Holding Onto Hope

By wanna-be-bold

I can't apologize enough for how late this chapter is! I had the smart idea of taking two law classes this semester…. But, finally, here it is:

This is the last chapter for this part of the story! I will be writing a collection of one-shots that follow this story. I can't promise how long it will take because of the school semester but there will be one so be on the lookout. If you have any ideas for the one-shots, please send them to me!

Because this chapter covers a whole week, it's a little different (and longer) than my others. (dialogue enters on Sunday)

This chapter non-beta'd

Ch 10

Monday, July 13 - Sunday, July 19

Tony and Ziva spent his week off getting reacquainted with each other and figuring out how to be a family.

Monday

Monday was spent around the house. Tony answered calls from McGee and Abby that morning, assuring them that he was okay and giving them the well-practiced excuse that his dad had called needing his help and he was going to spend a few days with him. Because of Tony's worries yesterday, Ziva took her time to go over everything Tikva liked and taught Tony the basics of how to take care of her.

Tuesday

They had dinner with Gibbs Tuesday night and watched amazed as "boss" Gibbs transformed into "Grandpa" Gibbs. He also surprised them with a rocking horse for his surrogate grand-daughter that he had started working on the night Ziva arrived. At the end of the night Tikva didn't want to part with Gibbs so he promised to come see her and bring the rocking horse that would not fit in Tony's small car.

Wednesday

Wednesday morning, they decided that they wanted to get away from DC, to be able to spend time as a new found family without interruptions, so they planned to take an overnight trip to the beach. They concluded that they didn't want to travel very far and, after some research and discussion, they agreed on Lewes, Delaware. It was a small historic town with a calm beach and close to nature trails, only about 2 and a half hours from DC. They booked a one-night stay at a Bed and Breakfast and rented a full-size sedan to make their drive more comfortable. When Ziva commented that she did not bring any clothes suitable for the beach, Tony decided that would be the perfect time to take the mother and daughter shopping. Ziva was hesitant at the thought of shopping for a bathing suit at first. While it had been a year since having her daughter and the evidence from her capture in Somalia had almost completely faded, she still found that she was self-conscious at times. She had always worn a one-piece and cover-up when she took Tikva to the beach. Tony had sensed her hesitance and, once he knew what was wrong, reassured her, telling her that everything about her body that she was insecure about only made her a stronger, better person and that she was perfect the way she was. These words from Tony gave her the encouragement she didn't know she needed and led her to buy matching one-piece swimsuits for her and Tikva. When Tony decided that he needed a new pair of trunks, she hurriedly tried on a two-piece that she deemed appropriate and hoped she had the courage to wear. After they purchased the swimwear, beach clothes for the girls, and some snacks for along the road, they arrived back at Tony's to pack and get bed early so they could make the most out of their day tomorrow.

Thursday

They left DC bright and early Thursday morning. Tikva was sleeping peacefully in the back seat as her parents talked quietly in the front between sneaking glances back. When they arrived in Lewes it was too early to check in, so they decided to go for a walk in Cape Henlopen State Park to pass the time. By the time they finished the loop, it was right at lunch time and they still had another hour before they were able to check-in. Ziva suggested they should go the Dairy Queen they had passed along the way and then ask around for the best local restaurant for dinner. After lunch, they drove to the Bed & Breakfast. Ziva got Tikva and a couple small bags out of the car and went to check in while Tony parked and gathered the rest of the bags. They were staying in a room on the second floor with two queen beds and were lucky enough to have their own bathroom. Now that they were in their room, Tony had the patience of a child, wanting to change and go to the beach at that moment. Ziva, on the other hand, reminded him that they should wait an hour after eating before getting in the water to which Tony responded that rule was meant for pools, not the beach. Both strong-willed and stubborn, they went back and forth on the time they should wait before agreeing to split the difference at 30 minutes. Tony went into the bathroom to change while Ziva got Tikva ready. When he came out, Ziva was starting to lather sunscreen on Tikva who was already dressed in a purple suit with a ruffled skirt, a floppy hat with a yellow flower on it and sunglasses were sitting next to her on the bed. Tony commented on how cute she looked and told Ziva he could finish the sunscreen if she wanted to get changed. Ziva took him up on the offer and grabbed her bag, still not sure if she felt like wearing the two piece. She came out 15 minutes later wearing a sundress and sandals and started to pack up a beach bag before realizing that Tony already had it packed. Just to be safe, she double checked the bag and saw that Tony had packed everything from snacks to the baby sunscreen and she only had to add the sunscreen for herself and Tony. Although it was a short distance to the beach, they decided to drive because they planned to stay there for most of the day and knew they would be too tired later to make the trip back with their bags and a most-likely sleeping toddler. When they got to the beach, Ziva gathered their beach towels and sand toys while Tony carried Tikva and their beach bag. The beach was quiet, only a few locals were there, so they had most of it to themselves and were able to find the perfect spot – close enough to the water where they could still see their things from the ocean yet far enough away so the water couldn't reach them when they were sitting. After they got towels laid out, Tony sat Tikva down and discarded his t-shirt while Ziva took off her sundress, revealing a deep purple bikini. Tony's eyes lingered while she was facing away from him. Her physique was the same as the last time he saw her in a bikini when they were in California, the only things different about her appearance were the stretch marks which showed evidence of carrying their daughter and a few scars from Somalia, neither of which he would change because they made her the wonderful person she was today. He quickly averted his eyes when he realized she was turning around. He stalled when she asked him to put sunscreen on her back but quickly recovered and did as she asked before she turned him around to repeat the favor. At his protest because of having "Italian skin," she reminded him that she was wearing it too and they were going to be outside for most of the day. Her persuasion finally worked and he jumped at the cool touch of the sunscreen and her hands on his back. They spent their day at the beach building sandcastles and playing in the water. Because they wanted to see the sunset while sitting on the beach, they decided to pack up and go eat dinner, then be back at the beach by 8:00 pm. They put their clothes on over their swimwear, packed up the car, and headed to a restaurant that had been recommended to them earlier in the day. At the end of the day, Tony and Ziva sat at the edge of the ocean with Tikva sitting between them, watching with amusement as she splashed around and giggled as the water tickled her feet. As Tikva started getting sleepy, Ziva sat her on her lap and scooted closer to Tony who put his arm around Ziva's shoulder. The family sat there watching the sky change colors as the sun was setting. At 8:30, just after the sun had set, they drove back to the B&B to lay Tikva down and got ready for bed themselves. Since it was still early, Tony suggested they watch a movie on TV. So they wouldn't disturb Tikva who was sleeping on Ziva's bed, Ziva laid pillows around her so she wouldn't roll over and sat next to Tony who had pillows propped against his headboard. Worn out from their family day, they fell asleep half-way through the movie.

Friday

They woke up Friday morning leaning against each other with Ziva's head on Tony's shoulder and his head on top of hers. Even though it had been two years since they woke up in the same bed, they found it to be more natural than awkward. After getting everything packed the family went down to load the car before eating breakfast and checking out. Not wanting to leave yet, they drove back to the beach and decided to take a walk along the shore. They left Lewes at noon and stopped just outside of town for lunch before getting back on the road to Tony's. Tony dropped Ziva and Tikva off at his apartment and unloaded the car before taking the rental car back. On his way home, he realized Ziva had never told him how long she planned to stay in DC and decided he was going to ask her when he got home. The sight that greeted him at home made him forget his plan. When he walked in, Ziva was dancing around the room with Tikva, singing to her in Hebrew. He watched mother and daughter until the end of that song before Ziva realized he was there and smiled shyly at him. That evening, they had dinner and then danced around the house with Tikva and, after putting their daughter to bed, each other before going to bed themselves.

Saturday

Saturday morning, the family slept in until 10:00 am to rest up from their vacation. That afternoon, Gibbs stopped by to bring Tikva's rocking horse and other small wooden toys he had spent the week working on. When she wasn't playing with her toys, she was playing with Gibbs, catching up for the days she hadn't seen him. He accepted Ziva's invitation to stay for dinner and listened intently as Tony and Ziva talked about their trip to the beach. That night after putting Tikva to bed, he kissed Ziva on the forehead and clapped Tony on the back before walking out the door, thankful for this family and the second chance it appeared they all were being granted.

Sunday

Sunday morning, Tony woke up to the sound of Ziva laughing and realized Tikva was on the bed with him, trying to wake him up by poking his chest and playing with his ears.

"Well good morning to you too sweetheart." He picked her up from his side and sat her on his chest before he started tickling her belly, making Tikva erupt in giggles, followed by both of her parents. Tony sat up to make room as Ziva walked over to sit next to him.

"So Tony, what would you like to do today?"

"How about, we take this one to the park and have a picnic for lunch?"

"That sounds like a fabulous idea. I will make a quick breakfast while you shower, then I will get her ready to go."

Tony walked out of the bathroom 10 minutes later right as Ziva was putting plates of eggs and bread on the table. Breakfast was eaten in a comfortable silence. As Ziva got up get Tikva ready, Tony cleared the plates and packed a cooler with their lunch. Ziva came out of the bedroom minutes later with Tikva on her hip and her bag on the other shoulder.

"So, you girls ready to go?"

"Almost, I cannot find her blanket though."

Tony holds up the hand not carrying the cooler, "Got it right here."

"Thank you Tony." Ziva let out a sigh of relief, giving him a peck on the cheek as she walked past to open the door. She turned around when she didn't hear him behind her to see him frozen in place with his mouth slightly open in shock and smirked. "Coming Tony?"

Hearing his name broke him out of the daze. "Huh? Oh, uh. Yeah, yeah right behind you."

He grabbed the bag off of her shoulder and followed her down the stairs. After getting everything and everyone in the car, they made the short drive to the park where they took turns taking Tikva on the slides and pushing her in the baby swing. When Tikva started becoming tired, Tony went to the car to get out both bags, one which contained Tikva's toys and blanket and the other holding their lunch. They set up on the large picnic blanket and began eating, then laid Tikva down on her smaller blanket when she was full. When they left the park, they made a stop at the store before going home.

Later that evening after they put Tikva to bed, Tony and Ziva were sitting on the couch when he decided to bring up the subject that had been on his mind since Friday night.

"Hey Ziva."

She turned toward him at the sound of his voice and hummed.

"There's been something I've been wanting, no, needing to ask you and I hope you have a response for it."

Curious, she tilted her head to the side. "Okay. What is it Tony?"

"How long are you and Tikva staying? Is this like a vacation for you? Are you planning on moving back? I need to know."

Not expecting that straight-forward of a question, Ziva stared at him, opening and closing her mouth at a loss for words. "Well Tony I…"

At her hesitated response, he feared the worse and sagged back against the couch. "Listen Ziva, I really want you to stay. I mean, if you don't want to it's okay, I understand. I won't be happy about it but it's your decision and I…"

She had been thinking of how to finish her answer and, after the thoughts she was having ended, realized Tony was rambling on about understanding and it being her decision. After calling his name several times to get him to stop talking, she came up with the only solution she could think of that was a sure way to shut him up. She leaned across the couch and touched her lips to his, effectively ending his rant. She pulled away too soon for his taste and rested her forehead against his.

"You never let me finish. I was going to say that, we are staying. I do not know if I ever planned to go back to Israel. After being here this week, seeing you and Tikva together, and us and Gibbs, I know that I cannot go back. My home is here, In America. With you and Tikva and Gibbs. And hopefully one day, the rest of the team too."

Still in shock from her kiss, Tony couldn't believe what he was hearing. "So, you're saying you're staying? Like, here in DC?"

"Yes Tony, here in DC." She answered, chuckling.

"Ziva David, that is the best news I've heard in years." Their foreheads still touching, he leaned up to peck her on the lips. This time when they pulled apart, Ziva pulled herself up to sit next to him with her head on his shoulder. "So, you mentioned the team. Have you thought about when you're gonna tell them you're back? And, you know, have a baby."

"Honestly I had not thought that far."

"Well, why don't we tell them tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?!"

"Well yeah. I mean, I'll be going back to work after a week off and Abby'll probably be all over me wanting to know where I was and how I was. And besides, Gibbs already knows."

"I don't know Tony."

"Why are you so afraid of seeing them again Ziva?"

She sat up this time and looked at him. "Because Tony, I left! I just left them without a word! I mean, I said goodbye to you in Israel and I called Gibbs that night after you left but I never contacted any of the others! I never told them why I was staying. And I was away for two years! They must hate me now, or at least think that I hate them."

"Ziva that's not true, they don't hate you. They could never hate you. Besides, I explained it to Abby and Tim one night about a week after I got back. Abby was pretty upset, didn't understand how I could just leave you there. And Tim, well he was going back and forth checking on Abby and I so much I don't think I ever asked him how he was dealing with it. I think he confided in Jimmy most of the time. And then of course there's Ducky who caught me talking to myself on the autopsy tables more times than I like to count. Trust me when I tell you, that no matter what, they still care about you, You're still family to all of them and they would love to see you again and know that you're home. Besides, you can't hide from them forever."

Teary-eyed from his little speech, Ziva couldn't help but chuckle at the truth in the last part. "That is true. Abby would get suspicious about you sooner or later and have McGee do some tech thing to find out what was going on."

"So, is that a yes?"

"Yes, Tony. That is a yes. We shall see them tomorrow. Should we come visit you at lunch?"

"That sounds like a plan to me. I can come downstairs to meet you when you arrive and surprise Abby and McGee in the lab before going to see Ducky and Jimmy?"

"I believe that will work."

"Okay then, it's a plan." Ziva nodded her head in silent agreement and yawned, making Tony look at the clock and realize that it was almost 1 a.m. "Well Miss David, I believe it is bed time." Tony got off the couch and grabbed Ziva's hands to pull her up. The late hour hit her hard and she was leaning against Tony for support as he walked her to the bed, now thankful they had already changed into pajamas. He eased her down onto the bed and tucked her in before pressing a kiss to her forehead and whispering goodnight in her hair. When he turned around to leave, he felt her hand loosely grabbing his wrist and paused when she called out for him to stay. At his puzzled look, she explained the best she could in her sleepy state.

"We have been here for a week. We are adults. I think we can share a bed together. Besides, the couch cannot be good for your back."

He hesitated for a moment until he heard her whispered "please" which he just couldn't resist. "Okay." She let go of his hand and he went to whisper goodnight to Tikva who was sleeping in her porta-crib before going over to the other side of the bed and laying down. At some point before he fell asleep, Ziva had gravitated toward him and was cuddled up to his side. His last coherent thought of the night was that this was the perfect start to a new chapter in his life.

Information about Lewes, DE came from: . #step7 ; search?q=sunset+in+Lewes+DE%2C+July+16%2C+2015&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS603US604&oq=sunset+in+Lewes+DE%2C+July+16%2C+2015&aqs=chrome..69i57.22457j0j1&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8

Time to hear from all of you! As I write my next part in the series (one-shots), I need to come up with a name for it! Please reply with your suggestions! I'll be keeping with the same theme, so it needs to follow Holding Onto . Whoever's I like best will have a character in the series named after them, so make sure to include your name in the reply!