replied as he kissed Ziva some more as he need to control himself by getting up to get dressed.
"Sounds good, I need to get dressed before Tali comes in too" Ziva answered as she got up to get dressed.
Tali came in all excitedly as Tony and Ziva just finished up putting clothes on.
At the kitchen, Tony and Ziva were getting the breakfast going, Ziva wanted make things she thought Tali would like.
"Ziva, what are you making?" Tony noticed Ziva making some pancake batter,
"Crepes with fruits all that, she likes it right?" Ziva replied as if she knew Tali liked the crepes.
"Ah well, about that... I have to tell you that, since you have been gone, she got sick of crepes, threw it all up and told me not to make it anymore. It took me a long time help her with those food she got so picky with, so my Dad came up with this idea. I made her chocolate chip pancakes with banana eyes and whipped cream smiles with a cherry nose, her favorite breakfast, trust me with that," Tony replied as he whispered at Ziva's ear.
"Ah I see, what make her stop eating crepes, it was her favorite meal? What happened?" Ziva was puzzled as she asked Tony.
"I am not sure why, she would not tell me, but I know for sure that she was missing you terribly," Tony replied as he poured a cup of coffee.
"Ah I see, I will talk with Tali, and please make me a cup of coffee?" Ziva replied as she prepared Tali's breakfast.
'Wait a minute I thought you don't like coffee, this is something you might not like?" Tony was puzzled as he got 2nd cup out of cabinet.
"I drink coffee since I saw Gibbs, even though I still drink tea at times, there is times I want coffee. I will like your coffee, it is ok Tony," Ziva replied. Ziva was comforting Tony.
At the kitchen table, Ziva sat with Tali and Tony, as they enjoy a great breakfast to enjoy as a family, Tali decided to ask many questions to her mother, trying to understand why she left.
"Ima, where were you"? Tali asked softly.
"Tali, I had to do some business that I need to do with your Grandpa Gibbs," Ziva replied carefully.
"Oh is that why Grandpa Gibbs sent Abba some tools to do some things for him too?" Tali asked.
"Probably, I think Gibbs just want to make sure your Abba doing things for him, just to keep your Abba busy because he was missing me too much like you do too," Ziva replied softly.
"Ima, are you staying here with us?"
"Oh yeah, I am staying here, my darling," Ziva replied softly
"For good? That means you and Abba will be together for good? Tali excitedly asked.
"First of all, your Abba and I will always be together no matter what; we are your Ima and Abba, we stick together, I hope it will be for good too," Ziva answered as she looked at Tony cleaning up the counter.
"Ima, Abba does love you very much, he missed you very much and when he gets sad he goes to the garage, sometimes talk to Uncle McGee on the phone in there. I think you both should get married and be together for good, so Abba doesn't get lonely, and Ima, can I tell you a secret in your ear?" Tali asked her mother.
"Oh my darling, sure what is it?" Ziva replied as Tali went closer to her Ima's ear to whisper.
"Abba cries every night, and he drink those yucky smelly drinks at night too after we sing in Hebrew with his guitar before I go sleep," Tali whispered before Tony returned to the table.
"Oh really? Good thing he did not cry last night, right? But I will talk with your Abba about that later, everything will be alright, my darling," Ziva answered as she turn around to Tony who looked worried.
"All is good here?" Tony asked Ziva.
"Oh yeah, Tali just was asking me questions and one thing she mentioned got me worried, but we can talk about it later, is that ok?" Ziva replied gently.
"Ah I see, alright, sounds good, my sweetcheeks" Tony replied as he sat down with his cup of coffee.
"Abba, Ima, are you both going to be dating?" Tali asked as she stood between her parents, smiling.
"Ah, dating? I think we are dating, we want to take things slow, your Ima just came home, and there are so many things we want to catch up, and do things together as a family, sounds good?" Tony replied to Tali as he looked at her.
"Tali, like I told your Abba last night, I want to go with flow with everything. I love you both very much, to answer your question, I think we are dating, like Abba say, we will go with the flow and see how things go, is that ok?" Ziva reached out Tali, hugged her as she looked at Tony.
"Alright, but will you and Abba get married and be family?" Tali look at her Ima, holding her necklace that her Ima gave her.
"Tali, no matter what it is, we will always be family, your Abba and I love you very much, and you will be the first to know if we decided to get married, sounds good to you? Ziva answered softly as Tony rubbed Ziva's back, knowing that Tony was there to comfort her, as Ziva try her best to answer things her daughter was asking.
"Tali, everything will be ok, we will make sure you will be first to know before everyone else," Tony replied as he hugged Tali.
"How about a new baby brother or sister for me?"
Tali responded with giggles as Ziva and Tony looked at each other.
"Tali, we don't know what may happen in the future, but I will make sure you will be the first to know, ok?" Ziva replied as Tony patted Ziva's shoulder.
"Your Ima is right, we just go with the flow. First thing is this, we are family, we will be together no matter what lay ahead in our future, time will tell." Tony replied softly as he smiled at Tali.
"Ok, I want to go play with my dollhouse that Abba built for me," Tali answered softly as she looked down towards the playroom nearby.
"Ok my darling, you can go play, and I will be right over there on the couch if you need me, ok?" Ziva replied as she got up from the kitchen chair, looking at Tali as she run off.
"My dear, you go on, I will meet you at the couch when I finish up cleaning here; it would not be too long." Tony spoke up as Ziva walked toward living room area.
Ziva was feeling tired all sudden, as she realized the jetlag and the whole embracing love thing with Tony had worn her out, but she wanted to stay up just to enjoy each moment of her time with Tony and Tali. Tony entered the living room, looking at Ziva, as he sat by her, putting Ziva's leg over his lap. Tony was rubbing Ziva's feet.
"Oh that feels so good, my feet had been so sore, been on the go for too long, but it was worth it, no regrets on my missions I have done." Ziva moaned and replied softly, as Tony massaged her feet.
"I can see that, your feet had too many miles and they still look lovely," Tony replied in sense of humor.
"Oh yeah, I just traveled a lot, on the run back in Washington, DC just to watch after Gibbs, and Sahar; the whole thing is over, as I am glad that Gibbs was just there in time to shoot her out just like I did on Ari. There are times I am really wondering if everything is really over with those people that would want hunt me or my family down," Ziva replied with soft giggles
"Ziva, I really hope everything is actually over with, if it is not then will you run away and leave us alone again?" Tony questioned Ziva softly.
"If I have to run away again, I might have to relocate you both, and it will be back in DC if that is the case. Gibbs promised me that he will not abandon me when I am in trouble or in need of help. I am not going to leave you both here again." Ziva nodded and replied softly.
"Ah I see, what would we do if that is the case, what about this house?" Tony pondered as he responded.
"Tony, let's not worry about it right now, I just need to adjust a lot. Too much things to digest, on top of my anxiety I try to keep it in control, and we shall worry about that eventually, right now I just want us just to chill and catch up on what I have missed on you and Tali," Ziva answered in firm tone where she did not want Tony to worry.
"Alright, that sounds good, we go with the flow, we take one thing at time, and yes I agree, there is so much for us to adjust and digest whole thing. We will go through this whole thing together, and I want you to know that I am just glad you are home with us," Tony responded softly with a soft smile as he looked at Ziva.
"Yeah, I agree with you. So I just realized 3 days from today is Christmas, I wonder what you tend to do with Tali while I was gone, did you make sure Tali know the tradition of Jewish culture besides?" Ziva wondered as she asked Tony.
"Not much but you see those menorah lights there, I light them up every evening, even though I don't do the prayers when you were not here, but when you are here, I would say happy Hanukkah. Tali had a hard time to understand this, but she thinks those lights bring the luck for you to be home one day, so you might need to help me with that one. She can understand better when she hears this from you. But she loves the Purim, she would wear her costume when she really misses you. She would go hey Abba, I am wearing this because I miss Ima, I want to wear this to make my dreams come true that Ima will be here one day," Tony replied with a soft giggle.
"Oh my Tony, that is ok, I will help you with this, and Tali is smart, you did real great job. So does she enjoy Christmas?" Ziva replied as she looked at Tony.
"Well, Tali likes Christmas lights, that special light over there, she likes gifts, and Ziva, I made sure she knows about Santa. Every year the day before Christmas, I would take her to the mall, to see Santa, she would run to Santa, asking one thing, always same thing, she would ask him to bring her Ima home. She sure believes in Santa like you asked me last time. I did what you would want our daughter to believe in Santa, she does." Tony replied with a smile.
"Sounds like you did well, I would like to make this year special for Tali. Do you think she is ready to understand some things?" Ziva asked Tony as she pondered.
"Yeah, I think she will be ready eventually," Tony responded with soft tone.
"Well, I think we should take Tali to the mall, and show Santa that her wish came true before Christmas, do you think it would be good?" Ziva asked Tony with a smile.
"Oh yeah, I think it would be great idea, Tali would be so thrilled to have both of her parents going out to the mall with her, and see her Santa. We can plan on going over to the mall this afternoon if you would like to?" Tony answered with a tone that he is more than happy to take his sweetheart and their daughter to the mall.
At the mall, Ziva and Tony walked side by side as Tony pushed the stroller that Tali is sitting in, or Tali would be running around freely which was not what Tony and Ziva wanted, to protect her by having her in the stroller and Tali always had liked to ride in her stroller. As soon Ziva and Tony got closer to the center of the mall, they noticed Santa being there, as many children were in line taking their turns, and Tali was screaming in joy.
"Abba, Santa! I want see Santa, I want to show him my Ima!" Tali excitedly shouted as she pointed her finger at the Santa on big red chair.
"Oh yeah, Santa is here, you may show your Ima to the Santa. You will need to get out of the stroller, and walk with your Ima," Tony responded with a smile as he held Ziva's hand, welcoming her to take Tali in the line.
"Ima! Ima, my wish came true that you came in time for Christmas!" Tali replied in joy as Ziva smiled, looking at Tony.
"Thank you my Tony, this is the best thing for me to be here with you and Tali, I shall take Tali into the line to see Santa, do you want to come with me too?" Ziva whispered to Tony as she smiled and she invited Tony to join them.
"Sounds good, I will be with you both, that's for sure," Tony nodded as he smiled back to Ziva and kissed her softly as he held her hand.
Moments later, when it was Tali's turn, she dragged her Ima's hand as they walked to the Santa, as Tony walked closely at the sideline to take some pictures.
"Santa, thank you for sending my Ima here, I got my wish for Christmas. My Ima Mommy is here just in time for Christmas, thank you for bringing her to me and my Abba Daddy," Tali announced her joy of showing off her beautiful mother to the Santa.
"Ho, ho, ho, that is wonderful news to hear that you have your mother just in time for the holidays, I am so happy for you, it is very nice to see your mother here." Santa spoke in cheery tone.
"Tali, shall we sit here with Santa for your Abba Daddy to take picture of us together?" Ziva asked Tali softly as she looked at Santa and Tony.
At the last minute, someone offered Tony to join Ziva and Tali to be in picture with them; he was thrilled as he hurried to join Ziva and Tali. The photo of Ziva, Tony and Tali had turned out beautifully as they worn their best clothes for that special event. Ziva, Tony and Tali went out to dinner, then they decided to go home for the night since Ziva was really tired and so ready to rest for the night.
Back home, Ziva and Tali walked in the house as Tony stayed behind in the garage doing some things, Ziva got all comfortable in her night clothes on, then went to make sure Tali got all comfortable in her PJs, Tali was settling in her bed, she begged her Ima to read a book to her. Normally would be her Abba to read a book to her, but she wanted her Ima, so Ziva and Tali were laying on Tali's bed, as Ziva was reading the book. Tony walked by Tali's bedroom, noticed Ziva reading the same book that he read to Tali many times, and felt disappointed that Tali chose her Ima to read that book. Then he went back to garage, not knowing Ziva had caught Tony at her glance, she was wondering what was wrong with Tony, but wanted to finish the book so Tali could fall sleep. As soon Tali fell soundly sleep, Ziva tucked her in with her blanket and the scarf that she would never let it go ever since at age 2. Ziva went around the house, looking for Tony then she thought where Tony would be at so she went to the garage, noticed that small sun room light on, she went there to find Tony pondering on his chair, looking outside. Ziva walked by Tony, sat down as she noticed a bottle of bourbon, Tony looked at her, grabbed a small glass for her to have some.
"Tony, I did not expect to see you drink like that, is everything ok?" Ziva looked puzzled.
"It had been years since you left, since Gibbs got me tools, and his advice for me to drink lightly on this once a while, just to ponder things, and here it is for you if you want some, Tali is sleeping?" Tony replied with a tone where he sounded calm as if he knew how to control his limitation of drinking.
"Ah Gibbs does the same as you just did, you know I don't like see you guys to drink but if you know your limitation, then I am ok with it as long this stay out of the house so Tali doesn't smell anything and worry about her Abba."
'Alright, sounds good. Tali was telling you this morning about me drinking?" Tony curiously asked as if he wondered how Tali know.
"Tali was telling me that she was worried about you crying at nights and drinking this, I guess she sensed it and smelled your breath, I am not sure what but she is smart little girl, she adores you a lot as I can see that, and I adore you with my burst of love, as long this stay here, I am alright with it, and yes I would like have some before I go bed, I am very tired," Ziva replied tiredly as she grab a glass to drink with Tony.
Ziva and Tony drank up their small shot of glass, then they went in the house, they decided to go bed as if they call it night.
Next morning on December 23, Tony woke up, looking at the clock saying 7am. He looked at Ziva, kissed her forehead, as he got up from the bed quietly hoping that Ziva would just rest so he walked to the bathroom. He then went out of the bedroom quietly and walked by Tali's bedroom, noticed Tali sleeping. It was when Tony thought he better go make some breakfast for his family. As Tony got the coffee brewing and he processed the food to cook, the phone rang. As Tony looked for his phone which was on kitchen table, he went to the table, realizing it was McGee, so he answered, as the moment Tony was on the phone. Ziva had woke up by the smell of the brewing fresh coffee that sounded so good to her, so she got up, walked into the kitchen, noticed Tony was talking on phone and preparing to cook. Ziva quietly walked to Tony, hugged him from behind and smiled at Tony as Tony smiled as he was speaking to Tim.
"Hi Tony, good morning, the coffee woke me up, it smells so good." Ziva spoke softly as she giggled at Tony.
"Hi my sweetcheeks, I thought you would like that smell, I like the smell of it, good morning my love, I am on hold with Tim, you look lovely and I love you," Tony responded to Ziva as he held phone away from the mic, while being on hold with Tim and kissed Ziva softly on her lips.
"Ah sweet, I love you too, I hope Tim is doing ok?" Ziva replied in soft tone.
Ziva decided to help Tony to cook breakfast and get the table ready. Tony heard Tali running to Ziva, being excited to see her Ima.
"Ima! Ima," Tali running down to kitchen in joy as if she had something to say to Ziva while at the same time Ziva was setting the table.
"Hey my sweetheart, Abba is on the phone, try to be quiet please." Ziva hugged Tali as she tried to calm Tali down.
"Ima, I wonder who is on the phone with Abba? Is it Uncle Tim?" Tali whispered to Ziva.
"Oh yeah, your Uncle Tim is on the phone with your Abba, while he is on the phone, can you help me set up this table, breakfast is almost ready?" Ziva answered softly as Ziva guided Tali to the silverware drawer.
As soon Tony hung up the phone, he went to get the breakfast food ready to be set on the table as Ziva and Tali got table all set up, sat down as Tony came to the table. Tony looked happy, smiled at Ziva, as Ziva wondered what was up but she wanted to wait until Tony sit down with her and Tali to enjoy breakfast.
"Tony, how was it with Tim? All is good with him and his family?" Ziva wondered as she asked Tony.
"Ziva, it looks like Gibbs gave Tim few days off for the holidays, so Tim and his family are coming out here for the holidays with us, how does that sound?" Tony replied in soft sweet tone.
"Oh, they are coming out here, I thought we would spend Christmas alone as a family," Ziva sounded so disappointed.
"Ziva, it will be alright, we will be a family in this house for the holidays, I did not forget your anxiety. I thought of you when I told Tim that we can't have too many people in this house swarming around, so I told Tim, they could come but they have to find a hotel. Tim agreed with me and he will find a hotel nearby, and remember, his wife got some connections through some travel agency, she knows some people there that will help them to reserve a hotel nearby like 20 mins drive from here, it will be ok my sweetcheeks." Tony spoke up softly to calm Ziva with his comforting tone.
"Alright, I am sorry if I reacted too soon, I just wanted it to be a quiet holiday, and I am happy to hear that Tim and his family will stay at the hotel. I am excited for them to come to visit us. As long they enjoy the holidays, I am good with that. Thank you my Tony." Ziva hold Tony's hands, as she replied.
Ziva and Tony spent the day cleaning and getting the house ready for the visitors to come, and Ziva made some new rules to show Tony and Tali at front porch at the door. Shoes must be taken off outside before entering the house, Tony and Tali had agreed with that new rule. That evening after the chores Ziva and Tony had done, they decided to go out to Christmas shopping to get gifts and food goodies for the holidays. As the night fell in, Ziva and Tony spent a lot of time singing with Tali in Hebrew until Tali fell sleep, then they went to the living room to do the wrapping gifts and make plans for the holidays, as it got late they went to their bed as they fell asleep cuddling each other.
Once Christmas Eve had arrived, Ziva and Tony decided to spend the day just enjoy the day to finish wrapping gifts, and got the Christmas lights up and those special lights on. The house smelled so good from those warmers that Ziva always liked to have to make house smell good. That night, Ziva was sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine, as Tony sat with her, they just wanted to spend alone time quietly while Tali being in bed, all worn out from an exciting day she had with her parents.
"My sweetcheeks, what is on your mind, I can see you being in deep thoughts looking at the fireplace, you look so beautiful, breathtaking to look at your face," Tony sat on sofa with Ziva, smiling at Ziva as Ziva looked at Tony.
"Oh yeah, I am just feeling so relaxed with this fireplace, those lovely lights around us, and relaxing music sure helps. I love this being with you and drinking this wine, for the change I like this better than bourbon," Ziva replied with a soft smile as she lay her head on Tony's shoulder.
Tony smiled at Ziva, looking at Ziva being all comfortable in her panties and a cami shirt, he could see her chest easily, stroked her hair as he was pondering how luckily he is to have Ziva and their daughter in his life. Ziva adjusted herself to look at Tony easily, stroked Tony's beard, kissed Tony as Tony kissed her back. As their kiss got deeper, Tony paused.
"oh my Ziva, this is breathtaking just like those dreams I have always had for us to do this by the fireplace, just 2 of us and Ziva, I love you so much, my sweetcheeks, always do."
"Tony, I love you so much, and here your hand on my chest, feel my heart, it is racing, you make my heart beat as if it will burst in joy," Ziva replied to Tony softly as she took his hand to her chest, then climbed up on Tony, as they kissed some more. Tony invited Ziva on his lap, as they just enjoy each other making out their love, then they decided to get on the floor that had a blanket that would make them comfortable embracing their love as the heat around them had raised the love into the air. They eventually fell sleep cuddling on floor as they kept each other warm. Ziva woke up, noticed the time on her phone lying on the couch, realizing it is 5am. She woke up Tony gently to let him know it is 5am, and wanted to clean up around and get ready for family breakfast. As Ziva and Tony got up, they kissed and hugged some more, then Tony offered Ziva that he would clean up their mess and Ziva can grab shower to get cleaned up, so Ziva agreed with Tony then she went off to take shower while Tony finish up cleaning the mess then get ready for Christmas breakfast with his Ziva and Tali.
Sometime later, Ziva was leaving the bedroom, she went to kitchen, noticed Tony having the table with all candle lights and breakfast being cooked, and Tali was standing smiling at her Ima by the hallway as she greeted her Ima.
"Oh my Tali, happy Christmas, my sweetheart, and I see what you and your Abba did for me, this is so perfect, and I love this," Ziva spoke to Tali being so happy to see her family, and love how Tony doing this whole special thing for her, made her feel all loved.
"Ima, come with me, I have the chair ready for you," Tali happily responded as she dragged her Ima to the kitchen chair, and Tony moved the chair for Ziva to sit, as he greeted Ziva with a great hug with a kiss.
Ziva, Tony and Tali sat happily at table, enjoyed their breakfast, then Tali was all ready for the gifts opening but she was so patient even though she kept looking at the Christmas tree filled with gifts at the corner in front room. After breakfast, Ziva helped Tony clean up the mess, then they went to the front room. Tali saw their parents going to the room, she got so excited screaming through the room as she ran, Ziva had jumped in a gasp of breath as Tony saw that. Tony had to slow Tali down, to remind her not to scream while running, reminding her that is loud and scares her Ima. Tali corrected herself, told her Abba she is sorry and hugged her Ima as they sat on the couch together.
"Ima, I am sorry I did not mean to scare you," Tali softly whispered to Ziva.
"Oh my Tali, it is ok, it happens when you forget, and I am ok. I can see you are so excited; there are a lot of gifts for you. Your Abba will help you with gifts, go on I will be here sweetheart," Ziva replied with a gentle tone as she had a relief, realizing how much she missed to hear the excitement in Tali, and told Tony that she is ok.
"Ziva, yeah, like I say Tali never been this happy ever since you left, since you came, Tali is all bubbly happy girl, and she is picking up on things around her, we are so happy to have you home with us," Tony responded with love.
"That is so true, it is something I will get used to, and I am happy to see Tali to be happy, and I love your smiles too," Ziva replied to Tony.
After the excitement of opening gifts, Tali was all happy, thanking her Ima and Abba, Tony asked Tali to give her mother a small gift box. Tali was thrilled to do that for her Abba, so Tony went to sit by Ziva, as Tali gave Ziva a gift box. Ziva pondered what it was as she looked at Tony and Tali, as she would wonder what it is. She opened the gift box. As soon Ziva opened the box, she gasped with her eyes wide open, looking at Tony and Tali.
"Oh my gosh, this is so beautiful, this is so breathtaking!" Ziva gasped in happy tears looking at Tony, and held Tali's hand.
"That is a promise ring from me and Tali; look at that ring, it is birthstones of Tali, you and me. This got a meaning of us being family forever, no matter what we will always be together," Tony replied as he held Ziva's hand, as his tone was sending the love impression to her.
"You both are so sweet, oh yes I love this ring, and I love you both more than everything else, thank you for everything." Ziva happily responded as she hugged Tony, kissed him then hugged Tali.
Around noon, Ziva and Tony begun to prepare a Christmas luncheon as they knew the McGees would come for the luncheon and visit with Ziva and Tony. Few hours later, as the food was being cooked, there was a doorbell ringing, Tony went to the door, and greeted Tim and his family, as they took off their shoes and came in the house.
"Hey my Elf Lord bro," Tony smiled as he greeted Tim into the house.
"Oh you with this Elf Lord thing, hey my bro!" Tim teased back with a giggle as they hugged.
Ziva and Tali walked up to meet with Tony, greeting Tim, his wife and their twins with open arms. Then they all went to the kitchen table. Tony had said a prayer then Ziva did her prayer in Hebrew as Tony translated for her then everyone was enjoying their meal, chatted with a lot of joy and laughter. Once everyone was so full from a great meal they had, the children were off playing in Tali's playroom, Tony, Ziva, Tim and Delilah sat in living room to catch up things.
"Tim, so how is everyone in DC? Tony asked Tim,
"It is all good, you know how it is at NCIS, the rumors is this year Gibbs is about to retire, what is more is that there is a talk about me taking over his seat. I am not for sure if I am good at this, Gibbs had mentioned that he got someone on his mind," Tim answered with a look toward Tony.
"Ah I see, come on, Gibbs retiring? Pfft I think he will take the director seat, but who would take his seat, it would be interesting who it will be, but Elf Lord, you would not do good at that, but I know you are good agent, though," Tony replied as he looked at Tim then everyone was looking at Tony.
"Tim, are you trying to say Gibbs is considering Tony to take over his seat? Ziva dared to question Tim as if she could read between lines.
"Oh hmm, well... I don't think everyone have thought of that but I am not surprised if it was what Gibbs is considering this, we know Tony is very good at leading the team, but the thing is he left NCIS for Tali," Tim replied carefully.
"Ah I see, we will see when that comes, if Gibbs calls us and need us, then we will think about it, but I don't know if I will ever work with NCIS again. But that can change only if Gibbs really need my help, like I say, we will think about it, I have been gone for too long and yes I was there recently, I admit I miss being there, but Tony as my boss, that is a conflict, so nope," Ziva replied being blunt.
"That is very understandable, and who knows if Gibbs has special position for you and if Tony takes over the seat, I will be there for him, you guys got my back," Tim replied softly.
"Alright, you know what, Elf Lord? Why don't we all just go with the flow and if that time comes, we will know what to do and do what is right for all of us. If there are more troubles as it gets to the point where things are not normal, I am sure we can figure things out, does it make sense right?" Tony pointed out things to Tim as Ziva agreed with him.
"Alright, sounds good to me, and I like the idea of going with the flow," Tim replied softly in agreement.
Everyone had chatted, listened to music and enjoyed their visit until the night fell. The McGees realized they need to go back to the hotel, to catch their flight next morning to other places that they wanted to visit before heading back to DC. As soon the McGees left, Tony and Ziva cleaned up the mess, spent some time with Tali as they cleaned her up for the night, they decided to sweep Tali up to take her to the couch, and watched some Disney movie together.
"Hey my sweetcheeks, what you think of today?" tony asked Ziva with soft tone as he looked at Ziva
"I think today turned out a great day, this is perfect end of night with you and Tali, she looks so peaceful watching the movie, I am sure she will fall sleep before it ends," Ziva replied with a soft smile.
"Oh yeah, I agree with you. I am glad to see McGee and his family doing well, and I would sleep on the team leading idea for now. Right now I am not sure, and I want to spend as much time with you, and Tali."
"Yeah, I agree with you, only the time will tell when and we will know when we feel is right thing to do, sleeping on it is good idea, we just enjoy ourselves in every moment together. Like we say, we just go with the flow, one thing a time and one day a time is best way for us to handle for now," Ziva replied in a firm tone as Ziva rested on Tony's shoulder and sighed in relief.