Tony was just about to start a box of pizza when the doorbell rang. He opened the door to find Ziva standing there. "I was wondering if you would come today."
"Well you can't eat that whole pizza by yourself." she said
"I'm sure I could, but it never hurt to share." He countered as he let her in.
Halfway through the pizza, Tony spoke up, "So how do you feel about living with Gibbs?"
"It's going to be…interesting."
"I think it's gonna be a bit more than interesting." Tony laughed. "Do you know when she gets released from the hospital?"
"No, they said they would wait and see how she's doing in the morning."
"From what I've read in her file, you two will get along great."
Ziva was quiet for a minute, and softly, she then said, "I just hope that this time she isn't taken away…"
Her partner sighed, "I think it'll all work out now. We've got the majority of the terrorists in custody."
"That is not what I meant."
Tony understood. Emma was nearly fifteen, a year younger than Tali when she died at the hand of terrorists. "Well, you'll be at Gibbs's house. Even though he doesn't lock his door, his house is the safest place in the world."
"Except what if… what if she hates me because I killed her father?"
He let those words sink in. "It was you? Gibbs didn't shoot Ari?"
Tears welled up in her eyes. "No. I shot my brother."
"God, Ziva… if I'd have known…I'm so sorry-"
"Don't be. Ari killed Kate and would have eventually killed you." She laughed, "It is going to be fun explaining to Emma how her parents died."
"Well, she's old enough that she might understand it better. I have half a tub of ice cream with your name on it and we could pop open this movie I've wanted to see." Tony said to change the subject.
Gibbs stood in the doorway of his daughter's room. He hadn't been there in a while and dust was starting to collect. The walls were faded and everything looked old and like it wasn't used in years, which was true. He picked up the box next to him and started to put Kelly's toys in it. He would never forget his little girl, but it was time he moved on. Hours later, the room was clean, empty, and there was a fresh coat of spring green paint on the walls- the same color as Emma's old room. He would put the furniture in tomorrow, but now it was time to get some sleep. Before he went downstairs, he checked the spare bedroom that he had set up for Ziva. As soon as he'd gotten back from the hospital, he'd set about getting his house in order. Gibbs stocked his fridge and cabinets with food, bought extra towels, toothpaste, and other basic toiletries for the bathroom, and put his weapons and tools away in a safe place. He'd even cleaned out his fireplace and cleaned up the garden in back. Now that it was all done, he was ready for Ziva and Emma to come stay with him.