A/N: short chapter, but I am not done, I PROMISE!
The smell of Tony clung to Ziva like wet hair, plastered to her face, buried in her nose, the smell of the pavement after it rains, the smell of warm safety, of home, while Ziva clung to Tony like a wet cat, grasping his shirt in her fists, looking up at him through her curly hair. Listening to the silly love song she had heard so many times. The moment had been perfect, she could listen to that low, husky voice forever. She couldn't feel more safe…safe…safe as she did in that moment. And then she had to ask…
"Tony, do you love me?"
He was quiet. Considering. Thoughtful. Ziva watched his eyes. Surprised…
Scared…
More Pain…oh great.
Ziva shivered. She felt a tingle of electric-like current, and the hairs on the small of her back stand up straight. She reached for Tony's face and pulled it towards her own, running her delicate hand through his thick brown hair.
"…yeah." He said after the longest silence Ziva could ever remember sitting through. "Yeah, I do." Her breath caught, along with her heart. And then…and then he lifted up Ziva to face him entirely. "Ziva….David…I love you." He whispered. Ziva could feel her eyes brim with fresh tears again.
"oh no," Tony said with a smile "You can't cry again." He brushed the tears away with his thumbs. She laughed and sniffed, then buried her face into his neck, inhaling the scent of home once more. He pushed her hair behind her ear and kissed her neck, his lips warm and gentle. She sighed and leaned back.
"Tony. I love you too. But…"
"But, what?" He said into her neck. She sighed impatiently.
"We are breaking the rules."
"Screw rules. 'Specially number 12."
A/N: review review PLEAASE!