Epilogue
One year after Ziva's rescue, in the autumn
"Ziva will you hurry up? We're gonna be late!" shouted Tony as he paced in front of the front door. He was wearing a dark red turtle neck, dark blue jeans and a leather jacket. The weather had turned cold.
"I am coming, DiNozzo." Came Ziva's voice. Tony stopped and starred, and then relaxed into a comfortable smile. She wore tight black jeans that accents her curves and a long sleeve blouse that let just a hint of cleavage show through. It was simple clothing, but Tony loved it anyway. Ziva dawned a leather jacket to match Tony's. She smirked at his expression.
"I'm glad you see something you like," she said as she passed him on the way out of the apartment.
"Oh yeah," he said as he closed the door behind them. In the car Ziva let her face settle into a pout.
"I still do not see why we have to go to this Tony. I do not like attention." she said for what must have been the hundredth time. Tony just chuckled.
"Well, regardless of what you think, Ziva, we're all very happy that you're home and here to stay. Let yourself be an excuse for us to celebrate. You know, this job doesn't usually give that chance." Ziva sighed, resigned.
OoOoOoO
"A toast," said Gibbs over the loud music in the club. Everyone-- McGee, Tony, Abby, Ducky, and Palmer-- raised their preferred drinks.
"A year ago, Ziva, we almost lost you. Now that you're here, we're never gonna let you go. Ever. To family." said Gibbs. The table cheered and tapped glasses and bottles. They were at a new club in the downtown area and they spent their night dancing away and just having fun. Finally, at one in the morning, they parted for the night, going their separate ways.
Back at her apartment, Tony turned on some soft, slow music and held out his hand to Ziva. Despite her fatigue from dancing the whole night long, she obliged Tony and willingly. She loved being close to him, loved the feeling of his arms around her. Slowly they danced to the music. After a while, Tony broke the silence.
"Ziva, how long to you want me to stay here, living with you?" Ziva's eyes snapped open and she stiffened slightly. Tony gave no indication of stopping their dance and so she continued. Her mind however, was in uproar. She'd never imagined Tony actually leaving.
"Ziva?" he asked.
"Well, Tony, I do not want you to do anything that you don't want to." she replied, evading his answer. Tony didn't buy it.
"This isn't about me Ziva. It's about you. How long to you want me to stay?" the continued to dance. Ziva's head was resting on Tony's shoulder and she gave her answer some thought.
"I...want you to stay forever Tony. I have never thought about you leaving and I do not want to." she whispered slowly. Her head where it was, she couldn't see Tony's looked of joy and relief. Gently he broke away from her and still holding her hands, he moved her to sit on the couch. He, however, did not sit down. Instead he dropped to one knee, still holding Ziva's hands. He let forth on of his brilliant smiles.
"I was hoping you' say that David." From the pocket of his pants, he pulled out a simple silver ring with a small diamond. Ziva's breath caught in her throat.
Tony took a deep breath and looked up at Ziva.
"Ziva David, will you marry me?" his voice was quiet, but strong. Ziva let herself slide onto her own knees and captured Tony's lips in a kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. When they finally broke apart, Ziva whispered in his ear.
"Yes."
A/N: And thus this story comes to and end. I hope you enjoyed it. Please review!!
Also, I just had a thought and was wondering if anyone else had any opinions...so okay, you know how in season 7 Saleem had been asking Ziva about NCIS? Well, I was wondering how he found out she was NCIS. If she charged off into his camp alone without any sort of Id marking her as NCIS, how did he know? I think I smell a mole...