October 1944
Luxembourg
Tony ran all the way to Ziva's farmhouse. He didn't knock. He just threw open the door and yelled, "Ziva!"
She came instantly, "Tony, what's wrong?" His tone alerting her.
"We're moving out."
She smiled ruefully, "I know, Tony. I've been watching the camp make preparations all day."
"Well, you can't stay here."
"And just what am I going to do, Anthony?" She came closer and took his hand in hers.
He watched the movement, so elegant and graceful, even in something so simple. He squeezed and pulled her hand to his lips. "You can come with me."
Ziva laughed, "And just how am I going to accomplish that, Lieutenant DiNozzo? Are you going to put me in your back pack? Or better yet, roll me up and stuff me in your duffle bag?"
Tony knew she was right but he persisted, "You could follow behind."
Shaking her head she responded, "I think camp followers went away sometime after your American Civil War."
He dropped her hand and turned his back. Disgusted and frustrated, his tone of voice was sharp, "Well, you can't stay here, Ziva. You just can't."
Ziva walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Laying her head on his back, she said, "I am a survivor, Anthony. I have survived for the last five years on my own, using the brain the Lord above blessed me with. I will continue to survive."
He turned into the embrace, wrapping his arms around her. "I'll come back for you?" He'd meant it as a statement but it ended a question.
She closed her eyes, wanting so desperately for this to be a dream and they could awaken and the world would be normal. "We both know that's probably not realistic. I will make you the same promise I made Michael. I will wait for you in France."
Tony shook his head, "I can't do that. I would never be able to stand it if he showed up for you as well as me. But, mark my words, Ziva, I will find you. Wherever you are, wherever you go, I will find you. And then, if you want, I'll take you to Paris to meet your precious Michael."
And in that moment, Ziva knew he would find her. "Very well, Tony. You leave me with the hope that I will see you again, soon. That in itself is enough. If one has hope, then one can live through anything."
She kissed him. Tony continued to hold her but Ziva spoke into his chest. "Go, Anthony, now. Don't get into trouble because of me."
He loosened his hug but still wouldn't let go of her hands, "Please, Anthony, go. And be safe. You must come back to me as you've promised."
Tony kissed her again and left. Ziva followed him out, her hair tied in the yellow scarf, waving to him as he went.
