Ziva gasped and looked at herself. She made a face at him and gave herself a quick look in the mirror. Her hair was all messy and her shirt has half-undone.
"You had better move that picture back as well." Ziva said, pointing to her picture on his bedside table. "I will not be the only one to notice its absence. You may not want to answer the question."
Tony smiled and grabbed the picture and ran it out to the bookcase. He then went back into his bedroom to make himself presentable while Ziva composed herself to answer the door.
Vignette Ten: "You Better Watch Out" – Part Two
Ziva took a deep breath and opened the door. Anthony DiNozzo, Sr.'s smile couldn't have been wider. "Ziva, sweetheart! I should have known Jr. would finally come to his senses. Welcome to the family!"
He placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed both of her cheeks. Ziva was horrified to feel the heat coming from her cheeks. "It is very nice to see you as well, Mr. DiNozzo.
However, I am only here helping Tony with the party for tonight."
Tony's father chuckled. "Of'course you are. And what did I tell you? Call me Tony or Anthony, please."
Ziva smiled. "Very well, Anthony." Having two Tony's in the same room would be confusing enough for her.
"Where is my son?" Sr. looked around the apartment with interest.
"Right here, Dad. Sorry, I was in the bathroom cleaning up, and didn't hear the doorbell. Is that all you brought?"
DiNozzo, Sr. had with him one medium sized suitcase.
Sr. looked at the items in questions quizzically, not understanding Tony's mortified look. "It's my things, son. What else?"
Tony looked at Ziva with exasperation. "OK, let's get this "stuff" back into your room."
"Ah, Junior. The one farthest away from your bedroom, please. I don't want to intrude on…your privacy." He flashed a charming smile at Ziva as he said this.
"Dad! You promised you'd behave!" Tony glared at his father.
"What did I do? I am just expressing my pleasure that you and Ziva have finally made it official.
He paused to look around. "I like your place, son. The white mouldings and paneling look very rich. I see you still have your Laurel and Hardy bookends."
He was pointing to the bookshelves that were crammed with DVD's and, despite Tony's claims of never reading, books.
"And that I approved of your taste." His father added, which could mean his home or Ziva.
"Yeah, well 'rich' was definitely the look I was going for." Tony shook his head in disbelief. "Ok, Dad. Ziva and I are "not official" so please do not go around saying things like that tonight. Especially around Gibbs. We would both like to keep our jobs."
Sr. nodded his head in understanding. "Your secret is safe with me, Jr."
"And quit calling me Jr!" Tony grabbed a suitcase and started to take off but was immediately pulled back to where he started. "What do you have in here? It weighs a ton!"
"Just some things I thought you might want." Sr. smiled. Tony gritted his teeth and pulled the single suitcase to the bedroom farthest away from the master.
"I'm going back to work in the kitchen. If you need me, that's where I'll be." Ziva turned around and walked quickly away from the scene in the living room.
She was shaking a little from the brief encounter with Tony's Dad. Even when he was wrong, he was right. He never missed a thing. Tony said he always told him he should go after her.
For someone who couldn't manage to make a happy life for himself, he seemed to be able to see it for others. If only he would be the father Tony so desperately needed, his eccentricities could be overlooked.
Tony dutifully brought led his father into the room. "Seriously, Dad. Why just the one suitcase? Are you only staying for the party?"
Sr. eyed Tony with a glint in his eye. "Trying to get rid of me already?"
Tony sighed and rubbed his face. "Of'course not, Dad. I'm glad you could spend Christmas with me this year."
His dad sat on the bed. "Well, some of it is obviously my clothes and things. I figured I could go Christmas shopping while I was here. No sense in paying extra airline fees if you don't have to. There are, after all, two more shopping days until Christmas." He got up.
"But I do have something I want to give you now. And it's not a Christmas present." He smiled when he saw Tony about to interrupt.
Sr. shook his head. "No. It's been too long already." He went to his suitcase and pulled out a large leather multi-level box. It had an intricate pattern etched on it and was old. Not old as in antique, but certainly at least thirty to forty years old.
Tony's father handed it to him silently. Tony took the heavy box from his father. "What's this, Dad?"
"It was your mother's jewelry box." Tony's Dad answered, no emotion betrayed in his voice.
"Mom's jewelry…" Tony didn't know how much more he could take of his childhood rearing its head every time he turned around.
"I should have given this to you years ago." Sr. continued, oblivious to Tony's agitated state. "I supposed I was worried you would hand the pieces out to every pretty girl you met." He touched Tony's arm to get his attention.
"Anthony, this jewelry is for the 'one,' not some one-night stand. Your mother and I had our problems, but she was the love of my life. These mementoes, some of which are quite exquisite and expensive, need to be given to the love of your life." He not so subtly cocked his head toward the kitchen.
"Dad, I don't do 'one-night stands anymore. I haven't for a long time."
"Because of your relationship with Ziva, I would assume. I would imagine she would be quite irritated with you if you continued seeing other woman while having a relationship with her."
Despite himself, Tony had to chuckle. He could well imagine Ziva's wrath if he ever cheated on her, and they were not even technically dating yet.
"Ok, Dad. You need to listen to me and really hear what I am saying. Ziva and I are very close friends. But we have not even been on a real "official" date, so I think you can stop counting on grandchildren any time soon."
Sr. looked notably deflated. "Oh. I was so hoping…well, if she is still available when you finally get some sense in that thick head of yours, maybe things will be the way they should be."
Tony couldn't resist. "Why are you so convinced that Ziva and I belong together, Dad?"
"You're kidding, right? The way you look at each other, your body language, the sexual tension…? I don't know what it feels like to know that I would give my life for someone, but I see that in each of you, toward each other. I watch you two talk without saying words. Only people totally in tune with each other can do that, son."
Tony didn't comment on the fact that his Dad had just admitted he wouldn't give his own life for his son's.
"Ok, that's enough." Tony didn't want to hear anymore. He was disturbed at how accurate his father was about him and Ziva. He hardly ever saw them together. If he could pick that up so quickly, what did the team really see?
He let his Dad get settled and went back out and joined Ziva in the kitchen.
She had her back to him and was stirring something on the stove. He came up behind her and pressed his head against her neck. "How am I going to get through this tonight?" His voice sounded so plaintive and worried that she chuckled and turned around to face him.
"What did you tell him?" She asked, looking into his eyes.
"I told him not to plan on any grandchildren just yet since we hadn't even been on a date…technically."
Ziva's eyes widen at the "grandchildren" comment, but nodded approvingly. "How did he take it?"
Tony looked guilty. "He was genuinely sad. I felt like I disappointed him, yet again."
Ziva peeked around the corner then gave Tony a quick kiss on the lips. "You have not disappointed anyone, Tony. Remember that."
Tony placed a hand lightly on her waist. "I just hope I can keep it together while he is here. I'm going to count on you to have my back."
Ziva place her arms loosely around his shoulders. "I will always have your back, Tony." He planted a quick kiss, and then reluctantly separated from this woman he most desperately wanted to touch.
Tony's Dad decided to take a nap, so Tony suggested the same to Ziva. She looked at him like he was crazy.
"Look." He said reasonably. "You have been slaving away here in the kitchen for hours. I want you to have fun tonight and stay awake past 8 p.m."
Ziva chuckled at that. "I am tired, and if I was at home, I would take a power nap."
"Good." Tony was glad she seemed willing to take him up on his advice. "You already have your things you're wearing tonight here. Go take your 'power nap.' then take a shower and get ready before everyone else shows up." Tony smiled.
"No, take my bed; it's more comfortable and private. I promise not to give in to my urge to take a nap with you, which I would if my Dad wasn't here." Tony grinned playfully.
Ziva touched his cheek and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you, Tony." She headed toward his bedroom, amused that Tony was trailing behind her.
"Yes?" She looked at him. Tony chuckled. "I thought you might be more comfortable wearing one of my tee-shirts, if you want to." He pulled open a drawer and pulled out a couple of comfy shirts that would swim on Ziva.
"Thank you, Tony. I will wear this one." She took his OSU Football jersey. "Do not let me sleep more than two hours and I would actually prefer an hour and a half."
"Ok." Tony answered. He turned back as he was closing the door. "Sweet dreams." Ziva smiled and began to change her clothes.
Tony headed back out into his living room and sat on the sofa. He was a little confused. His feelings were all over the place right now. On one hand, he was thrilled that he and Ziva seemed to be on the same page regarding moving their friendship more into the relationship arena.
He still didn't understand his Dad's obsession with him and Ziva being together. The guy didn't have a great track record, so he was not someone Tony would ever go to for advice on love.
Yet he was convinced that they belonged together, and Tony was finding it getting harder and harder to disagree with that sentiment.
He was also confused by this sudden re-emergence of things from his childhood. He didn't understand why his Dad was bringing all of these old boxes and mementoes to him. He had a sudden concern that maybe his Dad was ill, and that he was trying tie up "loose ends."
Tony shook that thought from his head. He was grateful for finding his camera and the pictures, despite the painful memories it had caused to resurface.
And now his Mother's jewelry box. What was up with that? Tony stared at it for several minutes. Hesitantly, he opened the leather case.
He stared for a while at the contents. One by one, he picked up necklaces and bracelets and rings and earrings. Some of them he remembered, some he had no memory of at all.
He held up her delicate gold necklace with her cross hanging from it and glanced over at his piano. He smiled ruefully.
He got that piano because Ziva talked him into taking it up again. The fact that his original music teacher had been Wendy; the same Wendy he proposed to and then got dumped by; who had kept him away from the instrument for years. He finally told Ziva that whole story and of'course she told him he was silly to give up something he loved because of the actions of another person.
He looked at the items that he had placed on top of the stand-up piano: in addition to the newly placed Christmas decorations was his set of bobble-head Beatles; his miniature Magnum P.I Ferrari; a picture or two, and a small shadow box.
Inside the shadow box was a broken golden necklace, with the Star of David still attached. The charm was stained with dried blood. Inside the box was also some sand and a bullet casing. To those who didn't know, this would look rather macabre and not appropriate living room decoration.
To him, it represented what he and Ziva had been through, to get her back safely, no matter the cost. Tony could not take sole credit for her rescue, but after the camp had been secured and Ziva was being examined, Tony realized her necklace was missing.
Taking a hunch, he ran back into the room they had been held. He swept the area with his flashlight and was rewarded with a flash of gold.
Tony bent down and dug the broken necklace that had been ripped from her neck out of the dirt floor. Saleem's body was still being photographed and processed. Looking around, he saw multiple shell casings. Even though none of them came from the bullet that killed that monster, he didn't think Gibbs would give him the one that had.
After Ziva had been admitted to the hospital and improved enough to be able to actually talk, Tony had taken her necklace to her. She refused to take it, saying it was broken, like she was. She closed Tony's hand around it.
"You keep it, as a reminder of what is important and what is not. You saved my life, Tony. I cannot repay you for that, but I can give you something to remind you of my gratitude."
Tony had argued that the "team" had rescued her and not just him, but she would not take it back. So Tony put it safely in one of his pouches and took it home.
He would look at it often, especially when things were still strained between them. After they had finally talked, Tony knew he needed to do something with it, but he had no idea what. Abby gave him the idea of the shadow box and helped him put it together.
The first time Ziva saw it on the piano, she paled. She was one who thought it was not appropriate to display, but Tony told her he kept it there to remind him every time he played the piano how close he came to losing her.
And besides; she was the one who gave him back his love of the piano. She accepted his explanation without comment, but he could tell she was moved by it.
He heard some rustling and closed the jewelry box. His Dad came out from the bedroom, looing refreshed.
"Where's Ziva?" He asked Tony.
"She's taking a nap, Dad. She'll be up soon." Tony said absently, like it was perfectly normal for Ziva to be taking a nap at his house.
As soon as he said it, he knew he had set himself up for more interrogation. Tony's Dad chuckled. "In your bed, I suppose."
"Yes, Dad; because she her snores will wake the dead and I wanted you to sleep." Tony replied.
Sr. chuckled. "How do you stand it?" Tony stood up. "Ok, Dad. Sit down." His Dad looked surprised but complied.
"Do you want to know what's really going on with Ziva and me?"
At this, his Dad got a huge grin on his face.
"Absolutely!" Tony looked up at his ceiling, begging for patience. "Ok, Ziva and I have known each other for about eight years now. Our relationship can best be described as being marked by incredible highs and horrible lows.
We are working on reducing the lows so that they are more in sync with the highs. We don't have an end game; we just want a better friendship than we have. If other things come out of this, and we are open to it; then we'll deal with it as it comes."
DiNozzo, Sr. considered what Tony said. "Well, they always say the best relationships start first as friendships. What precipitated this…need…to improve your 'friendship', if I may ask?"
"The bombing, Dad." Tony said like it should have been obvious. "We could have all been killed. Makes you put things in perspective."
As if on cue, Ziva came out. Tony had heard the shower and knew she was up, but didn't feel the need to let his father know that. She was still wearing Tony's jersey and the jeans she had on previously.
"Feel better?" Tony asked, smiling.
"Yes, thank you. I did not realize how tired I was. And you, Anthony? Did you enjoy your nap as well?"
"Yes, I did, my dear. Please tell me you are not wearing that for the party tonight."
Ziva smiled. "No, I have a special 'party dress' that I will put on shortly. I just wanted to check on the food before I got ready." She looked at Tony.
"Speaking of getting ready, I am sure that Abby and McGee will be arriving shortly, so you may want to get ready yourself."
Sr. chuckled. Tony looked at his Dad, questioning. "Just like a wife. I'm only saying…" Tony shook his head. "Ok, I'm off to take a shower. Be right back."
Two hours later, the party was in full swing. As Ziva had predicted, Abby and McGee showed up while Tony was still in the shower. She left them to entertain Tony's father while she went to change into her party wear.
Tony was surprised but pleased to see Ziva in various stages of undress when he came out of the shower, but quickly got over his excitement when she told him Abby and McGee had arrived.
Ziva got dressed quicker than any woman Tony had ever known, and left him to finish up. But before she left the room, he pulled her close so he could show her how much he appreciated how gorgeous she looked.
She was wearing a short red sequined dress, with a halter top that showed off her bare, toned shoulders and upper arms.
By the time Tony got out, he could hear his Dad telling everyone some outrageous story. He rolled his eyes and headed into the kitchen to see what he could do.
Ziva had the turkey out. She handed him the carving knife and fork. "You can start carving the turkey, unless you would prefer to enjoy your father and his stories."
"No-o-o-o…I am quite happy right here, thank you very much." Tony replied. Ziva chuckled. "You look very nice. Hmmm, a red tie?"
Tony grinned. "What can I say? I wanted it to look like we planned our clothes together to match."
Ziva shook her head. "Your father seems in good spirits." She noted.
"He has an audience."
"Tony! Ziva! There you are! Ziva, wow! What a great dress, you look yummy too, Tony." All the while saying this, Abby delivered bone-crushing hugs to her friends.
"You look quite lovely yourself, Abby." Tony said. Ziva smiled. "Yes you do. Is that new? I have not seen it before."
Abby grinned. "Yes…" Then she took off in search of McGee. Tony watched her skip off.
"Hey, Ziva. Do you think…?"
"Yes." Ziva answered before Tony could finish the question.
Tony's eyes widened. "Do you have actual proof, or is this just a…woman's intuition?"
Ziva gave Tony that "I know so much more than you do" smile.
Tony dropped his jaw. "So you do know something!"
"Time and place, Tony. And this is not either." Ziva poked him in the stomach.
Tony grabbed her hand as she poked him. Her eyes widened. "Be careful, Tony." She warned.
"I will." He kissed her hand then got to work carving up the turkey.
The piano could be heard, Jimmy was playing Christmas Carols and Abby, Breena, Ducky and Tim were singing along.
Gibbs had finally showed up, handing Tony a bottle of very good bourbon. "Thanks, Boss. I got you a paper napkin."
Gibbs smirked. "It's not a gift exchange, DiNozzo. Anyone can drink it."
They had all decided that they were not going to exchange gifts, even gag gifts. Everyone brought something to add to the table, or the bar; and that was enough. Besides, Christmas would not be for another three days, so they would all see each other again before the actual holiday.
Thanks for the great responses. Party continues and will probably wind up in the next Chapter. I know from the spoilers, that it looks like Sr. arrives at least a day or two vbefore Christmas, hard to tell how many. I don't see any indication that Tony is hosting a party for the team, so I threw that it. It could well be that all we see of Tony's apartment are the scenes between him and Sr. But what is in that little gift Tony is holding? I will give my take next chapter.