Reaching Nathan's house a few moments later Akiva sneaked up on Ziva and Ivan and heard Ziva ask "what did you tell her?"
"I lied"
"What, shit"
"Why did you lie to her?"
"what should I have told her you slipped out of the window"
"Yes, you could've told her, you don't lie to her, we're fucking dead now"
"What why?"
"Don't worry, you didn't know, just let me handle it, she'll probably think I told you to lie anyway, just don't say anything, okay?"
"Okay but I didn't know"
"I know, she's probably been too busy dealing with my mental problems and I should've told you, let's go home and face the musi… Oh shit" Ziva said as they turned to see Akiva behind them with a glare on her face. Clearing her throat Ziva said "I told him too" looking Akiva straight in the eyes, trying not to crack under Akiva's death glare. Nodding Akiva said "you know my rules?" "Yes" "Then let's go" Akiva said taking Ziva's hand and heading home as Aliyah took Ivan's hand saying "let's go home little man" as they lingered behind Akiva and Ziva.
Reaching their house Akiva watched as Ziva walked to the bathroom before she headed to the kitchen to get the spoon while Ivan walked into the house and slumped onto the couch. Winching Ivan watched as Akiva walked by them with the wooden spoon in her hand before asking "what is she going to do with that Aliyah?" after Akiva disappeared down the hall. Sighing Aliyah said "you don't want to know little man" patting the boy's back as he turned on the TV after he heard the bathroom door close.
Sighing silently Ziva let Akiva pull her over her lap and bare her bottom while just laid there lifelessly the whole time Akiva was spanking her unprotected backside and only returned when Akiva replaced her clothes and was about to hug her but was stopped when Ziva ripped free of her grip and left the room without a word which made Akiva sigh as she listened to Ziva's bedroom door close. Sighing Akiva picked up the spoon and headed to the living room where Ivan and Aliyah were sitting with Tali. After returning the spoon to the drawer Akiva sat down next to Ivan saying "you don't lie to me, ever, do you understand me little boy?" sternly as she looked down at the boy, who looked down at his hands and just nodded solemnly asking "where's Ziva?" not looking up at the older woman.
Glancing at the hall Akiva said "In her room" before standing up and saying "I'll go make dinner" as she disappeared into the kitchen while Ivan quickly ran to Ziva's room, leaving Aliyah and Tali to their own devices. Pushing Ziva's door open reveal the little girl to be lying sprawled out on her back staring at the ceiling. Smiling sadly Ivan joined Ziva on the bed asking "what did she do to you?" "we don't talk about that Ivan, wanna play cards?" Ziva asked pulling a deck out of her bedside drawer which made Ivan smile as he nodded saying "Sure, what are we playing?" "Rummy" Ziva said shuffling the cards as she and Ivan smiled at each other before they slipped on their poker faces as a heated game of rummy broke out.
Smiling smugly Ziva took Ivan's money and was about to say something when Akiva appeared in her doorway which made all traces of a smile disappear from her face as a glare took in its place which made Ivan frown as he turned to the door Ziva was glaring at. Rubbing her forehead Akiva said "Ivan can I talk to Ziva for a moment please?" which was Ivan's queue to leave. Sighing Ivan nodded saying "I'll see ya later Zevy" "maybe not" "why not?" "you never know, she might take me back to the Looney bin" Ziva said distain evident in her voice which made Ivan laugh as he slipped past Akiva, who just kept staring at Ziva. Sitting down on Ziva's couch Akiva crossed her legs saying "what's wrong with you?" "like you care" Ziva said leaning against her headboard while she glare at the wall. Sighing in frustration Akiva said "if you do not tell me what is wrong I cannot help you Ziva" "Yeah like you helped me today, I tell you I'm not crazy and you take me to a therapist, that's fucking great" Ziva said the irritation and anger evident in her voice which made Akiva's temper sky rocket saying "if you swear at me again…" "yeah I know, why don't you just leave me alone?" Ziva said with venom which made Akiva sigh saying "I don't know who you are anymore, what you are thinking or anything, I'm concerned Ziva, that's why I took you, I want to help you but you are not giving me a chance, you don't listen, you swear, you're rude what has gotten into you, where's the little girl that use to smile and laugh all the time, who was polite where as she gone?"
"Perhaps she is where her mother is Akiva" Ziva said looking away as tears started to appear in her eyes while Akiva said "and I get that Ziva, I'm not trying to change you but what would your mother say if she saw you now?" "Akiva she is dead, she can't do anything about this, so stop talking about her, she is gone what I do doesn't matter to her" "Yes it does, it's almost been a year you cannot continue acting like this, your mother's death is not an excuse for this behavior, do you understand?" "I don't care, you cannot tell me how I should feel and I'm not going to apologize for that" "I'm not telling you how you should feel Ziva but I am telling you that this behavior is unacceptable, you have manners it's time you start using them again" "you are contradicting yourself Akiva you are telling me that I should open up more and yet I'm not allowed to express my feelings, what do you want from me, to just slap a smile on my face when I'm not happy just so that you can say face…" "that's not what I am saying Ziva, I'm saying that you should express yourself more constructively like your drawings or reading or some like that find solace in something that is acceptable, Ziva being moody and doing what you did today is not"
"Today was not my fault I told you I didn't want to go and you didn't listen, no one listens the only time someone seems to be listening is when I do something unacceptable" "have you ever tried talking to me like a grown up, instead of being sarcastic, yelling or swearing for that matter, have you?" Akiva asked raising a knowing eyebrow at Ziva, who sighed saying nothing in return which prompted Akiva to say "you see my point Ziva, can we try that?" looking questioningly at Ziva. Sighing Ziva looked down at her hand in her lap saying "I am not crazy and I don't want to see a therapist, Akiva" calmly. Sighing Akiva said "are you going to tell me if something is wrong Ziva?" "we would have better luck if I told you what is right Akiva" Ziva said which made Akiva chuckle sadly saying "I am not asking that you spill your heart out to me Ziva but you need to talk to me more if something is wrong or something because contrary to popular belief, I am not physic and I can't read minds so I need you tell me so that I can help you, okay?"
"Okay but I'm not promising anything, I'm just saying that I will try okay?" "Okay, li…" "don't call me that" "Ziva…" "Zevy where did you guys go…?!" a small brown haired boy yelled bursting into her room but trailed off when he saw Akiva's raised eyebrow. Smirking Ziva said "Hi Nathan, have you heard of knocking?" amusement evident in her voice as Nathan glared at her saying "shut up Zevy, you in the dog box?" looking knowingly at Ziva, who shrugged saying "Yeah, almost feels like home" which made Nathan chuckle before he joined her on the bed saying "So Ivan told me you went to the Looney bin today, what's the verdict?" looking intently at her and completely ignoring Akiva. Sighing Ziva said "in short I think it comes down to that she thinks I'm crazy" "what's new?" "Shut up Nathan" Ziva said playfully nudging Nathan's elbow while he chuckle.
Walking into Ziva's room with a black haired boy at his side Ivan said "Zevy Shabel's here" happily as he and the boy also completely ignored Akiva, who was frowning now while Ivan and Shabel joined Nathan and Ziva on her bed. Smiling Ziva said "Hi Bell" "Hi Zevy, who's the lady" "what lady?" Ivan asked looking questioningly at Shabel while Ziva smirked at Ivan's smirk as Shabel pointed at Akiva saying "she's the only lady here Ivan" "Oh that's…" "Akiva" "Oh so that's Akiva, she looks older than I expected" Nathan said which made Ziva, Ivan and Shabel laugh while Akiva glared at the boy for his comment. Chuckling Nathan slapped Ziva saying "aren't you gonna introduce us to her" "one word, pervert" "Shut up Ivan" Nathan said glaring at Ivan while the others except Akiva laughed. Sighing Ziva said "Akiva, meet Nathan, the pervert and Shabel Galev" "what?" "he is apparently deaf as well, guys meet Akiva" Ziva said motioning with her hand lazily as she introduced them.
Smiling brightly Shabel jumped off of the bed and walked over to Akiva saying "Nice to meet you ma'am, I'm Shabel" which made Akiva smile while Ivan coughed saying "suck up" under his breath but Shabel just ignored him as Akiva shook his hand saying "Nice to meet you Shabel and call me Akiva please, I am not that old" as she looked straight at Nathan, who just smiled sheepishly while Ziva and Ivan laughed. Nodding respectfully Shabel stepped back as Nathan slipped off of Ziva's bed saying "Hi miss Sirca, sorry about the comment and nice to meet you, I'm Nathan" respectfully which made Akiva smile fondly as she shook his hand saying "Nice to meet you Nathan and it's Akiva, ok…" "Hi Zevy, you in trouble again?!" a black haired girl said walking in with a silent brown haired boy behind her as Ziva said "Hi Sarah, Ben" as they joined them on the bed.
Raising an eyebrow Akiva watched as another boy and girl walked in saying "Hi Zevy Ivan, problems in paradise I take it" which made the others chuckle as Nathan said "Yes Ziva got sent to the Looney bin and it's official she's crazy" amusement evident as the others chuckled before Nathan said "oh and the lady is Akiva, Ziva and Ivan's mother" which made everyone turn to Akiva in a group stare while Ivan and Ziva just looked at each other. Starting to feel uncomfortable Akiva looked at Ziva and Ivan and was about to say something when "Oh is that how she looks?" "what did you expect Sarah?" "I thought she was older Zevy" "What I thought she was younger" "that's rude Ethan" "what are you my mother" "you wish" "dream on, so Zevy how is she?" "Ethan should really think before you speak" "why?" "because you have no idea how perverted you just sounded my friend" "what?" "Yes Ethan, that did not come out right" "Fine what is she like?" "Now that is better" "Shut your mouth, you pig" "what?" "what the fuc…" "Ziva!" "what the hell are we talking about?" "your mother" "Okay where were we?" "what is she like?" "y…" "you are aware that she is sitting right there, aren't you Zevy?" Anna said pointing at Akiva, who just silently sat observing the scene, while she looked at Ziva questioningly.
Shrugging Ziva said "she doesn't mind Anna" off handedly which made the others chuckle while Akiva just raised an eyebrow at Ziva, who was looking at Ivan. Chuckling Ethan said "So…" "Okay well one thing she cannot stand is not being greeted" Ziva said looking knowingly at the others, who cleared their throats nervously before Ivan said "such rudeness you bigots" in mock disappointment which made Ziva, Shabel and Nathan laugh until Benjamin slapped him saying "do you even know what that means, you idiot?" "take that back you ass…" "Ivan!" "Sorry momma" Ivan said gulping while the others snickered at Ivan buckling under Akiva's disapproving gaze. Shaking her head Ziva said "Oh Ivan, that's disappointing…" "Shut up Zevy" "Oh he goes on" Ziva said smirking at the glaring boy. Glaring Ivan crossed his arms over his chest and pouted before he tackled Ziva off of the bed when she said "bab…" mockingly.
Groaning Ziva clutched her ribs saying "Bloody hell Ivan!" while the others chuckled at the site of a smugly smiling Ivan that was sitting in a groaning Ziva's stomach. Still clutching her ribs Ziva said "If I have a broken rib, I'm gonna stab you in your sleep with Akiva's kitchen knife" through gritted teeth which made everyone go silent and Akiva to stand up out of the couch to keep an eye on this scene. Scoffing Ivan said "Oh love that won't be happening, you love me too much" "Oh baby, you got me" Ziva said dramatically. Frowning at this Akiva looked at the other laughing kids on Ziva's bed before she returned her gaze back to Ziva and Ivan, who by now had stood up and was bowing dramatically while the others clapped their hands.
Patting Ivan's back Ziva made to say something when Ivan frowned, picking up a piece of paper from Ziva's floor asking "what's thi… Oh it's beautiful" "what is it?" "it's nothing" Ziva said grabbing it, crumpling it up and setting it a light while the others looked at her in shock. Feeling everyone's gazes on her made Ziva say "are you going to greet her or not?" pointing straight at Akiva as she stared at her friends, who snapped out of it saying "Oh yes" before they quickly lined up to greet Akiva, who had a confused frown on her face as she looked at Ziva and Ivan, who were silently talking. Looking down at the others Akiva smiled slightly saying "Hi guys, I'm Akiva, don't call me ma'am or miss or something okay?" kindly which made the kids smile saying "okay, Hi Akiva, we're Ziva and Ivan's friends, it's nice to meet you" happily.
Nodding Akiva looked up at Ziva and Ivan, who were now just looking at them silently, asking "are your friends staying for lunch guys?" looking questioningly at her children. Nodding Ziva said "Yes, A…" but was interrupted by "Sarah?!" being yelled from the hall which made Sarah smile saying "in here, little sister" moments before a small brown haired girl walked into the room. Smiling Sarah picked up the girl saying "what are you doing here Jane?" fondly as Jane laid her head on Sarah's shoulder saying "Papa's yelling again" sadly which made Sarah's smile disappear which made the others' walk up to her while Ivan said "It's okay Sarah, you can bunk with us, momma doesn't care" smiling reassuringly at Sarah. Smiling slightly Ziva looked at Jane on her sister's hip saying "Hello Jane, how've you been?" fondly which made the little girl smile saying "Hi Zee, you in trouble again?" looking questioningly at Ziva, who smiled saying "No, me and Akiva were just having a heart to heart but I got you something?" before she stick her hand in her pocket while Jane perked up asking "what is it?" as the others smirked at the little girl's excitement while Akiva just observed the scene, questioningly.
Smiling Ziva pulled out a candy bar saying "Here, it's…" turning it around to see what flavor it is with a frown on her face which made Jane giggle before saying "Ah strawberry, do you…" "give it" "okay she likes it" Ziva said giving it to Jane, who eagerly tore into it, while the others chuckled at Ziva's raised eyebrow expression. Smiling Ben asked "Zevy where's your sister?" looking questioningly at Ziva, who said "she's hanging out with Aliyah in the garden Ben" simply not looking at him. Nodding Ben asked "why?" confusion evident in his voice which made Ziva sigh saying "I don't know maybe because she likes hanging out with him Ben" "and you don't Zevy?" "I do but he is busy with Tali and I get some quality time with momma" Ziva said which made Akiva roll her eyes while Ben chuckled saying "sarcasm Zevy" "Let's go play outside guys" Shabel suggested with a bright smile on her face which made everyone nod in agreement as they quickly filed out of the room but Ziva stayed behind, staring at Akiva, who leaned against the doorframe looking at her.
Sighing Ziva asked "may I?" looking Akiva straight in the eyes. "why aren't you so kind to your own sister Ziva?" Akiva asked looking questioningly at Ziva, who shrugged saying "she does not need me, and Jane is different" "Of course she needs you, Ziva she is your little sister, she needs you" "how can I help her if I cannot help myself Akiva" "have you even tried, just spending time with her, do you know how many times a day she asks me about you Ziva?" Akiva said almost pleadingly before listening as Ziva said "I ge…" "Zevy are you coming?!" a brown haired boy Akiva didn't recognize asked which made Ziva saying "Akiva, this is Gimil, Gimil this is Akiva" as she motioned between them which made Gimil nod saying "Hi Akiva, I'm Gimil nice to meet you… Oh Zevy I brought Phillip…" "it's fine" Ziva said smiling which made Gimil smile saying "Okay, see ya later Akiva" before he quickly ran out of Ziva's room.
Sighing again Ziva said "I get your point Akiva" making Akiva nod saying "Okay but who is Phillip?" looking questioningly at Ziva, who smirked saying "I'll show you" heading out the door with a frowning Akiva before she stopped on the backyard porch saying "that is Phillip, Gimil's baby brother" pointing at a small brown haired boy that was playing with Tali and Aliyah while the others ran around the backyard happily. Nodding Akiva said "okay, you can go pl…" "do you want to come play too Akiva?" Ziva asked off handedly as she continued staring at the other playing kids while Akiva raised a stunned eyebrow not saying anything which made Ziva shrug saying "it's fine if you don't" before she headed to the backyard and leaving a stunned Akiva in the doorway.
Reaching her friends Ziva was met by Ivan looking around asking "is momma coming too Zevy?" looking questioningly at his best friend, who smiled sadly saying "I'm sorry Ivan but no, she doesn't want to…" sadly but trailed off when Akiva appeared behind her saying "I didn't say that Ziva, what are we playing?" looking questioningly at the little kids while Ziva looked at her in disbelieve which made her smirk. Seeing the smirk made Ziva smile as Ivan jumped in front of her happily saying "tag momma" the excitement evident in his voice.
Nodding Akiva placed her finger on her noise saying "not it" which made the others except Ziva mimic her saying "not it" with smirks on their faces as Ivan slapped Ziva saying "you're it Zi…" but was interrupted when Ziva slapped him back saying "not anymore, you're it!" before they all scattered in every direction, laughing at Ivan's stunned expression.
Sitting at the kitchen table eating lunch with the others Ziva looked at Tali in Aliyah's lap for a few moments before she looked at Ivan next to Aliyah asking "Ivan can we switch please?" with a certain look on her face which made Ivan nod saying "tired of momma, are we?" a slight smirk on his face as he walked past Ziva on his way to his new seat next to Akiva while Ziva smirked saying "Oh you know me so well love" making everyone laugh at their antics. Sliding into her seat next to Aliyah and Tali, who smiled at her hopefully saying "Hi Zi" sadly which made Ziva smile sadly saying "Hi Natalia, who's your little friend?" as she motioned to Phillip next to her little sister, who smiled proudly saying "Phillip" while the boy smiled brightly at Ziva.
Nodding Ziva leaned over and softly whispered something into Natalia's ear which made her giggle before she returned to her food but was shocked when Tali crawled into her lap with a bright smile on her face. Snapping out of it Ziva ignored Akiva's 'I told you so' look and continued eating while Tali stole some of her food every now and again with a proud smile on her face. Smiling brightly Aliyah said "so I heard some of you are bunking here tonight?" looking questioningly at the kids, who smiled before Ivan said "Yes, Sarah, Jane, Nathan and Shabel ar…" "what about Phillip Zevy?" Tali asked looking questioningly at her older sister, who looked down saying "I'm sorry Natalia, Phillip has to go ho…" "No I don't" Phillip said adamantly which made everyone turn to him while Tali smiled hopefully.
"Phillip I told you, we were just visiting" Gimil said looking intently at his baby brother, who frowned saying "but I want to stay with Tali, Gin" looking pleadingly at his older brother, who caved under his brother's pout saying "Fine, Akiva do you mind if we stay tonight?" looking questioningly at Akiva while his brother smiled smugly at the other smiling kids. Smiling slightly Akiva asked "what about your parents guys, don't they mind?" before she frowned slightly when they all said "no" in unisons. Seeing their down casted expressions made Aliyah say "if you want, you can all bunk here tonight, no problem" smiling fondly at them asked "really?" excitement evident in their voices while they looked expectantly at him.
Nodding Aliyah said "Yes, right Zevy" "shouldn't you be asking dear old mother, Aliyah?" Ziva said raising an eyebrow at Aliyah, who smirked at her saying "she doesn't mind" "excuse me?" "I love you dear" Aliyah said quickly a whimper evident in his voice as he smiled at Akiva while the others laughed at the scene.