September 1944
Luxembourg
Tony was at Ziva's. It was where he spent his free time these days. When he wasn't on patrol, he rushed to her farm house. There, he would help her do the laundry or he would cook for her while she finished up. Trent and Tim had tried to talk to him about the relationship, but he wouldn't listen. Tony had fallen head over heels in love with the young woman and couldn't help it.
"That smells lovely." Ziva said, entering the small kitchen.
Tony smiled at her voice and turned as she entered. She came to him and hugged him, taking a taste from the spoon he held to her lips. "Just like momma used to make," Tony answered, mugging his English with an Italian accent.
Ziva laughed and kissed him on the cheek. She tried to turn but he wouldn't release her, pulling her back for something much more intimate and intense. Ziva responded instantly. After a few more minutes, she finally broke the embrace.
"Tony, I can't let you do this," she turned from him and began setting the small table. "I can't promise you a future. I don't know where I'm going to be. I don't know where you're going to be."
Tony took the small pan from the stove and put it in the middle of the table as he said, "I didn't ask for a life long commitment, Ziva. As much as I would like to have it, I understand completely. I just want us to be happy while we can."
"I'm not sure that would ever be enough, Anthony, for either of us."
Tony understood what she said but he didn't like it. They ate in silence until Tony remembered the token he had for her. He pulled out the small square package wrapped in butcher paper and slid it across to her.
"What's this?" She quirked an eyebrow.
"Something," Tony smiled and began clearing the table. Ziva picked up the package. It was light and square. She untied the string and the yellow, silk scarf fell onto the table.
"Anthony, it's beautiful," Ziva gasped, "But surely you didn't buy it for me."
Tony saw the admiration in her face. He told her the truth, "I bought it, originally, for Tim's little sister. He buys tons of stuff for his girlfriend but he kind of forgets about Sarah. When I was rearranging some things yesterday, I came across it. And, I knew it was meant for you. The yellow of the scarf against your hair came to mind." He shrugged as he finished.
Ziva pulled the scarf up and tied it around her hair, fulfilling Tony's mental image. She rounded the table and kissed him again. "Thank you, Anthony. It's the most beautiful thing I've seen in a long time. I will cherish it and the memory of the man who gave it to me."
Tony kissed her again and they continued to clean up from their meal. They finally settled on the floor in front of the fire where they talked long into the night about different things: their families, their friends, and their childhood. They may have been raised a continent apart, in totally different religious backgrounds, yet they shared similar hopes and dreams for their lives.
Ziva was laughing at a story Tony was telling about Tim when, suddenly, Tony placed his hand across her mouth. Putting a finger in front of his lips to shush her, he crawled over to the closest window to peak out.
In the distance he could make out a two man patrol. And, suddenly, he heard the unmistakable guttural sounds of German. Tony had to think quickly. Making eye contact with Ziva, he motioned for her to lie down and be quiet. She nodded her understanding but continued to watch. Tony undressed to his skivvies and then grabbed a quilt from the nearby rack. As the voices got closer, Tony pulled his weapon and went out on the front porch.
In Italian, Tony asked, "Who's there?"
The two German infantry men came closer to the light from the porch. In German-laced Italian, one of the men responded, "We're from the Fifteenth Army. I'm August. This is Franz."
Tony nodded his acknowledgment, "What are you looking for?"
"Food. Army rations get old after awhile," August replied.
"There are some things in the barn. You can go there," And Tony pointed the direction.
Franz rattled a question to August that he translated, "My friend wants to know what you have in there?"
Tony looked over his shoulder and smiled, "The other thing you were looking for, a woman."
The man who understood Italian translated and both Germans shared a laugh. "Is she good?"
Tony shrugged, "I've had better but she'll do."
Again, August quickly translated for Franz and they all laughed again. Franz nodded and headed toward the barn. August replied, "Well, clean up good, if you know what I mean." And laughed at his own bawdy joke. He nodded and went to follow his patrol partner.
Tony watched them a little while longer and then backed into the farm house. He quickly doused the light and joined Ziva back by the fire.
"So that's why you had me put some things in the barn," She replied as he sat down.
He smiled, "Just being prepared."
"And, unless I misunderstood the translation, did you imply to them I was a prostitute?" Ziva's tone was accusing.
"Yeah, but, if it's any consolation, I also implied you weren't a very good one."
She punched him playfully. "It seems you have, once again, rescued me. You must stop this, Anthony. I'm running out of rewards."
"I can think of one." And he opened the blanket to her.
Ziva hesitated only briefly and joined the American G.I. They spent the rest of the night, together, under the blanket by the fire.
