Disclaimers disclaimed.
Chapter XXXIX - No!
"We have two more weeks! I was thinking maybe a subtle green with gold accessories. What did you have in mind? I personally love the way you look in green. It is a beautiful color on you", Ziva mused as she went through photos of prom dresses on Tali's laptop. It had been a week since the closing of the case and everything was close to normal again. Including Tali's excitement about prom and graduation. At least, that's what Ziva thought. After a few minutes of silence, she looked up and noticed that Tali was no longer interested in the topic of prom. She had a far off look that Ziva knew all too well and it pained the mother to see that her child had gone there. Quietly, she rose from her seated position at Tali's desk and gently sat next to the teen on her bed. She lightly placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder and made sure she was in her line of sight as she softly spoke, "Motek?"
Tali jumped slightly at the realization of contact as she came back to reality. She looked at her mother confused. "Huh? Did you say something?"
Ziva sighed, "Yes, I was talking about what color dress I thought would look nice on you."
"Oh, sorry. Guess I blanked out." Tali raked her fingers through her hair as she took a deep breath. "What were you saying?"
"I said green, but that does not matter right now. You went far away from here. Are you okay?"
The teen gave a half nod and quick response. "Yeah, sure, I'm fine."
Ziva raised her eyebrow to sign that she wasn't convinced. "Sweetheart, you do not have to say that you are fine if that is not how you really feel. I know exactly where you went, so I know you are not at all fine. Tell me, what about this topic of prom took you back to that cell?"
Tali didn't try to hide the shutter that went through her as she thought about it again. She took a moment to get herself together then answered, "My scars. I'm not going to look pretty in a dress with them."
"Oh, motek." Ziva pulled the sad teen into her arms and kissed the top of her head gently. "You are still a very beautiful young woman. Scars or no scars, you will be the most gorgeous girl at that prom. I promise you."
"As much as I want to go and just be a normal senior, I feel like I can't now, you know?" Her voice cracked as tears started to flow from her eyes. "I feel like whatever I wear will not be able to cover the disgusting truth. I wanna hideaway! I just feel so ugly! So ashamed!"
"Shhhh", Ziva held her tighter and shook her head as she rocked the weeping teen, "you have nothing to be ashamed of Tali, do you hear me? You are beautiful and strong. You have survived something that most people cannot. Never be ashamed of who you are and what you have overcome. Your scars are just proof of how amazing you really are. That you could survive hell and still have a remarkable heart and beautiful soul. You cannot heal if you try to hide away, motek. Do not hide from it, face it head on. No one is going to judge you. You said yourself that your classmates have all been happy to see you back and have been really supportive of you. They have been understanding of what happened, yes? You have had how many boys ask you to the prom since you have returned to school, what was it four?"
"Five", Tali corrected softly through her tears.
"Five?" Ziva pulled back slightly and gave Tali a puzzled look.
She blushed, "Hunter asked to escort me if my school allows outside dates."
"Okay, five", Ziva spoke slowly as she looked in awe at her ever blushing daughter. After a moment, she drove her point home, "Five different boys asking you to be their date is a major deal, yes? They all think you are the prettiest looking, smartes, and most fun girl and they want to be seen with you ... even with scars, motek. So, you see, you do not need to fret about anyone seeing you in a dress. Besides, there are dresses that do not show too much on that website you were looking at. Or we can get something custom made so you can design it for your comfort, how does that sound?"
A response came from Tali looking in Ziva's eyes and gaving a half smile of gratitude for reminding her of how beautiful she still is. It may have seemed vain to someone else but, in her case, Tali absolutely needed to hear it.
Ziva kissed her forehead as she moved one of the arms that was wrapped around the teen to lift her hand and wipe away the remainder of Tali's tears. "Will it make you feel a little better if your back was not out? I know that is probably where you fear people seeing the most, just as it used to be for me. Maybe we can find a dress cut like the top of my wedding dress, yes? One with your arms out but your back mostly covered?"
"Yeah", Tali whispered, "that would make me feel a lot better. I love the idea of something custom ... Sorry I panicked for a sec."
"You have no reason to apologize. I just want you to be secure in who you are and to feel comfortable in your skin. That will take time, I know, but we have to try to work on finding peace and comfort. One step at a time, yes?"
Tali let out a shuddering sigh as she tried to level her breathing again. "Yes ima, one step at a time." She hugged her mother tighter and felt a little more secure. "I was thinking green too."
"Great minds", Ziva chuckled.
Their embrace was released once Tali's cell started ringing. Ziva instantly knew who was FaceTiming the teen when her daughter's face lit up. Tali quickly wiped away the tear stains on her cheeks and answered excitedly, "Hey Hunter!"
"Hey Tals! What are you up to?"
"Um, nothing really, just looking at prom dresses with my Ima", she paused to turn the phone towards her mother and Ziva waved. When Hunter waved back, Tali turned the phone to face her again showing a dazzling smile that could only be described as 'the DiNozzo smile'.
Ziva lightly chuckled at the display as she got up to leave the room and allow their FaceTime call to be private.
As the door closed softly, Tali let out a giggle at the faces Hunter was making over the camera. She took a moment to get herself together when he stopped making faces and moved the phone back slightly showing off his scarred but otherwise perfect abs. After staring a little longer than expected, she shook her head and asked, "So, what's up? You look very comfy in your new apartment ... nice abs by the way."
"Thanks, I think they look nice too", he joked then looked around his living room once before looking back at Tali. "And, it's only been three days, but I'm really liking this place. Best part of the South African government and SASS doing a late investigation on Mohammed is that they're still really pissed off at anyone named 'Amadi'; which means I don't have to stay guarded at those old musty embassy apartments. This downtown loft is way more my vibe."
"I still feel kind of bad that they're treating you like you're damaged goods just because of his betrayal", Tali stated sadly. "It's not fair you had to basically uproot your life and start over because you chose to extend your stay."
"Hey, it's all good. I don't care about them and I don't mind starting over. Technically, I'm still a SASS Officer and a highly ranked soldier. What they're doing right now, prying into my life and revoking certain privileges, is just the politics of it all. They're just doing their jobs. Everyone knows I'm innocent. It's not a big deal, really. And, anyway, I didn't call to make you sad or talk about South African politics or SASS investigations. I have better reasons for showing off my muscles on a video call." Hunter gave her a look that she couldn't quite read. He was flexing and staring intently, causing a feeling to spark within Tali that she didn't know how to describe ... it was good though.
She met his gaze with an inquisitive smirk, "So then, why did you call?"
"Well, it's funny I called while you were looking at prom dresses because I'm calling to get my answer. You said you'd let me know Friday if I could have the honor of taking you to your prom ... it is now Saturday. I'm getting impatient", Hunter chuckled and raised his eyebrow suggestively. "Figured if I showed you how good I looked without a tux, you'd want to see what I look like in a tux."
"Mmhmm, I can see that", Tali spoke shyly as she mentally screamed at herself for blushing and biting her lip. She took a deep breath and tried to focus on his face only. "Well, my guidance counselor says there is no rule against bringing an outside date, as long as they are under the age of twenty. That being said, you would be allowed to take me ... if, of course, I said 'yes' to your offer." Suddenly her confidence came back and she, for some reason, decided to tease a little. "But, I'm not sure if I actually want to go with you. I mean, I had four other offers before you from guys I actually know very well and who are very VERY cute."
"Hmph", Hunter rolled his eyes dramatically, "cute is for puppies, Tals. Why go with a 'cute' guy who you know, when you can go with a very sexy guy who's still a bit mysterious? Plus, I have an accent! Girls dig guys with accents ... so I've heard."
"So, you think you're sexy?" She quipped quickly while giving him a less than innocent smirk.
"Ahhh! Oh wow!" Hunter feigned hurt for a moment then flexed again with a smile. "You and I both know I'm pretty damn sexy. Allah made no mistakes in sculpting this immaculate body."
Tali laughed, "I didn't know you were so vain." She paused then gave him another look over. In a voice that even surprised her she said, "I suppose I can be honest and say that I do find you sexy ... Extremely. Sexy."
"And I find you extremely gorgeous .. since we are being honest." His tone went lower and, to Tali, his eyes became even more 'dreamy'. "I would love to see you all dressed up. Dance the night away with you. You can't deny it, we'd be a smashing couple! Come on, just say yes already!"
"Yes."
.
Downstairs, Tony hadn't registered that Ziva had sat on the couch next him as his eyes were glued to the TV watching a 'Bond Marathon'. Not, of course, until Ziva cuddled up against him and kissed down his jawline. His eyes dropped to her and he smiled contently, "Hey sweetcheeks!"
"Mmm, Hey my little hairy butt."
Tony kissed her softly then pulled her in closer before returning to watching his marathon. It was hard to keep focus though, as Ziva went to kissing his neck. He stifled a moan and leaned his head to the side, knowing that she obviously was not going to let him watch his favorite movie. "Someone is in a very good mood", he spoke in a husky tone.
"Very", was all she could say before Tony captured Ziva's lips in a passion filled kiss. Neither wanting to breakaway but Ziva's ninja senses were tingling. They pulled away just as their youngest child came running into the living room panting. By the look on his face, they knew nothing was actually wrong but Ziva still asked, "Are you okay Anthony?"
"Yeah", the 12 year old nodded vigorously as he tried to catch his breath, "just ... need ... money ... ice cream ... truck ... coming!"
Ziva burst out laughing while Tony rolled his eyes and reached for his wallet in his pocket. When he pulled it out, he threw the entire wallet at his son for the untimely interruption he had no idea he just made. "Go. NOW!" Tony all but yelled at the boy who didn't have to be told twice. As fast as he ran into the house, Anthony ran out even faster with a huge smile on his face.
"Are you sure that was a good idea? Giving him your entire wallet?" Ziva was still laughing at the humorous quick encounter, but she knew her son had no sense of sparing money ... especially Tony's money ... so, she had to ask.
Tony didn't seem to care. "There's 100 bucks in there", he said nonchalantly as he started kissing his wife again. "That should hold him off for a while."
"Mmmhmmmm, it should", Ziva's voice matched Tony's husky voice from a few moments ago before the intrusion. Unlike her husband, she did not stifle her moans when he kissed her neck which drove him back into the passionate kissing frenzy he started before. Things got hot and heavy instantly as Ziva repositioned herself onto his lap. Never breaking the kiss as her legs straddled his waist and her hands roamed his chest. Just as Tony's hands cupped her ass, and Ziva's ninja senses starting failing from the euphoria of lust and love, there was yet another interruption.
"Ew! Really you guys!?"
"Oh come in!" Tony shouted as his head dropped back in frustration that they were being interrupted for a second time.
Ziva's head dropped into the crook of Tony's neck as she laughed at being caught by her daughter again. This time though, Tali voiced her disgust in a mocking manner.
"What is it with you two and chairs?"
Tony glared at his all too bubbly teen for her intrusion and her, seeemingly, lack of desire to leave expeditiously.
"Actually", Tali put her hands up in surrender, "I do NOT want to know!"
Ziva sighed as she finally stopped laughing and, despite his nonverbal protest, moved off of Tony's lap to sit back on the couch. "Sorry motek. I forgot you were even here. This is my fault."
"Did you need something", Tony asked in a huff.
Tali nodded and chuckled at her father's frustration. "Just ima's car, then you two can totally go back to ... whatever ..." She waved hands pointing between her parents, "Whatever that was about to be ... Ugh! Please quickly I need your keys, totally getting a mental image I thought I got rid of when we left Maldives. Sooooo nast!"
Ziva rolled her eyes and looked at Tali, "First of all, there is nothing wrong with a wife enjoying her husband. Second, where are you going? And third, you cannot drive my car."
"First, still EW!" Tali's face twisted up feigning disgust, then she got serious again. "Second, I was going to drive over to see Hunter's new apartment then we were going to hangout and figure out our prom outfits. Third", she paused to pout and give puppy dog eyes, "why can't I drive your car?"
Ziva ignored the look and remained unfazed by Tali's attempt at getting her to cave. "Have you forgotten what happened the last time you drove my car? I am not giving you my keys."
"That was totally NOT my fault! I promise I will be extra safe and drive slow! No crashing this time! Plus, dad was helping me practice before and I've gotten way better." The teen turned to her father for support. "Abba, pleaaasseeee, help me out here!"
Tony shook his head and was still stuck in the prom part, "um, since when are you and Spy Boy going to prom?"
Tali threw her hands in the air and she let out an exasperated sigh, "Since about 10 minutes ago, now can you please tell Ima to let me borrow her car?"
"Hey, he does not need to tell me anything. I already said no. And why is it always my car you want to drive anyway? Your father has a perfectly good car!"
"Oh no! My car is vintage and off limits! Did you not see what she did to your car the last time?"
Ziva looked at Tali with a victory smirk, "See, my point."
"Fine", Tali pulled out her phone, "I'll just take Uber."
"Pause", Tony blurted out as he stood. Finally things were clicking in his head again, "You're going to Spy Boy's apartment ... alone?"
"Well yeah, why?"
"Uh, does no one see the problem in my 17 year old daughter going to a 19 year old boy's apartment alone?" He looked between both DiNozzo woman in total disbelief. "Seriously!?" He started rubbing his head to keep the incoming headache at bay, "No! Not happening!"
"But dad ..."
"Hunter can come here if you want to hangout", Tony interrupted sternly. "But you are not going to his apartment to be alone with him! I'm not having that!"
Tali looked to Ziva for help this time. After a quick moment, Ziva sighed and reached for Tony's hand. "My love, while I do not trust Tali driving my car, I do trust that she can go to Hunter's and be a mature young woman."
"That's exactly what I DON'T want", Tony huffed. His eyes were fixed on Tali as he continued, "He's a 19 year old hormonal boy and you are a love struck 17 year old girl with a crush on said hormonal boy. I don't want you in his apartment alone, being a 'mature young woman', no way! Mature young women come back pregnant and I am NOT ready to be a grandpa!"
"You really think I'm going over there to have sex?" Tali scoffed then shook her head. "In case you forgot, a lot of bad things happened to me a few weeks ago. Things that Hunter bore witness to. Neither one of us are thinking about sex right now. And, even if he was, he wouldn't try it because he knows I am no where near ready for that!"
The face she made at Tony was one he'd seen before, but not from Tali ... from her mother. That was the look that told him, once again, he wasn't thinking clearly and his own unwarranted fears were the cause of his clouded mind. He sighed, "Look, I'm sorry. I'm still getting used to this you and Spy Boy thing, okay?" There was an eye roll and he knew why, "Sorry again, you and HUNTER are still something I am trying to wrap my head around. As your father, I will undoubtedly dislike and not fully trust any guy who shows any type of interest in you. It's just a dad thing. But, still, I know better than to think you'd go over there to do anything like where my mind went. Sorry kiddo. I have no problem with you going over to his place. Forgive me?"
"I get it, thank you, and you are forgiven." Tali walked over and hugged her father. After the sweet moment was over, she pulled away and looked at both her parents with a smile, "now see how easy it was for me to forgive? You guys should do the same thing and let me drive your ..."
"NO!"
I loved this chapter. And the next one is the last one.
After this story ends ... in the next few days ... I will start posting its prequel titled 'Everything'.
For now ... I have a hot date with my pillow and blanket ... this boy is TIRED!
.
Later Peeps!
P.S. - I know it seems like Tali's mind was headed for sex in the beginning but, remember, she's still young and definitely still finding her emotions. That's exactly what this chapter is showing in different ways.
