Hello! My sincere apologies for the lack of updates. School has started up again so I've been extremely busy. Hopefully the next update won't take quite so long!
jae
Ten
On the tenth day, she learns the meaning of the phrase life flashing before your eyes.
The memories begin to jolt through her head sporadically after the seventh day. She's with Gibbs, and in an elevator of all places, when the first stream of memories jar her consciousness.
He had shown up that morning just after breakfast, prepared to take Ziva out and around D.C to do some small errands, hoping that fresh air and re-familiarizing herself with their city would kick her stubborn head into gear. Though Ziva has thoroughly enjoyed her time spent with Tony and Piper, she could not deny the strain she is feeling of constantly pretending everything is fine. She accepts Gibbs offer graciously, craving the easiness his company endows.
He takes her to an organic market; a favorite of hers, he explains. Her hobby of cooking is one that has always been able to sooth her, distract her.
Well played, Jethro Gibbs.
She soon loses herself in the isles of bountiful produce, her cart a conglomerate of different foods that provide many possibilities for tonight's dinner. She chuckles quietly as Gibbs takes in the abundance of groceries and announces he's staying for dinner.
"Dinner is the least I can do," she tells him with a smile, "Toda."
"Don't mention it, David," he answers gruffly, but can't help the smile his mouth betrays. "Now come on, Miss America, let's get to the check out before you buy the whole store."
oOo
"So you are telling me that none of these rules are written down?"
Their arms are full of grocery bags by the time they finally make it back to her apartment. Opting for the elevator because convenience and pounds of groceries outweighs four flights of stairs, they head toward the cabin while continuing an earlier conversation.
Gibbs grins at Ziva's indignant expression, and presses the button to recall the elevator to the ground floor.
"Nope. Gonna really make your life difficult if you don't end up remembering any of my rules."
Ziva offers him a groan of exasperation in response, and when the elevator dings she turns her attention to the opening doors. The pair step inside and adjust their heavy bags.
The doors close, and when the elevator jerks to life, Ziva turns to glance at Gibbs.
"Well, clearly I do not need to learn all of them. You said I have broken several already, yes?" She says to him smugly, a smirk spreading across her face. Much like with Tony, she has discovered playful banter is another thing her and Gibbs share. She also enjoys seeing just how much she can push his buttons, watching his tough act fall apart once she gets him to laugh.
Gibbs turns to give her what promises to be a truly withering glare, but breaks when he looks at her smirk. Laughing, he brings his hand up to lightly smack the back of her head.
Ziva's laughter cuts off suddenly as her body freezes and shock slips across her features.
It takes Gibbs only a few seconds to notice. Dropping his groceries to the ground, one arm whips out to smack the emergency break while the other grasps onto her arm as he crouches in front of her, all of his attention focused on her. She's still for what seems like an eternity, until finally awareness floods her face and she takes a deep breath. Her eyes focus again and snap to Gibbs, whose face is one of total concern.
"David?" Gibbs voice is gruff, not even attempting to mask his worry. His grip on her arm tightens as he sees tears begin to flood her eyes.
Ziva breathes deeply in attempt to steady herself, and closes her eyes.
"Give me a moment." Her voice comes out steady, and Gibbs nods in acquisition as she regains control of herself. He removes his arm from hers and relieves her of her shopping bags that she's held in a death-grip for the past couple minutes, setting them on the ground gently. He straightens up, reaching an arm out, faltering before making contact with her, unsure of whether touching her would be the best idea.
Ziva, seeing the movement, nodded, and that was all the confirmation Gibbs needed before he pulled her into a hug. He brought his arms around her, not offended when her arms remained at her side. A small sob racked her body, and Gibbs held her until she spoke.
"Ari . . . Ari is dead."
It wasn't a question, but Gibbs answered her anyway.
"Yes."
She nods and falls silent for several minutes, processing the bombardment of memories she just experienced.
When she speaks again, her voice is more composed.
"I killed Ari. To save you?"
Gibbs sighed and hugged her tighter.
"Yes."
"In your basement."
Gibbs pulled back to look at her, and hesitantly wiped the tears off her face. Sighing again, he nodded.
"I'm sorry, Ziva."
Ziva gave him a small, watery smile.
"I know. I am sorry, too, Gibbs. For Caitlin."
He jerked his head in a nod.
"You remember it all?"
Ziva shook her head.
"Flashes. Bits and pieces. It is like a movie in chips."
"Clips, David."
Ziva rolls her eyes, and hastily tries to wipe them dry. Gibbs takes her in his arms again, holding her tightly and rocking her body.
"Wasn't your fault, David. You have always been separate from him. And you've done a lot of good. You are good. Always remember that."
Ziva nods into his shoulder and finally brings her arms up to wind around him.
Gibbs lowers his mouth to her ear as he spoke quietly.
"If he hadn't come here, you wouldn't have either, Ziva. Rule number eight."
Ziva's sob turned into a muffled laugh against his shirt, and he chuckled along with her.
They stood embraced together as the minutes ticked by; Gibbs holding her in silence as they remain suspended in the elevator. She clings to him, discovering once again for the first time what it's like to be comforted by a father.