Chapter 13: Falling for You
"Let me help you." Ziva stood only a few inches inside the bathroom door.
"I can do this." Tony exhaled in frustration. "I've done it over and over."
"Yes. However, you have been working hard at physical therapy today. You're arms are weak, Tony." Ziva stepped a step closer. "I can help."
"No!" Tony snapped at her. "I don't want to feel like ….." Tony closed his eyes trying to compose himself. "I can take care of myself."
Ziva crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine. Be Mr. Stubborn. Get in the shower by yourself."
"I will." Tony's agitation was evident in his voice. He pulled himself off his wheelchair and tried to get in the shower. He held himself precariously over the shower seat. "Could you not stare?"
Ziva turned her back to Tony. She knew he wanted to take the towel from his waist so he could sit. Ziva hated how Tony wouldn't let her help him. She hated it even more when she heard a thud behind her.
"Tony!" Ziva exclaimed as she rushed to a sprawled out Tony on the shower room floor. "Are you okay?"
Tony's face was flushed red. He tried to scoot up with his arms. Ziva slid herself under his arm trying to help him. The spray of the shower soaked them both. Tony grunted along with Ziva as she tried to help him into the shower seat. However, the slippery shower floor made them both fall back down to the floor of the shower.
Ziva burst out laughing. Tony didn't think it was so funny. "I'm glad you're having fun."
"Please, Tony. It is hilarious." Ziva continued to giggle. "I am soaked and fully dressed."
"So." Tony scooted himself to the back of the shower corner. "I'm naked."
"I see that." Ziva glanced down him. "I see that well."
"Kind of vulnerable here." Tony quipped still irritated with the situation.
Ziva grabbed a washcloth from the rod in the shower. "Here. Yet, I do not think this is big enough."
Tony smiled at Ziva. "You're crazy."
"Yes. Perhaps." Ziva crawled towards Tony. "I'm crazy about you."
"Come here." Tony crooked his finger and beckoned Ziva.
Ziva crawled slowly over to Tony. The spray of the water hit them as she stared at him. "I just want to be here for you. You'd do the same for me."
"I know." Tony brushed the wet tendrils of Ziva's hair from her face. "I just want to be more manly with you. You're too independent as it is. I want to be the one that helps you."
Ziva perched herself over top of Tony's body. "You do every day that I get to spend with you."
"My perfect Ziva." Tony raked his hand along Ziva's jaw line. "I want to be so much more for you."
"No one is perfect, Tony. And you are more than enough for me." Ziva closed her eyes. She then leaned to kiss Tony. However, Ziva stopped just short of Tony's lips. She could feel his heated breath on her lips. Tony leaned in to meet her lips.
The kiss seared through their bodies in a need for one another. Tongues dueled for dominance. Fingers danced on skin in light feathery touches.
When they finally pulled away from the heated kiss, Tony and Ziva leaned their foreheads against one another panting for breath.
"I'm not sure I can." Tony broke the sound of their panting. "I'm afraid I won't be any good."
Ziva ran her hand in Tony's wet hair. "Let's just feel one another in touches. We've been afraid to do so. I want to touch you, Tony."
Tony blinked before staring in Ziva's eyes. "I want you so much."
"I can tell." Ziva teased addressing Tony's desire.
Tony bit his lip. "Yeah. Not the knee."
"Not the knee." Ziva sighed out. "I'm afraid, Tony. I know you would never hurt me. But I don't think I'm ready either."
Tony pulled Ziva back to him. He began to strip her of her clothing. Neither said another word as they allowed themselves the pleasure of touches and kisses. They didn't take it any farther. However, it seemed more intimate than either had ever experienced before in their lifetimes.
Ziva bathed Tony gently. Tony in return bathed Ziva. Never had Ziva felt more love than at the moments of Tony touching her to wash away the soap or shampooing her hair. She stayed in the floor with Tony. They never tried to return him to his shower seat.
The shower ended with Ziva helping Tony back into his wheelchair. Tony watched as Ziva shut off the shower and wrapped a towel around her body. She smiled at Tony motioning for him to come to the bedroom.
"I want to dry you." Ziva stated to Tony..
Tony whispered back sultry. "Only if I can return the favor."
"Of course." Ziva winked.
Their night ended with toweling off one another's body. Nothing more happened. Nothing less happened. They lay nude holding one another. They were falling to sleep wrapped in each other's arms as well as falling deeper in love with one another.
Author's note: Thanks again for the feedback.