"Continue the story Mama," Tom tugged at her blouse at the same time he tugged at her heartstrings. "I want to listen to the rest." Ziva cuddled her son close to her, blissfully ignorant of all the hustle and bustle around her as the CIA and FBI worked to save Tony.
Years before
"First class...eaxctly like you Michelle." At her obviously faux high trilled giggling Ziva imitated retching; to quick grins from Abby, McGee and Ducky.
"You would've thought he would've had better pick up lines by now," mumbled McGee. "Take care Ziva. Bring back something British for me. I've heard the chocolate is really tasty from there...ow!" He rubbed his stomach where Abby had slapped it while staring daggers at the aforemantioned name.
"I'm going to miss you Ziva!" Abby embraced her tightly before whispering in her ear. "Time for you to make a pass at him girl." Ziva jumped back as if stung. Abby passed over a wrapped batch of freshly baked biscuits. "Don't think you're that good of an agent Ziva...you're still human. Face it, it's only dense McGee who hadn't noticed." At the mention of his name McGee looked up from inspecting his stomach.
"Noticed what?!" Abby turned round prodded him hard in the chest, eliciting another loud 'OW' from McGee.
"Noticed that you're piling on the pounds again! When we get back to the HQ I'm escorting you straight to the gym, you get me?!" The only thing McGee could do was stare back at Abby, who gave Ziva one last encouraging smile.
"Keep yourself safe Ziva. He may not admit it but Tony is very fond of you and I am sure if anything were to happen then he would be very upset indeed." Ziva sighed in frustration.
"Any member of the team would feel that for anyone else. We're a close-knit team Ducky, you of all people should know that!" Ducky smiled, infuriatingly warmly and patiently.
"Just like you didn't realise that people could see your...affections for young Anthony he is similarly unaware that he has romantic feelings for you altogether. Yes, I can see it. Pretty soon I am sure that the both of you will realise." A quick tap on her shoulder broke the almost-spell that she had been under. Tony's wide, genuine smile nearly floored her.
"The faster we get through security the longer we'll be able to enjoy the lounge. Come on Zeevs." He slung his arm through hers and half pulled her away, leaving her stuttering as she tried to regain her composure.
"Isn't Gibbs coming to see us off?" Tony shook his head while they started to take their laptops out of their handbags.
"Nope. He muttered something about seeing us in London...? Don't worry; if there's something we need to know then he'll get to us in time." Security was easily cleared, them being LEO's and all. Suddenly Michelle appeared and subtly nudged Ziva out of the way in order to get next to Tony again. She flashed Ziva an apologetic smile as if to say 'Don't take it personally' before the two strolled casually through Duty Free. As she looked at the couple it felt as if someone was stabbing Ziva's heart. Michelle and Tony looked really good together, and when Michelle gently rested her head on his shoulder Ziva felt she could take the sight no longer.
"Mustn't cry, mustn't cry, mustn't cry..." She weaved in and out of the crowds in Dulles airport before she was pulled into a little side room and the door was closed, plunging Ziva into darkness.