Once their guests were all gone, Tony held out his hand to Ziva. "Ready?"
She accepted his help and followed him to his car, only mildly festooned with streamers and a 'Just Married' sign. They got in and Ziva leaned back, glad for the padded seat. Tony glanced at her. "Is that dress comfortable? Did you want to change?"
She smiled at his thoughtfulness. "It is comfortable but I would rather be in jeans I think."
Tony pointed to the bag in the backseat. "I put Abby in charge of getting you another outfit. We can change at my...I mean, our house, okay?"
"Our house," Ziva repeated slowly. "Yes, that is fine."
The rest of the drive was spent in quietness, only Tony's thumb stroking over the back of her hand. They pulled into the driveway and he ran around the car to assist her. He brought the bag in and when Ziva opened the door, she suddenly knew. "You did this on purpose."
He looked confused. "What?"
She waved her hand to encompass the room. "This - getting me to decorate. You planned it."
Unsure if he was in trouble, Tony put his hands in his pockets and answered. "Umm...yeah, yeah I did." He watched her expression carefully. "Is that okay?"
Ziva shook her head. "I did not realize how far you were planning ahead."
He quirked a grin. "Are you scared off yet?"
She was intent on her thoughts. "No. I am...amazed." She looked around again. "I am glad it is ours now. It feels like a good place to make home."
Tony stood beside her. "I've been waiting months for this moment, but having you here is even better than I imagined." He brushed back one of her curls that had escaped from the hairstyle. "Get changed down here and avoid the stairs for now. I'll be right back if you uh...need help with anything."
Ziva smirked. "You are hoping I need help."
He shrugged, there was no point in hiding it. "Guilty."
She put her back to him. "There are little hooks holding the back and sleeves on the dress. Can you undo them?"
Not in the least bit interested in pushing his luck, Tony quickly found the fasteners she'd indicated the separated the two pieces of material. "There." He frowned. "Did it come like that, your dress?"
Ziva turned around and shook her head. "I got it made with the same material. I am not ready for everyone else to see...what was done."
He touched her cheek. "There's no pressure Ziva, know that. But when you're ready to show me the rest of your scars, I'll be here."
She smiled briefly. "I know. I will go change clothes now."
Tony gave her the bag and went up to switch his own formal clothes for worn in ones. When Ziva emerged he pointed to the couch, kissed her forehead and watched her fall asleep. Then he headed for the kitchen, there was work to do.
NCIS
Sometime later when everything was ready, Tony sat down carefully beside his sleeping wife on the couch. She looked peaceful and happy and he smiled at the gold band on her left hand. They'd really done it, they'd actually gotten married and Tony was pretty sure it would be a month before he stopped grinning constantly. Or until Gibbs slapped the expression off his face, which was a possibility.
With a gentle touch he ran his knuckles down her cheek and bent to brush his lips over Ziva's. As much as he knew surprising her wasn't the best idea, Tony really wanted a Sleeping Beauty moment with her. She stirred and he pulled away, thinking of all the mornings he had to look forward to when he could kiss her awake.
Ziva blinked and her eyes slowly focused. She smiled faintly. "Hello."
"Hi," he chuckled, absently rubbing his thumb over the side of her bump. "Ready to be awake for awhile?"
She pushed herself up a bit. "What did you have in mind?"
Tony pointed to the basket on the floor by the door. "A picnic?"
Her face lit up. "Yes." She took his hands to get up and slid her feet into flats. "Where are we going?"
He shook his head. "That's for me to know and you to find out. Are you ready Mrs. DiNozzo?"
Ziva bit her lip. "You like saying that."
Tony's self control lost the battle and he skimmed his fingers across her cheeks and into her hair. "Yes," he whispered onto her lips. "You're my wife Zi, that's never going to get old." He captured her lips for a kiss, glad to find her responsive to his touch but ending it before he got too involved. "So, ready?" Tony asked, staring at her with so much love and joy that Ziva almost felt like she was drowning.
She laced her fingers with his, trying to tell him everything in her heart with a look and a touch. "Let us go."
Us. That's what they were now for better or worse. Together in a way that overshadowed everything they'd ever been. As far as Tony was concerned, today was the best day.
NCIS
Gibbs lifted the last box into his borrowed truck and trailer at five-thirty pm, two hours after they'd arrived at Ziva's apartment. Abby's cellphone emitted a ghostly cackle and she pulled it out to read the text. "Tony took Ziva on a picnic, he thinks he can keep her busy until six-thirty at the latest." She looked up and frowned. "Geez, that only gives us an hour."
"Let's go!" Gibbs barked and everyone jumped to obey.
They all piled into vehicles and headed for Tony and Ziva's house. Abby, entrusted with the keys to both places, unlocked the door, propped it open and came bouncing back out waving a sheet of paper. "Tony left instructions," she announced, "and presents. But those are for later."
Six people soon formed an assembly line to unload, though Abby did most of the directing and only carried light stuff because McGee wanted her to be careful. At six-fifteen she texted Tony and asked him to stall - they needed another half hour. He informed her they would stop for ice cream and to let him know when the coast was clear. Finally everything was arranged and what had no place to go was left in the upstairs guest room. The group gathered in the kitchen so Abby could pass out the thank you gifts and cards Tony had left for them.
"Bourbon for Gibbs, a bottle of wine for Celeste," she began, smiling as she handed them out.
Over the last couple of hours she'd warmed to Celeste. The woman pitched in and worked hard and she and Gibbs moved together with an ease that spoke of years of practice. It had been a long time and Abby wanted him to be happy. For now, she'd decided Celeste was okay. She was a long way from being accepted into the family, but she was okay.
"Jimmy, here's a gift certificate for you to take Breena out to dinner," she continued. "And Ducky, tickets to a play for you and Dr. Jordan." Abby giggled as she gave her husband his. "He found you a jetpack movie Tim, and ooh!" she squealed, "the new Plastic Death CD, yes!" She did a happy dance and they all tried not to laugh at Abby being Abby.
Ducky checked his watch. "I believe it is time to make ourselves scarce. Good work everyone, and goodnight."
They collected their things, did a cursory check to make sure everything looked good, and locked up, leaving the keys behind a loose shingle on the porch. Their work here was done.
NCIS
Ziva sat with her legs stretched out on the blanket, leaning back on one hand and eating grapes with the other. They were in a small meadow outside the city. It was quiet and peaceful and perfect. She smiled at Tony. "I like your surprises."
He flopped onto his back and stared up at the blue sky. "I'll keep that in mind." He folded his arms under his head and grinned. "I think this is my favourite day ever."
Ziva raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Is it? Even better than Spring Break or our first undercover assignment?"
Tony caught her hand in his. "Definitely. Because this is real Zi and it's ours forever. Nothing else compares to that." She lay down near him and placed her hands over her stomach. Tony rolled over and propped himself up on his elbows. "What's the baby up to?"
Ziva thought for a moment. "She has settled down. She was very active during the ceremony, I am surprised you did not notice."
He grinned. "I was a little preoccupied with a certain dark eyed exotic beauty." He paused. "Were you happy with how it went?"
"I am glad we were able to put in the traditions from my culture. That made it complete." She glanced at him. "I am excited to see the pictures. Your friend was very discrete."
Tony nodded. "Adrian's good at what he does." He checked his watch and gave her a searching glance. "How're you feeling?"
"Content," Ziva answered before she realized the context of his question. She sat up to shake her head. "Can you at least pretend to stop worrying about me? I am fine."
He was not convinced. "I think we have very different ideas of what that word means. It's probably time to head back anyways."
Conceding the point, Ziva helped Tony pack things up and fold the blanket. On the way back he felt his phone vibrate and waited until Ziva wasn't looking to check it. A text from Abby begged him to buy them a little more time, so he took a right turn.
Ziva looked at him. "I thought we were going home?"
Tony put on his best smile. "I kind of feel like ice cream. Do you mind?"
Dessert didn't sound half bad so she nodded, accepting that being married to Tony would sometimes be like experiencing life with a ten year old on a sugar high. But it was nothing she wasn't used to already and it would certainly keep things interesting.
"I would like a brownie with whipped cream."
Tony seemed surprised. "Ahh...a challenge. Okay, let's see..." He put some serious thought into their choices and then snapped his fingers. "I got it!"
Without sharing his revelation, he took them to an old fashioned, nineteen-fifties style diner complete with soda fountain. They fit right in with the varied patrons and sat in a booth while they waited. Lindy, their waitress, appeared a minute later and assured them that both Tony's desire for a banana split and Ziva's warmed up brownie with whipped and ice cream could be satisfied.
The couple sat smiling at each other until their orders arrived and Tony watched Ziva close her eyes at the first bite like she was getting a little taste of heaven. "Mmm..." Her sigh was pure bliss. She held out her fork to him. "Try some."
It was as close as they'd get to sharing cake and he obliged, his eyes widening as the chocolate almost melted on his tongue. "Wow, good choice."
She declined to try his split because he'd eaten all the chocolate sauce and they sat quietly until their desserts were gone. Tony left a generous tip and they got back in the car to head towards the house. It was just after seven pm and Tony hoped that was enough stalling. A confirmation text arrived five minutes later - Mission complete! - and he smiled. So far, so good.
NCIS
An hour and a half later Tony and Ziva were hanging out on the couch watching the end of A Walk In The Clouds. He'd saved that one special because in some ways the movie mirrored their story. Ziva had started out just cuddling with him, but now she lay curled up beside him, her head resting on the pillow in his lap, his fingers running through her messy curls. She was fighting sleep but Tony hoped she could hold out for awhile longer, he still had plans for tonight.
When the credits rolled Ziva looked up at him. "It is a good thing Eli does not own a vineyard." She fingered his shirt. "You do not like to get dirty."
Tony chuckled. "I think I could handle it." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "How about we head upstairs and get changed for bed? That way we're ready once we do feel like sleeping."
A wariness crept into her eyes but she gamely walked with him to the second floor. At the bedroom door she stopped as something suddenly occurred to her. "Tony," she said quietly, "I do not have anything to wear. My sleep clothes are still at my apartment."
Tony chuckled and led her into the room walking backwards, then indicated her dresser and wardrobe already fit in along the wall. The bookcase Gibbs made and her chair and footstool were in the corner. "Actually, they're not."
Ziva's eyes widened. "How...?"
He shrugged. "I asked the team for a favour and they said yes. Well..." he amended, "Abby volunteered them to help and no one felt like arguing with a seventeen week pregnant extremely hormonal Goth who has the ability to make all their lives miserable." Tony looked hopeful. "Are you surprised?"
Her brow creased. "I think I am...speechless." She looked around and rubbed her forehead. "I appreciate everything that has been done, but it all feels like too much for one day."
Tony turned on the stereo on the far side of the room and soft strains of classical music drifted through the speakers. He moved in front of her. "Ziva DiNozzo, may I have this dance?" It was something they hadn't been able to work into their change of plans, but he still wanted the moment.
Ziva flashed him a pleased smile and stepped into his arms. It was a little different, dancing with the baby between them, but right now Tony wouldn't have it any other way. He cradled her body against his for the length of several songs, leading them in slow circles around the room. The more they danced, the more Ziva relaxed and finally he stopped.
"Thank you."
Her hand found his cheek and she went to her dresser, glad to find Abby had put everything back where it was originally. She made a beeline for the bathroom and as soon as the door closed, Tony threw on a pair of drawstring pj pants and a white t-shirt. He was waiting on the bed flipping through TV channels when Ziva returned. But the guarded look was back and that wouldn't do. Tonight needed to be relaxed and comfortable. The last thing he wanted was a reason for her to dream.
He patted the spot beside him and held out his hand. "C'mere."
Ziva didn't look certain about being on the bed with him yet, so Tony got another idea. Motioning for her to sit, he went into the bathroom and paused momentarily, soaking in the sight of Ziva's things mixed with his. He grabbed her brush and returned. "Can I braid your hair?"
Smiling at the memories his words evoked, Ziva nodded and angled her body so he could sit beside her on the edge of the bed. He couldn't put into words the intimacy he felt brushing the brown waves and running his fingers softly through them as he separated her hair into three sections and slowly wove them together. But touching her that way had always seemed to bring them closer and he wasn't going to question it.
Tony did it wrong the first time and Ziva laughed at his frustration over something so small, saying he was out of practice and she would show him again. But she didn't seem as tense, so having to try a second time was worth it. Finally he set the brush down and tugged her around to face him.
"Our first night together married Zi, are you nervous?"
Looking into Ziva's eyes, he saw fear directed at him for the first time, because he now had a right to ask for everything she was still unable to give. Even if she wasn't eight and a half months pregnant and Mandy hadn't expressly forbid it, physical intimacy still wouldn't've been a question.
"Ziva," he whispered, caressing her face, "I said I would wait, I promised. I'm not going to ask until I know you're ready."
She swallowed and looked away. "And if I am not?"
Tony turned her chin back towards him. Leaning in, he captured her lips in a gentle, loving kiss. "I have you now Zi, that's all that matters. The rest is not that important."
Ziva threw her arms around him, holding on for dear life. Her side was pressed against him, because hugging him with the baby in the way would've put too much space between them and she needed this. "I love you Tony," she said into his shirt.
He drew his arms tightly around her. "I can never hear that enough." Then Tony bent down and kissed Ziva's belly. "Time for bed Chipmunk. You be nice and let Mommy rest, okay? It's been a long day."
In a moment that took Tony back to their two weeks at his apartment, Ziva stood to pull back the covers and crawled in on her side. Tony joined her and they lay there just looking at each other. Finally Tony brushed her hair back. "Was it a good wedding Mrs. DiNozzo?" He just wanted to make sure.
She had to blink back tears as she nodded. "Yes." Ziva took a breath. "I am an American citizen now. Today I am a wife. In a month I will become a mother. This is a dream I never thought I would have."
Tony pressed his lips to hers for a long moment, then pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes. It was so tempting to take liberties with her now, but that was not what she needed. "I plan on making that a habit," he informed her, running his thumb over her eyebrow, down her cheek and across her lips. "And it's something I won't get tired of. But I don't want to take advantage of those vows we made today. You'll let me know if it's ever too much?"
Rolling over to hide from him just how overwhelming everything was at the moment, Ziva reached for his hand and pulled him in to lay behind her. She tucked a pillow between her knees and tried hard to relax. Tony's warmth and solid body behind her was something she had never expected to feel again after she moved to her own place. Now she would have it for always, because he was her husband. Just thinking the word still sent shivers down her spine. My husband. It was enough to keep the smile on her face. But Tony wasn't done with her yet.
He sat up halfway so he could see her face and shook his head slowly. "Don't hide from me Ziva. Don't start our marriage this way, with secrets. You need to tell me what you're thinking." Tony gave her a half grin. "As much as I wish I had that power, I can't always read your mind."
Ziva sighed and closed her eyes. "Today has been overwhelming. Everything the team did, our wedding, seeing the differences and the way we act now that we are married." She reached up to caress his cheek and he held her hand to his skin, not wanting to lose the contact. "I think everything will feel like too much for a long time. But that does not mean I do not want to get used to it." She smiled softly. "I will not ask you not to kiss me, that is not fair. But I will let you know how much I can handle."
He kissed her palm and her shoulder and snuggled back down behind her. "Thank you," he whispered. Ziva wondered if he would be so grateful for her honesty once he found out everything he had yet to hear, but that he cared enough to not let her push away even the little things was so much more than she deserved. He wanted to start their marriage right and she would do her best to follow his lead.
Satisfied, Tony rested his head beside hers on the pillow, turning slightly so that when he breathed, her scent was all he could smell. This, laying here in bed with Ziva in his arms, was everything Tony had wanted for a year. Now it was finally his. At that moment, there was nothing else to wish for because he had it all.