Tony sat up a little straighter. "He did? Do you think he's on to us?"

Ziva frowned. "Not at the time he said it, but now that you say it, I am not sure. If he is, he hasn't made any effort to keep us apart."

Tony considered that. "Well, I think we've done a pretty good job of keeping it out of the office." He eyed Ziva, his eyes soft and dreamy. "But we aren't at the office now, are we?"

"Mmmmm, no we are not." Ziva put her glass down and kissed Tony deeply. Tony followed suit and in less than five minutes they were in his bed, clothes abandoned on the floor, lost in each other.

Vignette Two: "A Very DiNozzo Christmas- Part Two"

Christmas Eve

Much to the surprise of everyone on the team, Ducky insisted that everyone come to his town home in Georgetown for Christmas Eve. Ducky was not yet 100% after his near-fatal heart attack, and was only still part-time at NCIS.

After discussing it among themselves, they all felt they needed to be there. They were worried that Ducky was thinking that perhaps this would be his "last" Christmas with his friends. Even though none of them believed it be true, they were determined to make it special and memorable.

Ducky insisted on having the party catered, although Ziva, Abby and Breena talked him into letting them make the desserts.

Much to Tony's surprise and dismay, his father informed him that he planned to return to DC at Christmas, since they hadn't spent that holiday together in so many years he couldn't remember. Tony appreciated his Dad's sudden nostalgia, considering what they had just gone through, but this was also his and Ziva's first Christmas as a couple.

"I won't get in the way, Jr. I'll stay in a hotel; maybe spend some time spreading holiday cheer, hand out a few presents."

"Dad, you don't need to give out any presents. Really. It's fine that you want to come. We'll figure out the logistics." Tony sighed.

As soon as Ducky heard the news, he insisted that Tony bring his father to their party. Tony wasn't sure. "It's for us, Ducky. The Team. He…he will try to monopolize everything."

"Ah, no worries on that respect. I can assure you that I will monopolize everything! Besides, Abby is bringing her brother Kyle and his family. Her other brother is spending Christmas with his wife's family. And Breena is bringing her mother. I know you heard about her father."

Tony lost his smile. Just two months after Jimmy and Breena's wedding, her father had been diagnosed with cancer. Within three months, he was gone.

"Thanks, Ducky. You always know how to get our heads on straight."

"That, my dear Anthony, is because you look quite ridiculous with a crooked head." Tony laughed heartily at that.

Keeping his word, Anthony, Sr. stayed at the Adams Hotel, his old mainstay. Ducky could be quite formal, and true to form he did ask that everyone dress "nicely" for the party. Tony was used to wearing suits, so it didn't matter to him one way or the other.

Ziva, on the other hand, was at a loss as to what to wear. "Wear that dress you wore on the stakeout for Palmer's bachelor's party." Tony suggested.

Ziva looked appalled. "Tony, that was just a shade below being a hooker's dress. I want to look good, but I do not want to look like a foozy."

"Floozy." Tony corrected her. "And that would never be possible. What about that blue wrappy thing you wore when we went out to dinner a few weeks back?"

Ziva's eyes widened. "That is the perfect dress. I had forgotten about it." She kissed him. "Thank you."

He kissed her back. "Thank you for what?" She just smiled. "I will be ready shortly, then we can go pick up your father." She disappeared into her bedroom.

While she was getting dressed, Tony pulled out the small wrapped box. He had decided to give her the present tonight, wanting it to be just the two of them, and not his father hanging over them, offering his advice.

They had decided they would stay together tonight, and the coin toss went to Ziva's apartment. It was closer to Ducky's house, but just a little further away from the Adams, which they didn't mind.

As Tony's mind was running wild with all sorts of high jinx his Dad could get into tonight, Ziva appeared from the bedroom. The dress was just as beautiful as he had remembered. The blue was a dark shade of sapphire and he couldn't help but think how beautiful his mother's engagement ring would look with that dress. But that was for another time.

Ziva always wore simple jewelry. As usual, she had her Star of David necklace on. She wore a simple pearl ring that he wasn't sure he had seen before. She usually wore a sturdy efficient watch, but tonight her wrists were bare. But she was fussing about her earrings, looking at several pair in her hands.

"I just can't decide which ones to wear, Tony. I have to wear something. Otherwise, the dress looks incomplete."

Tony had never seen Ziva so worked up over her wardrobe before, but saw his opening. He took her hand and led her over to the sofa.

"I know Christmas is tomorrow, but with my Dad here, and well, who knows what he has planned, I thought I would give you your gift tonight, if that is ok."

Ziva smiled at Tony. "I will be right back!" Suddenly, she got up and he could swear, sauntered into her bedroom. She returned about thirty seconds later with a wrapped gift in her hands.

"Oh, Ziva. You didn't have to get me anything." Tony protested. Ziva cocked an eyebrow at him. "Ok, you can see right through me." He laughed and gave that big DiNozzo grin. "Who wants to go first?"

"I will." Ziva said, surprising Tony. "I wanted to give you something that was part of me, that whenever you look at it, you will know its history without even struggling to remember." She handed him the gift. "I am not sure that it is something that you can actually use, I mean, has a function. I am not sure it has any intrinsic value, but to me it is priceless."

She nodded to Tony, indicating he should open it. Tony was embarrassed to find that his fingers were fumbling at the wrapping. Finally, the paper gave way, revealing an old carved wooden box.

"It's beautiful, Ziva." Tony said, studying it.

Ziva smiled, amused. "Yes, the box is beautiful, but the gift is inside."

Tony looked at Ziva, giving her that "are you playing tricks on me?" look.

Slowly, Tony opened the lid. Inside was a heavy gold pocket watch. The designs on it were intricate and unique. On the inside, there was an engraving in Hebrew." He looked at Ziva.

"It belonged to my mother's grandfather. He was quite a wealthy businessman, not in Mossad." She smiled. "I never knew him, but my grandmother used to tell me these amazing stories about him. I was given this when my mother was…when she died." Tony reached for her hand.

"I was told that I should give it to the one person I knew would always take care of me, who would protect me even at the risk of his own life, and would never willingly leave me, or our family. I have never felt compelled to give this to anyone; until now."

Tony wrapped his arms tightly around Ziva, not wanting her to see how overwhelmed he was by, not only this gift, but this admission from her. He buried his head in her shoulder and she rubbed his neck, soothing him, knowing how moved he was by her gift. She knew there was no turning back now.

Finally gaining his composure, he sat back up. "Does it work?" Ziva shook her head. "I do not know, but we can take to it a jeweler to see."

He kissed her deeply. "Thank you. This is the second most wonderful gift I have ever received."

Ziva looked surprised. "And what was the first most wonderful gift you have ever received? And please do not tell me it was losing your virginity."

Tony had to laugh at that, but he immediately became somber. "Realizing that you were not dead after all." He whispered. Against her will, tears formed in Ziva's eyes. She furiously wiped them away.

"So, am I to receive a gift? And please tell me it is not a movie." Ziva was trying to lighten the mood, and take the focus off of the past.

Tony grinned. "As a matter of fact, I do have a gift for you." He handed her the delicately wrapped box. Ziva smiled him and ripped off the paper. "Ok, she doesn't waste time." Tony quipped.

When Ziva saw the small jeweler's box in her hand, she momentarily panicked. She had all but declared her love to Tony in the past ten minutes, but that didn't mean she could move any further this moment.

Tony sensed her tension and touched her cheek. "It's ok. Open it."

Taking a deep breath, Ziva open the box and gasped when she saw the earrings. She looked at Tony, stunned. "I…I don't know what to say."

"Say you love them and that you'll wear them tonight, because I think they will look great with your dress."

"Tony…" Ziva wanted to know. Tony nodded. "They belonged to my mother, her wedding present from her parents. I guess I wanted to give you something that was a part of me as well."

"I…I absolutely love them." Ziva carefully picked one up and placed it in her ear, then the other. When she was done, she faced Tony. "Well?"

"Absolutely beautiful. And the earrings look nice too."

Ziva blushed. "Thank you, Tony. I will cherish them always." She cupped his face and kissed him softly. Looking at the clock, she sighed. "We better go get your father."

Tony agreed reluctantly, not wanting their special moment to end. She allowed Tony to collect her wrap for her and drape it over her shoulders. As they were walking out the door, Tony remembered something. "Hey, there was some inscription in Hebrew on the inside of the watch. What does is say?"

Ziva looked at him and hesitated for only a moment. "You are the love of my life."

She quickly headed down the stairs before he could grab her and drag her back into the apartment.

Tony ran down the stairs after her, noticing she was studiously avoiding his gaze. When they finally got in the car, he couldn't stand it anymore and grabbed her hand, forcing her to look at him.

She smiled, kissed him tenderly on the lips, and said, "Later, my love."

Tony got one of the goofiest grins she had ever seen in her life on his face, and put the car in drive.

Fortunately, Tony's Dad was in the lobby ready to go by the time they arrived. "Ziva! You look absolutely stunning! What a pleasure to see you again." They embraced and kissed each other on their cheeks.

Tony saw his Dad's eyes widen as he caught sight of the earrings. To his shock, and pleasure he made no comment, just gave Tony a knowing look.

Tucking her arm into his, they left the hotel and headed toward Tony's car. "So, is my son treating you well?" Ziva chuckled and Tony shook his head.

Georgetown

By the time they arrived at Ducky's, the party was in full swing. "Yeah!" Abby rushed over to hug Ziva and Tony. "You're finally here." She suddenly noticed Tony's dad. "Anthony, Sr.! What a nice surprise! I didn't know you were coming." She punched Tony in the arm.

"Owww…what was that for?" Tony grimaced and rubbed his upper arm. Sr. took Abby's arm. "Abby, why don't you show me around?" He turned around and grinned at Tony as he walked away with Abby.

Tony leaned his forehead against one of the kitchen cabinets. "Ziva, how am I going to survive this?"

Ziva lightly tapped his cheek. "Your father is just teasing you, Tony. Just ignore him. He will settle down. Let's go find Ducky."

"You are amazing. What would I do without you?"

"Probably collapse in a heap like a whiney little five year old girl."

"Oh, hey, McScrooge. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Gibbs here yet?"

Tim jerked his head over his right shoulder. Gibbs was sitting on one of the counter stools, laughing with Ducky and Jimmy. Gibbs had needed to work more closely with Palmer after the bombing, as he had stepped in and stepped up to take over in Ducky's absence. The young man had proven himself in that time of crisis, and earned Gibbs' respect.

"Ah, there they are." Ducky's voice cut above the others. Tony and Ziva walked over to the counter where they were sitting. "Can I get you something to eat? Something to drink?"

Ziva kissed Ducky on both cheeks. "We are fine Ducky. Tony will probably graze all evening. When we need something, we can get it ourselves. Enjoy yourself!"

Breena was cutting up a cake that looked very complicated and sinful. Palmer had let it slip that she was an excellent baker, so the team were the happy recipients of many of her delicious creations.

"Is that what I think it is?" Ziva asked. Breena smiled conspiratorially. "Chocolate Insanity Cake with Cherry Cordial Death." Palmer took great pains to give her baked goods the most outrageous names he could come up with. Ziva chuckled. "Please make sure to hide a piece for me for later." They high-fived each other.

Breena stared at her for a minute. "Ziva! Your earrings are absolutely beautiful. Are they new?"

Ziva blushed. "Well, yes. New as in I just received them, but they actually belonged to…family." Ziva almost let it slip that they had been Tony's mothers. Breena smiled. She could read between the lines and knew that was a very interesting piece of information Ziva had just almost divulged. She couldn't wait to share it with Jimmy.

"Oh my, look at this." Ducky walked up to Tony and Ziva. "Tony, your father just gave me a hundred year old bottle of scotch. I can't possibly accept this, it, it is far too much!"

"Sure you can Ducky. Just make sure he doesn't drink it all for you tonight."

"Aw, yes, well then I guess I better find a safe place for this." Ducky wandered off.

"That was a surprise." Ziva said. Tony scanned the room, looking for his father. "Yes, it was." He spotted him on the sofa, talking to Abby and her brother Kyle and his family. He didn't look like he was up to any sort of shenanigans, so Tony relaxed and made a note to himself to discuss the matter with him later.

After about an hour, Gibbs gave his famous whistle, which could wake the dead. "I am not one to give speeches, so don't expect one now. All I want to say is that I have the best damn team at NCIS and I am proud of each and every one of you." He was silent for a few seconds. "And I am the happiest man alive that we are all here together tonight…" Gibbs couldn't finish. He took a sip of his bourbon.

"If it's ok with everyone else, I would like to see Tony, Ziva, Tim and Abby privately for a few minutes." With that, he headed toward Ducky's library. The four looked at each other, surprised. Tim fell into step with Abby.

"What do you think is going on, Abbs?" "I have absolutely no idea. But I hope he's not telling us he's retiring."

Tim turned quickly at that. "He wouldn't ruin our Christmas by doing that, would he? I mean…he couldn't do that. Could he?"

Once they all entered the library, Gibbs closed the door, and faced his team. "I just want to say again how proud I am of each and every one of you. It has been my pleasure and privilege to lead such a talented group of agents."

"Oh, God, you are retiring!" Abby burst out. That got everyone's attention. As one, they all first looked at Abby then slowly back at Gibbs.

Gibbs walked up to Abby and hugged her. "I am not retiring, Abby. At least, not today. Someday I will, it's inevitable. But I'm not ready to go yet, if that's ok with you…" Everyone babbled at once their affirmative that Gibbs should never leave.

He held up his hand. "Ok, don't make me head slap each of you." He turned serious. "This past year has been hell, and I think that is putting it mildly. Despite everything we have all been put though, we have come out stronger, and closer than ever. You aren't just my team; you are my family. And while some rules are necessary to keep things running smoothly, if I have learned anything this year it is that no one person has the right to tell another how they are to live their personal lives."

He walked over to some little bags that the others had not noted before. "I want you to have these, to wear these; as a constant reminder of what is important, on what you need to always focus on." He handed out the bags, their names on the outside.

Tony, Ziva, Tim and Abby all stood there looking at Gibbs, holding their bags. Tony cleared his throat. "Why don't the ladies go first?"

Ziva looked at him, then at Abby. Together, they reached into their bags and pulled out a velvet drawstring bag. They opened them up and looked inside. They each pulled out a bracelet. The band was made of some sort leather, or suede. The clasp was gold. Attached to the straps of the band was a gold bar, engraved.

Once the girls opened their bags, Tony and Tim dug into theirs as well, pulling out the same bracelet, with silver accents. "I know you two will probably put up a fuss about me giving you something like this, but I have one as well." Gibbs held up his right arm, showing leather and silver on his wrist."

Ziva looked at the inscription. "Love and Family"

"It's beautiful, Gibbs. I will cherish it always."

Gibbs smiled. "I think you will cherish it more when you read what's on the other side." At that, all four of them turned their bracelets over. A collective gasp came from the group, then four sets of eyes looked at Gibbs, wanting confirmation that what they were reading meant what they thought it did.

"There are no rules."

Early Merry Christmas! This is something I would really like to see Gibbs do as an aftermath of the explosion. Unfortunately, I am not a writer for the show, so I am not holding my breath. As I said before, this story has taken a life on its own and has one more part.