A year later

Rule number twelve had met its match. Finally.

Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David had been dating for almost two years. They had been working together for almost ten. They had been annoying each other for all eternity. And loving each other too.

The pair told their team about their relationship shortly after Ziva's hospital discharge. Ducky was overjoyed, Palmer spouted congratulations like a teapot. Abby was infuriated at first, because she hadn't been told sooner. Then she became exuberant, squeezing both agents with the tightest of hugs. And McGee reluctantly handed the forensic scientist a crisp $100 bill. She had finally won their bet that had been going on for eight years.

Now it was Christmas Eve, their two year anniversary. Abby had outdone herself. The office was decorated with sparkly green and red wreaths, tinsel, and a gigantic tree, covered in little ornaments. Every morning there was a present on someone's desk. It was fabulous, festive, and holiday-perfect. So perfect, that Abby decided to throw a holiday party.

It was a fabulous occasion. People mixed and mingled, sitting on desks and drinking. Gifts were exchanged, embraces were shared. Everyone was smiling. Even Gibbs had a tiny little grin on his face, which grew when a tipsy Abby sat down next to him and pressed an enthusiastic kiss onto his cheek.

Everyone planned to stay until the Christmas Eve turned into Christmas Day. At about 11:30, champagne glasses were passed out. It was time for the open toast. A space was cleared in the middle of the bullpen, and there was a mic open to whoever wanted to propose a toast. Director Vance toasted to another year of hard work and protecting people. McGee toasted to the new computers that the team had recieved last month. "Even Tony can operate them!" said McGee as walked back into the crowd. Tony shot him a death glare from across the bullpen.

Most people toasted to their jobs, or their family, or their friends. It was nearing midnight when Tony stood up and grabbed the mic. He walked to the "stage".

"I'd like to propose a toast to the ever amazing Ziva David."

The crowd hushed at his words. Ziva was sitting on her desk. People cleared away from her so that no one was between her and Tony. She set down her glass of champagne and smiled.

"Zee, this is where we first met. Here in the bullpen, so many years ago. I'm so glad that we met. Because honestly, I would be a wreck without you."

"True," she admitted. Everyone laughed, including Tony.

"God, what else do I say? You're amazing. Truly. You've just become a part of my life, and I'm so grateful of that. Couldn't live without you, I guess. Tried, couldn't."

She smiled, remembering those words he had used before. McGee remembered too, now understanding what he had meant back then.

"I don't want you to ever be alone again. So..."

He knelt down in the middle of the bullpen and pulled a little black box out of his jacket. Grinning a charming smile, he uttered three words. Three words that would change both their lives forever.

"Marry me, Ziva?"

She nearly fell off her desk in shock. Her eyes were wide as he flipped open the box and revealed a platinum band dotted with pavè diamonds and holding a solitaire stone in the middle. Slowly she walked out into the middle of the bullpen. Who needed three words? She only needed one.

"Yes."

He slipped the ring onto her finger and got up, wrapping her in a warm embrace. Everyone applauded as they kissed in the middle of the bullpen, smiling. Abby saw her chance and ran up to them, grabbing the mic from Tony's hand.

"To Tony and Ziva!"

Champagne glasses were held high in the air, and everyone cheered. Abby looked up at the clock on the wall. 12:01.

"And Merry Christmas!"

The End

Well, that's it. Thanks for all your amazing reviews, and feel free to post more! I will definitely be writing more Tiva fics, and for all of you who watch NCIS: Los Angeles, I'm gonna start some Densi.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. I enjoyed writing this story. Love you all!

xoxo, J