.

"EVERYTHING"

Chapter X - Hellos & Hugs

It was a beautiful day and the start of a lovely evening as the sun began to set on Paris. The streets were vibrant as tourists wandered the city of love in spring time. Tony couldn't help but smile as he walked with Tali out of the hotel and onto the busy sidewalk. He held her hand tightly while the toddler skipped with her favorite stuffed dog, Kalev. They made their way down the familiar block and turned right at the corner. Waiting for the traffic light to change, Tony looked intently across the street. He saw a woman reading a book, sitting at the table he remembered from years ago. She almost looked exactly like the Ziva he had fallen in love with at that very table, except for the shorter, messier curls she wore under a light head scarf. Tali tugged his hand when the light changed and Tony looked down to give her a smile before they moved.

When they crossed the street, Tony stopped in front of the familiar cafè. He looked down at Tali again and placed his finger to his lip, signally for her to stay quiet. The toddler smiled brightly and nodded her head. It had been the little game they practiced a lot lately. Tali was excited to oblige, knowing that her abba did this whenever he was going to do something funny. But, this time, the joke did not come. Tony just stood there staring at the woman who now sat a few feet away. This was a waiting game for him.

After a few minutes, she looked from her book and they locked eyes. Hers widened as she slowly stood a took a step towards him.

"Tony?" It was a breathless whisper. Joyful tears began streaming down both their faces. A small breeze blew between them. The moment was perfect. "I knew you'd come", Ziva barely got out the words before he had lifted her up and kissed her passionately.

They didn't care who saw. They didn't care if people stopped and stared. They didn't want to let go. They needed the moment. They needed the release.

The perfect hello.

Eventually, as he let her feet come back to the ground and pulled away from her slightly, Tony spoke, "We have been looking for you."

The fact that he had said 'we' clicked in Ziva's mind immediately. She looked down beside him to see her angel standing there with a cheesy smile. "Tali", she exclaimed as she lifted the toddler. Relief washed over her as she knew this could only mean that her running was finally over.

"Ima", Tali giggled and wrapped her arms around her neck. "Missed you!"

"Oh my motek, Ima has missed you too", her voice broke as she cried harder. "I love you so much. I am so sorry my angel. I promise I will never lose you again!"

Tony watched quietly for a moment as the reality hit. When Tali pulled back in her mother's arms a little to wipe the tears, he smiled and stepped in close again. Ziva looked up at him again when he spoke, "Three hundred sixty-five days. Twelve hours. Seven minutes ... Sorry it took so long."

Ziva laughed through her tears, "It is okay. You are here now, that is what matters." She sniffed then kissed Tali on her forehead, "You have grown so much, motek. Abba took good care of you. I knew he would."

"Wasn't easy", Tony chuckled, "She's a feisty little ball of energy." He tickled Tali and she wiggled in Ziva's arms as she giggled. "Isn't that right ninja junior?"

"Ninja junior?" Ziva smiled and shook her head, "Of all the nicknames, that is what you have dubbed her?"

Tony shrugged, "Actually she has a few. I use Talikins, kid, warrior princess, and ninja junior a lot. She really likes when Tim calls her Talbear and when Abby calls her ..."

"Lil Zi!" Tali said excitedly, eliciting a laugh from both parents.

"Right, Lil Zi", Tony chuckled then looked in Ziva's eyes. "I think it fits. She's just like you, Zi."

Ziva blushed at hearing the old nickname and bit her lip. "Tony ... I need to apolo ..."

Tony placed his finger on her lips. "Not now ... we will talk later in private. There's a lot we both need to say and discuss. Preferably not with the munchkin staring us down. She's a nosey little thing."

"I suppose it can wait. I am just happy you came for me."

"Could of sworn I told you a long time ago that I couldn't live without you, Ziva David."

"That you did", she chuckled as she stood on her toes and gently kissed him. "Thank you for not giving up."

Tony smiled, "Never, we both needed you and wanted you. Even if I wanted to quit, Tali would never let me." Ziva smiled as he wiped another tear from her eyes, "It's okay now, Zi. I promise. New beginnings ... But first, right now, there's a few people who still want to see you. We should go to the hotel, they're waiting."

She looked at him nervously, "What few people?"

"Don't worry", he kissed her forehead then wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I promise they're all excited and you have no need to be scared of seeing them. Truthfully, without them, I might still be looking for you."

"Who is it", she whispered, still nervous about seeing anyone so soon.

Tony tapped Tali and smirked when she lifted her head from Ziva's other shoulder, "Tell Ima who came with us, Talikins."

Tali smiled, "Grampa Gibbs! Uncle Tim! Auntie Abby!"

"Gibbs is here? And she calls him ..." Fresh tears formed in her eyes.

"You're still his daughter, Zi. Still McGee and Abby's sister. We've all missed you and have been searching like crazy. Come on, you wanted your family, so we're all here."

Ziva just nodded and took Tony's hand as her other clutched Tali tighter to her. As anxious as she was, she finally had a reason to be happy and breathe again.

When they arrived at the hotel, Tony stopped in front of the room the rest of their family awaited them. He looked at Ziva, "You ready?"

Ziva took a deep breathe, "It has been four years since I have seen them. I do not even know what to say. This is surreal."

"The words will come. You won't need to say much. Just ... embrace the moment." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and reached for Tali. "I know you never want to let go, but well Abs might .."

"Want to squeeze me in a bear hug", she softly chuckled as she slowly gave Tali over. "A few minutes will not hurt. Just, stay close."

"We'll be right behind you. Knock when you're ready."

Exhaling slowly, she raised her hand to knock. Before she could make contact, the door swung open. As predicted, Abby flung her arms around her best friend, "Ziva! Oh my God! It's really you! You're really here! We missed you so much! I can't believe it's you! It's been so long! We were all so worried! Oh but we got you back now! You're really right here! In my arms! This is so ..."

"Abby", Ziva got out, "need air."

"Oh! Sorry", Abby only loosened her hold slightly. "I'm just so happy we finally found you! I missed you so much, Ziva!"

"I missed you too, Abby." After another moment, they pulled apart and finally entered the room. McGee was next to hug her. She felt him release a sigh of relief as she said, "McGee, I am sor ..."

"Don't ", he interrupted as he pulled back. "I'm sorry I missed your call. And that you've had to go through all of this alone. I'm just glad you're alive and you're safe. I missed you." He hugged her again and stepped aside.

A silence fell over them as Gibbs stood from his seated position in the corner. He slowly made his way to her and Ziva lowered her head to avert his gaze. When he stood before her, Gibbs took her face in his hands and gently raised her head back up. He softly kissed her forehead then wrapped his arms around her. "Love you, Ziver."

Immediately, she sobbed into his chest as all her anxiety washed away. In just 20 minutes, everything had become right again in her world. It was finally over. No more running. No more hiding. All this time, she had been afraid of being turned away, when all they wanted was to hold her close. And that's exactly what they did as Tony, Tali, McGee, and Abby surrounded them and joined in for a group hug ... no, a family hug. One that spoke hello to the future and goodbye to the past. All had been forgotten in that moment. There was no need to dwell. There was only need to be— together.

Short and sweet, because TIVA still has to have "the talk".

That'll be next ... See ya in a few days peeps!

- Chide