AN: We are on the downward slope! The end is on the horizon, but not YET! It's just all saccharine sweet fluffiness from here on out with the occasional tears here and there as we finish up. Song of this chapter is "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys. You can find this one on Youtube for free as well for those who do not have it already in their library of tunes. I'll tell you when to start it :) I'm off and traveling again so I'll do my best to update when I can! Thank you to my great, loyal awesome fans for all the kind words this week and support! Much love to all!- Wild
"Hey," Ziva popped her head over the wall in the Bullpen with a soft smile, "How are you doing?" She asked Liat quietly in Hebrew. It was the last day of her second week back at work and so far, Liat had been pretty quiet.
"Okay." Liat smiled softly looking up briefly from the file in front her. She smiled at Ziva's concern and care more than anything.
In the last week, her new 'big' sister had been taking excellent care of her, knowing exactly what she needed in every way. Ziva would pull back when she knew Liat wanted space, finding other things for she and Tony to do either in the apartment or leaving all together. She'd also push when she knew that Liat really wanted to speak about something but was struggling to find the right words or how to bring it up. And sometimes, she wouldn't say anything at all. Just give her a soft smile from across the room, or a nod, or a hug or a simple squeeze of the hand. And other times, like now, she'd pop her head over the wall dividing their office spaces and just flat out ask her how she was if Liat had been quiet too long. It reminded Liat to re-engage as she'd let her mind wander away too long and Ziva was the tether that pulled her feet back on the ground again.
Her 'welcome back' in the NCIS office was more then she could have ever expected. The moment they'd stepped off the elevator her first morning back, all motion in the Bull Pen had stopped. Everyone's face lit into large smiles with applause and cheers at her return.
Abby had taken the liberty of ordering a cake that said, 'Welcome Home Liat, We Missed You!' She had also taken it upon herself to make Liat's desk more 'permanent' in hopes she would stay and really feel at home. Looking around now, Liat couldn't help but smile seeing the several framed photos of Liat with the 'girls' at various Girls' Nights Out, Game Nights and McGee's Birthday, the day of the spa and Engagement Party. But the image that touched her heart the most, was held inside a silver frame with smiling red skulls and crossbones that was so Abby, and read 'Through Thick and Thin, Sisters 'til the End.' The photo inside was of Ziva kissing Liat's head with a smile at McGee's party in a very big sister sort of way.
McGee had given her a plant figuring she would like that, as Liat was always commenting on Ziva's. Tony had furnished a Little Ninja action figure to set on her desk that he had already been found playing with on more then one occasion, making her laugh with his commentary. Ziva had given her a small Israeli flag, like the one she had on her own desk and a new copy of 'What To Expect When You're Expecting' knowing hers' had been lost. E.J. had given her a Beta Fish in a tiny bowl that they'd all named 'Probie' as Team Gibbs newest mascot.
Life was starting to feel a little more normal with the routine in place and the smiles were more frequent than the tears as the days went on. Ziva and Tony both had stayed with her together at the Ninja Pad, as Tony called Ziva and Liat's apartment, without complaint or even a single word about it knowing that Liat didn't want to be alone right now, still getting used to the idea of life outside captivity.
Liat had spoken with Malachi every work day to report in as the Liaison Officer to Mossad and each night, they would end the work conversation now with a small conversation about what each had done that day and how the baby and Liat were both doing. It was short and quick, but both recognized it was necessary not to simply ignore the unresolved situation between them. Liat was relieved that Malachi was no longer pushing and let her lead the conversations, only commenting on what she offered.
She'd only spoken once to Asa on the phone and the rest of the time, he sent her texts checking in and keeping in touch. There wasn't much that could be said between them until they'd had a chance to talk and Liat wasn't ready for that yet.
"Are you sure you're up for tonight?" Ziva asked concerned lowering her voice a bit, even if they were speaking in Hebrew and no one else around them understood. They were hosting a small birthday party for Tony at their apartment tonight with just their immediate group of family and friends. Liat had been looking forward to it, even helping Ziva with the plans and ideas with a smile and laughter but today, she'd suddenly gone too quiet again after lunch. Her mood had shifted entirely and Ziva thought she had a good idea as to why.
Today over lunch, Ducky had given Liat her first ultrasound she was conscious for since her return. She had no seen her baby since Ducky had performed his last on her before she was abducted. During her examination in London, she had still been unconscious so this was the first time she was seeing her baby girl so vividly before her.
The moment was bittersweet as she lit into a smile seeing her beautiful child on the screen and then hearing Malachi's voice talking to her about following along each day with his own pregnancy book. It was heartbreaking for her to know he cared so much and was not there to share it with her. If only things were different she'd thought and then became lost in another world, thinking about all the things that had happened to them to leave them both where they were, worlds apart.
"I'm up for tonight, Ziva." Liat tried to reassure her with a soft smile, stopping what she was doing and closing the folder before her. "I am looking forward to some fun again."
"Will you please tell me if it gets to be too much? Everyone will understand, Liat." Ziva spoke softly concerned that Liat wouldn't say anything if she did feel overwhelmed, not wanting to spoil the fun for everyone else.
"I will be fine, Ziva. Do not worry." Liat gave her a small smile.
"You did not answer my question." Ziva raised an eyebrow at her, catching the purposeful deflect. "Will you tell me if it gets to be too much?"
"Yes, I will tell you." Liat shook her head with a smile, "You are so bossy sometimes." She raised her own eyebrow with a growing smile at Ziva enjoying the banter again.
"It's the right of every big sister." Ziva returned the smile, happy to see a genuine one on Liat's face and hear the tease in her tone. "I boss, because I care."
"I know, I know." Liat shook her head again with a small laugh, "I will be fine, Ziva. I promise. And if I'm suddenly not, I will let you know."
"Thank you." Ziva nodded sharply trying to hold back her smile. She failed when she saw Ducky stepping off the elevator with a sweetly wrapped package of pink in his hands walking towards them with a smile of his own. "Hello Ducky." She greeted him as he came to stand before Liat's desk.
"Hello Ziva, Liat." He smiled warmly at them both, "I hope I am not intruding on your conversation but I would like to give you something, My Dear." He smiled handing over the beautifully wrapped box.
"Ducky, it's beautiful." Ziva smiled in awe at the beautiful presentation of the box with its wrapping and bows.
"It is." Liat smiled feeling her heart skip a little beat holding it in her hands. She knew it was for the baby given the coloring of the wrapping and the sweet baby rattle in Sterling Silver tied with the ribbon. "Gorgeous, Ducky. Thank you." This was the first gift she'd ever received for the baby and it made her heart flutter with the reality her baby girl would be here sooner then later now.
"Oh, please do not give me credit for the wrapping." Ducky shook his head with a smile, "The wonderful ladies at the department store deserve all the credit." He looked directly into Liat's eyes, "I told them that this gift was for someone very special. Please, go ahead and open it."
Tony, Gibbs, McGee and E.J. had all returned from going over their new case with Vance and caught the small gathering at Liat's desk with everyone wearing smiles to see Liat opening what appeared to be a baby gift.
Liat carefully tore the paper and ribbons away, setting the beautiful rattle aside and cautiously opened the box sifting through the tissue paper. When she lifted the frame from the box, her eyes had instant tears in them to see her baby waving back at her.
"Ducky, it's…so beautiful." She couldn't speak looking at the video clip of her ultrasound in 3D playing on a loop over the small digital screen. The baby was crystal clear perfect down to the tiniest of detail, sucking on the two middle fingers of one hand while opening and closing her fingers on the other as if waving 'hello.' "Thank you."
"I thought it might be nice to see your lovely little baby waving at you throughout, each and every day." Ducky smiled warmly seeing how much the gift had touched Liat's heart with the tears running silently down her cheeks and the raging smile as she stare at the image.
None of the others had seen the ultrasound except Ziva who had gone with her and all of their eyes were widened with awe.
"My mind is officially blown." Tony gasped carefully taking the frame from Liat as she passed it around proudly with a smile, "She's so perfect, Liat! And so…so," He couldn't find the right word to describe his awe over realizing how fully formed and perfect this baby already was at just six months pregnant. That her little personality was already showing through in how she preferred to suck her fingers.
"She's amazing." He finally marveled with excitement in his eyes and flashing to Ziva, so excited for Liat's baby's arrival and their own.
"Beautiful." E.J. smiled widely at her friend taking the photo from Tony and shaking her head in awe looking from the baby and back to Liat again. "She has your nose. So cute." She passed the frame to McGee.
"She's adorable, Liat." McGee smiled while Gibbs looked on over his shoulder.
"Beautiful baby." Gibbs smiled tenderly speaking softly and in awe himself at how detailed the ultrasound image and video had been.
"Have you chosen a name yet?" McGee asked knowing that Liat had been thinking about it the last couple of weeks and many debates were struck up over the meaning of names when Tony had revealed his conversation with Kristoff on the subject.
"Not yet," Liat smiled taking the photo frame back again and smiling as she set it down next to her sisters' frame. "There is one that I keep hearing in my dreams. It is persistent."
"Maybe it's a sign," Tony smiled softly fascinated by this naming process as well with he and Ziva already discussing names for their own daughter.
"Maybe." Liat shrugged softly with a sad smile. She couldn't help but feel a little saddened about deciding on the finality of her child's name without the input of her father. She wasn't sure yet or not at this point that Malachi would be a part of this child's life should she choose not pursue a relationship with him. Her fears at what could happen in the future were still too worrisome.
"And you're still not going to give us any hints about what that name could be?" E.J. asked with another smile, having tried all week to get the name out of Liat.
"Nope." Liat shook her head with a soft smile, enjoying their efforts. "If I tell you, it feels like that is it in my heart. That is who she will become from that moment forward. I want to be sure. The meanings of names, are important." She smiled back at Tony, remembering their first conversation ever and the most recent over the meaning of names.
"Perfectly understandable, My Dear." Ducky smiled leaning over to kiss Liat's cheek. "I'm glad you like the gift." He added quietly, hoping she would stay as well, "We have missed you."
"And I, you." Liat smiled in return. "Will you be joining us this evening?" She asked wondering if he would be coming to Tony's party as well.
"I wouldn't miss it!" Ducky winked at her with a smile, "I will be there promptly at 7:00 P.M. as instructed."
"As will Abby and I." McGee smiled, "She's just finishing up in the lab now."
"I'll be there with the cake at around 6:45," E.J. smiled at both Ziva and Tony, having volunteered to pick up the cake as the bakery was near her place in Georgetown. "Anything else you guys want me to pick up along the way?"
"No, we're good. Thank you." Tony smiled with excitement that everyone was getting together for his birthday. It had been years since he'd had an actual party to celebrate his birthday. They had all vowed that this year, they would take the time to celebrate every member of their 'family's' birthdays in honor of life and all that they'd been through.
"Agent Borin is coming right?" McGee asked with smiling eyes shifting his gaze to Ziva.
"She is." Ziva smiled that their friend was once again joining them for the first time, since their engagement party. "And Fornell." Her gaze shifted over to Gibbs with smile growing.
"He's riding with me," Gibbs smiled seeing the smile in Ziva's eyes that everyone was getting together again for the first time in months and winking at her, sending the silent message that he was taking care of Ziva's surprise as well.
"Mr. Palmer and the lovely Breena will pick up the wine." Ducky smiled.
"I think we're set." McGee smiled sharing another wink with Ziva at having arranged another surprise for Tony with her in secret.
"Good." Ziva smiled, "Then we will see all of you soon." Life was finally starting to feel as though things were getting back to normal.
The car ride home was filled mostly with Tony's enthusiastic singing to Ziva, of "Volare" in his best Dean Martin voice in his excitement at sharing his first ever birthday with her as a couple.
Liat couldn't help but smile in the backseat looking out the window at hearing his voice and his overt gestures towards Ziva in the passenger seat as he spoke in Italian trying to impress her with his dramatic eyes and blinking.
Ziva kept giggling and shaking her head that he was acting like he was already drunk to which Tony replied, "Drunk in love!" lifting and kissing her hand.
All three, stopped short when they'd stepped off the elevator to the Ninja Pad seeing the two guards posted outside of their apartment door.
Ziva gasped with a hopeful smile when one guard turned his head their way and smiled. "Cody!" She had to stop herself from running down the hall with heart already starting to pound, "Is she here?" She felt badly in an instant for not saying hello to the man but he just chuckled softly with a soft head nod.
Liat had no idea who the man was having not seen him before though Ziva and Tony both seemed to know him and were smiling.
"She is, ma'am. Lady Julia is waiting for you inside with Jack." Cody answered with his cute country drawl and a slight tip of his head.
Liat's eyes widened and heart began to beat a bit faster realizing who was on the other side of the door. The 'angel in black leather' who had saved her life and whom she last saw levitating off her hospital bed.
"And she's okay?" Ziva asked nearly bouncing with excitement at seeing Julia alive and conscious once more.
"More beautiful and perfect than ever, ma'am." He answered quietly with his cheeks flushing slightly, clearly taken by his boss.
"Thank you!" Ziva squeezed his hand with a large smile as he opened the door and stepped back.
When they walked into the apartment, their eyes landed on Jack first, sitting on the couch holding a beer in his hand and smiling at them. He nodded immediately towards the open balcony doors with the curtains fluttering in the soft July breeze, knowing exactly who their anxious eyes were looking for. Julia.
Ziva smiled more widely and quickly raced forward the few steps to turn and look out onto her balcony with Tony and Liat right beside her.
*Girl on Fire (repeat)
Julia's back was to them as she looked down over the city with the sun setting on the horizon; casting the city in the background into a magical wonderland of warm colors. Her hair was down and still golden with beautiful loose curls and Ziva could have sworn that it was at least another six inches longer then the last time she'd seen it down just three weeks ago before their mission. She was wearing a short white summer dress that was as playful, as it was elegant fitting her perfect form and stopping just below the knee. Her sun-kissed tan skin also seemed to be shimmering golden in the light and as she turned around to face them, her smile grew and lit her golden eyes once more. A sight so beautiful, it brought Ziva to tears having watched the light fade in those beautiful golden eyes as she held Julia in her arms the morning she died on their mission.
To see them open once more and full of bright and sparkling life was too much for Ziva and she lunged forward without warning and encased Julia into a tight hug, holding on for dear life.
"You're okay." Ziva breathed with a smile through her tears with relief over Julia's shoulder and felt the full body tingle of having this kind of contact with Julia for the first time, with so much of her own skin touching Julia's and feeling the constant currant she gave off.
"I'm okay." Juila returned the hug, holding on more tightly herself when she felt Ziva's relief at seeing her alive once more. She was smiling over Ziva's shoulder at Liat, Tony and Jack who had come to stand beside Tony with a wide smile of his own.
"You look incredible!" Ziva finally let go and stepped back, looking Julia up and down and finding her more radiant and flawless then ever.
Tony was thinking much the same thing. Julia looked even more breathtaking then usual as she smiled at Ziva. The Phoenix rising from the ashes had fit the folklore perfectly. Julia seemed to have come out of it even more beautiful then before, if such a thing were possible. Everything about her was more youthful and glowing then he'd remembered.
"Thank you." Julia acknowledged Ziva's compliment with a soft smile, "You are looking incredibly radiant yourself, Ziva!" She smiled more widely cupping Ziva's face and looking her up and down, taking note of the now visible baby bump that was ever so slowly growing. "Pregnancy suits you."
"I agree." Tony smiled softly with eyes flashing from Ziva's beautiful pregnant form to Julia's and holding fast. His nerves were suddenly on fire in her presence thinking about what he could ever say to the woman who had saved his life and nearly lost her own in the process, all because he wouldn't listen and stay where she put him. Julia, to her credit, just smiled softly at him with a twinkle in her eye agreeing with his statement about Ziva.
"And you," Julia began taking a step forward towards Liat. "My Dear, are absolutely glowing and beautiful."
Liat was frozen in her place and unmoving looking at the woman now standing in heels and a dress before her, the last time she saw this woman, she was floating and her brain was still trying to work out that connection that this, was in fact real.
"How are you feeling?" Julia asked seeing Liat was still too stunned to speak.
"Good." Liat finally found her voice speaking softly. "I'm sorry…it's just." She didn't know what to say about her lack of words and the fact she couldn't stop staring at Julia or the rolling pools of gold flickering through her dark eyes. "You are my angel..." And this time, Julia really looked the part of an angel in her eyes. Wearing white, gorgeous and seemingly glowing with a radiant smile and glittering eyes.
"Though not in black leather this time." Julia smiled at Liat and winked with a soft laugh, remembering what Liat had said of her the night of the rescue. She reached up and once again cupped Liat's cheek as she had that night. "I am so pleased to see you, Liat. I look forward to getting to know you."
Liat gasped softly to feel Julia's touch again and the memories of that night, feeling the radiating warmth and electric pulse of this woman's touch, then and now, were fused together as reality. Liat didn't understand how, but she knew that memory was real now as was this woman.
"Thank you…for saving me." Liat felt the tears welling in her eyes with appreciation for the woman who had severed her chains.
"It was a team effort." Julia graciously smiled looking at both Ziva and Tony, reaching for Liat's hand and squeezing it gently. "You have so many people who love you, Liat. They all fought hard to find you and bring you home. I was merely one part of a collective effort." She shifted the attention away from her and back onto Liat and happier subjects, "The baby is growing!" She marveled at Liat's increasing size in just the last three weeks since Julia had seen her. "I can't believe how quickly it is going. It won't be long now and she will be here."
"Not long at all." Liat smiled softly feeling more at ease in this woman's presence and running her hand over her expanding belly.
"May I?" Julia asked with hand hovering over Liat's belly with a smile.
Liat's eyes caught Ziva's smile and small nod that it was okay and nodded herself for Julia to lay her hands on her baby belly. The warmth and tingling instantly radiated around her abdomen from beneath Julia's palms.
"She's very content. Very happy." Julia smiled looking into Liat's eyes, "And she loves sucking on those fingers." She laughed softly and saw Liat's eyes widen that Julia knew that detail. "It is a good name you have chosen for her, Liat." She added softly with a smile, "It has great meaning and will serve her well in the future."
"You know the name?" Liat asked quietly in disbelief and awe, having heard all the stories about Julia's abilities but still stunned that they were true in seeing it for herself.
"I do." Julia smiled softly, "And why you've chosen it. It is a good name, Liat. Do not be afraid to claim it for her. It is what suits her given the circumstances of her creation and her life. You are dreaming this name for a reason."
Liat swallowed hard with tears in her eyes staring into Julia's smiling eyes and feeling her touch as she lifted her chin gently with her fingers and then held both of her wrists with the same gentleness in her own hands. She heard Julia's voice for the first time inside her head saying, 'Do not be afraid. This baby is the beginning of everything new and good in your life. You are a great mother and she already loves you.' Liat gasped softly as the tears finally slid from her eyes when Julia had finished speaking and let her hand slowly fall away.
"Okay," Liat answered her verbally with a soft head nod.
"Are you going to tell us now?" Tony asked with a hopeful small smile, "It'd be a great birthday present to Uncle Tony to hear my beautiful niece's name for the first time!"
Liat sniffled back her tears with a soft smile at Tony and shook her head at his persistence. "Eden." She smiled swallowing hard with the emotion she was choking back and saw them all smile. "After the Garden of Eden. From where all things start in a new beginning." Her mind was flashing back to the first day she offered comfort to Ziva in a bittersweet moment now looking back.
Ziva had been poisoned with a flower from The Garden of Eden, but it was because of that day, that moment, that Malachi had ordered Liat to never leave Ziva's side. The two became inseparable with Liat protecting Ziva and Ziva prompting Liat to take action with Malachi about her feelings. She listened and told Malachi how she felt for him, that she loved him and in turn, led to their night of making love that had created the child she carried now, a child, who represented a new beginning for Liat in so many ways now. Her blessing that had kept her focused and saved her life during her captivity and gave her hope for the future. And it all started with that flower from the Garden of Eden. Illan had intended to use it for harm but, instead, it brought them all together and in doing so, they were able to defeat him. One domino in a sequence of many that led them to this very moment.
"Eden Ziva," Liat smiled softly feeling a twinge of nerves as she glanced softly towards Ziva who was looking at her with widening eyes of astonishment, "She will carry her 'little old lady' name proudly." She smiled more widely seeing the new tears in Ziva's eyes and both of them remembering Liat's original tease. "Because she will know how very special her Aunt Ziva is to me."
Ziva didn't know what to say or even how to breathe listening to Liat and feeling overwhelmed with love and awe in the moment. She turned rapidly and engulfed Liat into her arms, holding on tightly and both crying happy tears while the others looked on with smiles on their faces as well.
"Eden Ziva Ben-Gideon." Tony tried it out with a smile when they pulled apart and saw both women's eyes flash to his in an instant. Liat's were wide with surprise and a hint of fear while Ziva's eyes were wide with a hint of 'how could you!'
"Or maybe not." Tony tried to correct himself realizing that mistake. Liat hadn't yet decided what role Malachi was going to play in her child's life or if he'd be included at all. "Eden Tuvia also has a nice ring to it." He tried to recover with a soft smile but it fell flat with both Liat and Ziva.
"I must speak with Malachi about all of this." Liat answered quietly shifting nervously on her feet.
"And in time, you shall." Tony tried again and Ziva just shook her head 'no,' giving him that 'look' that said 'be quiet now, you're making it worse.' The one he'd spoken about weeks ago with former President William Thorne and wished he'd remembered it just now.
"Actually," Julia began softly, "He will be here later tonight." She announced surprising them all, "I asked him to come to Washington this weekend so we could discuss the future of his position at Mossad, and yours within The Council, Ziva. A decision must be made." She reached for Ziva's hand, "But not tonight." She smiled softly, "Tonight, you have your party and you should enjoy it. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I was in town. See you all again and to tell Tony," Her eyes flashed to his with a soft smile speaking slowly, "Happy Birthday."
"Thank you." Tony nodded softly with a slight smile feeling like a shrinking violet in Julia's presence now, unsure of her thoughts on him after what had happened.
"We should be going," Julia smiled over to Jack extending her arm and hand towards him, "Your' company will arrive soon."
"You aren't staying for the party?" Ziva asked immediately with knit brows and reached instinctively towards Julia's free hand holding on, not wanting to let her go just yet after seeing her alive once more.
"We have dinner reservations at Siroc," Julia smiled softly with loving eyes over to Jack, "It's the first time we've been out since my awakening, alone." She laughed softly, "My mother and Kelsi volunteered to take the children for the evening while we're all in town."
Liat was still stunned hearing Julia speaking of 'her mother' and knowing that was Secretary of State Katherine Thorne.
"Oh," Ziva couldn't help but smile and whine slightly with her tone, in understanding but also wanting her way, "Please stay and join us? I know the others are anxious to see you again and meet you for those who haven't."
"Please?" Tony asked quietly not wanting them to leave either, having so much more to say to Julia and needing more time to 'think' about what that would be before speaking. "I would love for you to join us for my birthday celebration. After all, I would not be here today to celebrate, without you, Julia."
The sincerity in his voice was touching for all and Julia took a deep breath with a smile, glancing over at Jack and having a silent conversation. Jack leaned in and kissed her cheek with a smile and Julia turned back to face them.
"We'd love to stay then." Julia answered with a softy smile, "Thank you for inviting us."
"Thank you!" Ziva hugged her again.
Julia laughed softly at the outpouring of physical affection from Ziva and need for contact. She understood it all too well, the need for a physical connection with someone after believing they were gone forever and fearing losing them again if you let go.
"Liat, I would like to formally introduce you to my husband, Jack." Julia smiled wrapping her arm around his waist while Jack extended his hand with a smile to Liat, "Jack, this is the beautiful Liat."
Liat was stunned really looking at the man now before her in detail for the first time. His height and muscle tone were immediately noticeable in his perfectly tailored suit, but it was his gorgeous face, eyes and incredible smile that were enough to steal the words right from her mouth as the looked at her. It only seemed fitting that man this gorgeous would be married to the stunningly beautiful woman on his arm. He looked like an exotic god and Julia his angel goddess.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Liat." Jack smiled softly holding gently to Liat's tiny hand in his much larger one and kissed her cheek.
"Likewise, Jack." Liat smiled softly remembering to breathe when he pulled away. Her pregnancy hormones had been in over drive lately and the sexual ooze that was dripping off this man caused a stir of feelings in her she hadn't felt in quite some time. The feelings of desire and it surprised her to feel this way again after what she had been through. An instant thought of Malachi's kiss from her hospital bed flashed through her mind followed quickly by 'the Cigarette Man' and she quickly pushed them all way.
"I'm very sorry, but we must get ready!" Ziva looked at the time and realized that their first guests would be arriving soon and they hadn't showered or changed yet. "Would you mind terribly waiting out here while we do that?"
"Ziva, of course not." Julia smiled shaking her head, "We've already made ourselves at home in case you haven't noticed." She teased nodding towards the beer in Jack's hand and her own glass of wine sitting on the coffee table. "I didn't think you'd mind the intrusion."
"Are you kidding?" Ziva smiled squeezing Julia's hand again, "We don't mind at all. It's the least we can do considering all that you have done for us."
"Please, get ready." Julia answered her quietly with a soft smile. "Jack and I will be just fine by ourselves while we wait." Her eyes twinkled with a slightly heated gaze and smiled as she bit her lip looking over at Jack.
Everyone else clearly saw the spark between them and felt the heat and couldn't help but smile to see Julia so happy again and letting her guard down a little more around them. Seeing the look passing between Julia and Jack in this moment, it was also very clear, that she really did love this man and they had a passion that was all their own.
"Oh-kay then." Ziva exaggerated the word with a big smile seeing that Julia and Jack were still gazing into each other's eyes as if they were alone in the room. "We will go get ready." She shooed Tony into the direction of their bedroom while Liat smiled softly and stepped in line behind them.
Glancing back, all three watched as Julia turned fully and Jack stepped closer to her, wrapping his arms around her slowly and leaning down to kiss her. The fiery glow of the sun setting behind them through the balcony doors seemed all the more fitting for The Phoenix. Each had a smile on their face as they walked away, feeling once again, that finally things were going right in their world. Julia was back and looking more radiant and beautiful then ever and most importantly, alive.
Tony glanced back one more time to see that Julia and Jack were still standing pressed together, still gazing into each others' eyes with silence and a smile between them. He vowed again, in his quiet repeating mantra to never waste the good and take nothing for granted.d
It was only when Liat was washing her body in the shower that she first noticed running the sponge over her skin that something was different. She blinked hard a few times, running the sponge back and forth and then let it drop to the tiles as the hot water ran over her body. Her fingers began shaking when she reached out hesitantly to touch the skin on her wrists. The angry pink scars that had once wrapped around her wrists from her repeated attempts to free herself from bondage were now completely gone. Not a trace of them lingered.
She remembered what Ziva had said and shown to her about Julia's abilities to remove and heal her scars and her mind flashed to Julia's promise that night in the cell to 'take care of those later' with a soft head nod towards the deep cuts on Liat's wrists after freeing her from her chains. It flashed forward once more to just minutes ago when Julia had taken hold of her wrists into her own hands and spoke to Liat in her mind, telling her not to be afraid and that her baby was just the new beginning in life. She realized then, that was when Julia had healed her of this painful reminder of her time in captivity and Liat cried.
When she finally stepped out of the shower, wrapped only in a towel and with hair soaking wet, she knocked on Ziva's bathroom door and found her wearing only a towel as well and still dripping wet from her own shower and Tony standing at the sink brushing his teeth wearing a towel around his waist.
"Look." She spoke with tears still running silently down her cheeks as she held her wrists out for Ziva to see, "She healed them, Ziva."
Ziva could only smile as gingerly turned Liat's wrists over to look at the perfect skin once more and Tony came to stand behind her, looking as well.
"She is a miracle." Liat gasped quietly shaking her head in awe.
"She is." Ziva smiled softly and leaned forward, cupping Liat's neck gently in her hands and placed a sweet kiss to her sister's forehead. "And so are you." She smiled, thankful every day for Liat coming into her life.
"Do you think, she would take away my scar here," Liat laid her fingers gently over her pelvic bone on her right side where the Cigarette man used to leave his mark, "Like she did for you?"
"I'm sure she would if you asked her." Ziva responded quietly swallowing the lump in her throat, knowing that of all the scars on her body, it was the one to bother Liat the most, just as it had for Ziva.
"Now?" Liat asked excited over the prospect of getting rid of that burn scar as quickly as possible.
"We can ask." Ziva smiled cupping Liat's face, taking a deep breath and trying to reassure her seeing the excitement in Liat's beautiful eyes at the prospect.
"I will go get her." Tony smiled softly kissing both of their heads and strolling past.
"Perhaps, you should put some pants on first, My Little Furry Bear." Ziva winked at him with a softy chuckle seeing Tony walking across the bedroom in only his towel and speaking in her faux French accent again from that mission long ago. Something that had become a loving joke between the two of them.
"Sure thing, Sweetcheeks." Tony winked at Ziva with a raging smile, always appreciating the view of her wearing nothing but a fluffy white bath towel, with hair slicked back and soaking wet. Life with Ziva was going to be beautiful, he thought and instantly started humming his favorite Dean Martin song again of 'Ain't That A Kick In the Head' to go along with his thoughts.
When Tony stepped out of the hallway into the living room once more his eyes went considerably wide to see Julia sitting on Jack's lap on the chair with her sexy legs crossed and clicking her heel on and off one foot while Jack's hand climbed high on her thigh whilst kissing her neck in little kisses and whispering something into her ear.
Jack's mouth placed one last heated kiss to Julia's neck right over the throbbing pulse point that was hard to ignore in her neck and Tony heard the small gasp leave her body with the contact from Jack's tongue. Tony failed to inhale his own breath correctly with the sight and sound and started choking on the air around him.
His outburst immediately caught both Julia and Jack's attention, though neither was in too much of a hurry to suddenly stop the contact. Instead they only smiled amused at Tony watching him cough.
"Everything all right, Tony?" Julia asked with a coy smile seeing the man before her turning beat red while smiling at them even as he continued to sputter out coughs.
"Perfect." Tony smiled with tears in his eyes from the coughing and amused they were perfectly content to remain exactly as they were before him. "Liat asked if she may see you for a minute. Please?" He asked nicely eyeing her stand and seeing Jack's eyes roam her body while she did. Taking away their evening alone may have been a bad idea on second thought now, watching the fiery passion between the two in even the smallest of glances.
Julia winked at Tony on her way by and Tony felt his heart drop with her smile. It was the first 'real' smile she had given him since meeting him on the ranch and in it Tony saw his redemption and possibly forgiveness for nearly ending her life for good.
When she stepped into the bedroom, Julia found both women sitting on the edge of the bed, still wet and in their towels, holding each other's hands.
"Tony said that you wished to speak with me?" Julia asked with a soft smile coming to stand before them as they stood.
"Thank you," Liat stated immediately with shaking voice and new tears in her eyes, "for my wrists." She fingered them gently, "Thank you."
"You are most welcome, Liat." Julia spoke quietly with a soft smile, "I promised I would take care of those later that evening. I just didn't know at the time, it would take this long to fulfill that promise. I am sorry it wasn't sooner."
"No, please." Liat shook her head thinking about why it was that Julia had not been able to heal her right away. She was busy trying to heal herself, "Thank you."
Julia nodded softly at her, accepting the thanks. "Would you like me to heal the others?" She asked quietly having a good idea already what Liat was thinking and wishing to ask but afraid to.
"Yes, please." Liat answered with a soft head nod.
"Okay." Julia answered with a small smile, "It won't take long. If you wrap your towel around your hips. I will take care of that burn mark first. I know it is the one that bothers you most." Her eyes flashed to Ziva remembering hers' as well and to the moment when Ziva had killed the man responsible by shooting him between the eyes.
Liat did as instructed, standing mostly naked before this woman and Ziva with the exception of the towel and took a deep breath. Julia lay her hand over the burn scar, smiling at Liat with her eyes burning bright and in just a few moments, pulled it back to reveal the scar was completely gone.
Ziva was astounded by how quickly Julia had done it. "That was incredibly fast." She marveled having not seen that before when Julia had healed her own.
"I have an increase in energy levels and abilities. I can do everything more quickly now it seems and with greater intensity." Julia answered quietly with a shy smile, brushing her fingers over Liat's cheek looking into her eyes, "This one won't take but a moment." She glanced at the tiny pink scar on Liat's cheek from where it had been split open getting punched. Her palm once again lay over Liat's skin and in the next moment, she pulled it away and it was gone.
Before either Ziva or Liat could speak, Julia had knelt, running her hand down Liat's calf and wrapping her hands around each ankle to relieve her of those shackle scars as well.
"Amazing. You are a miracle, Julia." Ziva shook her head softly looking at the woman before her, "Thank you." She added quietly.
"My pleasure." Julia nodded softly with a faint smile. "Anything else while I'm here?" She asked with a raised eyebrow, wondering if Ziva had made up her mind about her own lingering scars yet or not and then back to Liat. "Any other scars or injuries you would rather not have?"
"Not yet." Ziva swallowed hard looking intently into Julia's fiery golden and dark eyes, "I'm still…thinking about it." She was still mulling over the idea of getting rid of the rest of her torture scars that had become such a part of her now, she wondered what it would be like without them.
"Okay. Take your time. My offer still stands." Julia smiled.
"Maybe, before my wedding day… I will change my mind." Ziva answered shifting nervously with a sigh.
Julia nodded softly with a growing smile in understanding and then turned it into a teasing grin trying to lighten the mood, "So when is this wedding, Ziva?"