A/N - This chapter is also based on Shabbat Shalom and wraps up the episode. This was a difficult one for me to write because of the emotions that are felt in the episode and that have to go along with the story.

Chapter 14 – Shabbat Shalom

Tony and Ziva's apartment

Ziva unlocked the door slowly, hoping that Tony had done some cleaning up since she had called him. Eli was quietly commenting on how this place seemed much nicer than the last place she had lived in and she wasn't responding to it as she finally turned the key and pushed the door open. She heard her father gasp as Tony came into sight. Ziva quietly led him into the apartment and closed and locked the door behind him. When she turned around again the two were standing, facing each other and locked in a staring contest.

"Abba, Tony. Tony, Abba," Ziva introduced quietly as though they had never met each other.

"You did not tell me that you were living with Agent Meatball?" Eli asked. "How did this come to pass?"

"It is a complicated story," Ziva said quietly. "You do not need the details of it. We are here, we are living together. That is all you need to know. Gibbs does not know, but you won't see him, so I do not have to worry about you talking to him, I suppose. The couch is set up. I'm going to take a shower."

Ziva stepped away and Tony made sure Eli had everything he needed without speaking to him. Eli caught Tony by the shoulder as he turned around to head for his bedroom.

"What are your intentions with my Ziva?" Eli asked.

"Honorable," Tony said. "This is just more efficient."

Eli's eyes narrowed. The line now sounded rehearsed, though he was sure that Ziva had never mentioned those words to him and wondered if they had discussed on how to handle it if he showed up at their doorstep someday. He sat down on the couch and pushed his hand gently into it, knowing that his back was not going to like it in the morning. He didn't dare ask why he had to have the couch and not switch with Ziva instead. He had a feeling that this was a one bedroom apartment and Ziva did not want him to see the bedroom, because there was probably only one bed.

"You have my blessing, Tony," Eli said quietly and nodded his head toward him, unable to think of anything else to say. "She has always cared deeply for you and I must say that I thought this would happen sooner than it did."

Before dinner

"Your sins are too great," Ziva had said.

Ziva was now sitting in her shared bedroom where her and Tony spent their nights. She wished he was with her. She sent him a text message of what had been said and what she knew and asked him to keep it to himself for now, until she talked to Gibbs, because Eli asked for one last Shabbat dinner with her.

Are you okay?

I will be fine for dinner… I wish you were here.

"Are you ready, Ziva?" her father called.

Ziva came out as her phone buzzed again. She stopped to read it.

I wish I was there, too. You can handle one dinner. You're strong, Zi. Then we don't have to see or talk to the man ever again if that's what you want.

Ziva typed a quick reply as she put her coat on.

I do not know what I want, Tony. I want you. I am so confused… it is like my emotions are beyond my control today. Please, do not say anything to Gibbs. I would like to tell him myself.

Ziva walked down to the car silently and started the engine. Her phone buzzed again and she read the message before pulling out.

I know, Zi. I've got your back, even if it is from a distance right now. I love you.

Ziva typed out three words in reply. She told Tony she loved him too and she drove off toward dinner.

At the director's house

"What about my father?" Ziva asked running up to McGee. McGee said nothing and Ziva grabbed his chest. "McGee!" When he still said nothing, Ziva ran inside the house and Gibbs and McGee followed her, feeling worried.

Ziva stopped when she saw Tony standing there, looking angry. Ziva's jaw was hanging slightly open, as though in shock and disbelief. She walked a couple steps toward Tony.

"No," she said quietly and Tony blinked, a tear falling to his cheek for the pain she was about to feel. "Abba!" she shouted and broke down into tears.

Ziva went to his body and her body was shaking with her sobs. Tony looked at her for a moment as she hugged his body close to her own. Tony walked over to her just as Gibbs and McGee came into the house. Tony put a hand on her back as she continued to cry.

Ziva turned her face into Tony's chest and he wrapped his arms around her body as she sobbed. Ziva muttered quietly in Hebrew and Tony could feel a few of his own tears escape as he glanced at Gibbs, whose eyes were wide with interest, but sad as he saw his strongest agent breaking down before him.

Gibbs walked out and McGee followed him as Tony sat and held Ziva in the director's house.

To be continued…