They arrived at the house, and as they stepped out of the cab, Ziva caught Tony's eye. The connection between them felt stronger than ever, a silent agreement hanging in the air as they walked up to the front door together.
As they stepped inside, the quiet of the house enveloped them. The warm glow of the kitchen light cast a soft illumination on their faces as they wandered in, still buzzing from the excitement of the wedding. Tony reached for two glasses and filled them with water, the cool liquid refreshing after a long night of celebration.
Ziva leaned against the countertop, watching him with a small smile. "So, what now?" she asked, taking a sip from her glass. The water felt revitalizing, but her mind was elsewhere.
Tony leaned against the opposite counter, his gaze steady on her. "I think we should keep exploring whatever we started tonight," he said, his voice low and earnest. "I mean, it feels… different now, doesn't it?"
Ziva nodded, her heart racing at the thought. "It does. But what are we going to tell Gibbs?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "He will notice something has changed, even if we keep it out of the office."
Tony chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "We should definitely keep it to ourselves for a little while," he suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I can't imagine what he would say if he found out too soon. He'd probably launch into a speech about professionalism or something."
Ziva smirked at the thought, but her expression turned thoughtful again. "But I don't want to hide it forever, Tony. I don't want to sneak around like we're doing something wrong."
He took a step closer, his voice softening. "I get that. But maybe just until we figure things out. You know how Gibbs is; he'll catch on if we're not careful. But if you feel it's time to tell him, then you should. You're his favorite, after all."
"Favorite, huh?" Ziva raised an eyebrow, a playful smile creeping onto her lips. "I'm sure he'll appreciate hearing that from you."
"Seriously, though," Tony continued, his tone turning sincere. "Gibbs respects you. If you tell him when we feel ready, I'm sure he'll understand. He's not one to judge."
Ziva took another sip of water, contemplating his words. "Alright, then. I can do that," she said, feeling a sense of resolve. "But only when we are ready."
"Sounds like a plan," Tony said, returning her smile. "And no matter what happens, we'll figure it out together."
As they stood there, a newfound sense of partnership blossoming between them, the unspoken promise hung in the air. They both knew this was just the beginning, and whatever challenges lay ahead, they were ready to face them together.
Tony placed their empty glasses in the sink, feeling a surge of warmth wash over him as he turned back to Ziva. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. Her body fit perfectly against his, and he relished the moment, inhaling the faint scent of her hair.
He kissed the top of her head gently, a soft gesture filled with unspoken affection. As he pulled back slightly to look at her face, he noticed the soft glow in her eyes, a mixture of happiness and something deeper.
"Let's dance," he murmured, a teasing smile spreading across his face. "Even if there's no music, I think we can create our own."
Ziva chuckled softly, swaying slightly in his embrace. "You really think you can dance to nothing?" she replied, a playful challenge in her tone.
"Hey, I'm Tony DiNozzo. I can dance to anything," he quipped, starting to sway gently with her as if they were in the middle of a crowded dance floor.
Ziva laughed, allowing herself to relax in his arms. Together, they moved in a slow, almost mesmerizing rhythm, lost in their own world. It felt like they were in perfect synchronization, stepping and turning in tune with an invisible melody.
As they swayed, the silence enveloped them, but it was a comfortable silence—one that spoke volumes. They exchanged soft smiles, their eyes locked on each other, every unspoken word lingering in the space between them.
Tony brushed his fingers along her back, guiding her gently as they continued to sway. "This feels nice," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ziva nodded, her heart swelling with a mix of joy and contentment. "It does," she agreed, letting herself be fully present in the moment.
For a few more minutes, they danced in the quiet, two souls coming together in a dance of their own making. In that serene space, surrounded by memories of the evening, they both understood that whatever lay ahead, they would face it as partners now and always.
After a few moments of playful dancing in the kitchen, Tony and Ziva shared a comfortable silence, the air thick with unspoken feelings.
"Let's head upstairs," Ziva said, breaking the stillness.
Tony nodded, following her lead as they made their way to the stairs. The familiar sound of their footsteps echoed softly in the hallway, and an electric tension hung in the air between them.
Once upstairs, Ziva slipped into the bathroom to freshen up while Tony entered the bedroom. He was only in his boxers as he always slept like that and Ziva was comfortable with it. He directly headed to the bed and laid down under the cowers waiting for Ziva to walk out of the bathroom.
Tony lay sprawled on the bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over the room. As he heard the bathroom door open, he turned his head, a grin instantly spreading across his face.
Ziva emerged, her hair piled high in a messy bun, the light from the bathroom creating a halo around her. She wore the same shorts from the night before, but her top was different—one of his shirts, its fabric slightly oversized on her. The sight made his heart skip a beat.
"Nice shirt," he teased, his voice playful. "Looks way better on you than it does on me."
Ziva rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile creeping onto her face. "Well, it's comfortable," she replied, slipping into bed on the opposite side. She slid under the covers, turning to face him, their eyes locking.
"Comfortable, huh?" Tony mused, propping himself up on one elbow, his gaze playful. "I guess that means you'll be borrowing my clothes more often. I might have to start charging you rent."
"Rent?" she chuckled softly. "I thought we were partners. Isn't sharing part of the deal?"
"Sharing, yes, but I didn't think it included my wardrobe," he shot back, unable to suppress his grin. "But I guess I can make an exception for my favorite partner."
Ziva raised an eyebrow, amused. "Your favorite partner? What happened to all those other agents you always talk about?"
"Come on, you know they don't stand a chance," he said, playfully dismissive. "You're the best, Ziva."
Their eyes held, the playful banter fading as a comfortable silence enveloped them. Ziva could feel the warmth radiating from Tony, and it felt right to be close to him. She let out a soft sigh, the kind that spoke of contentment mixed with something deeper.
Ziva smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. As they lay there, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble, safe and content in the company of one another.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Ziva leaned in closer to Tony, her heart racing just a little. She could feel the warmth radiating from him, the scent of his cologne mixed with the lingering smell of their evening.
Tony looked down at her, his gaze softening. "Goodnight, Ziva," he whispered, brushing a thumb across her cheek.
"Goodnight, Tony," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
In an instinctive movement, Ziva tilted her head up, and Tony met her halfway, their lips brushing together in a tender kiss. It was a sweet, lingering moment, filled with all the promises unspoken between them. When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested together, both savoring the connection they had forged that night.
Ziva settled back, her head finding its place against Tony's chest. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. The rhythmic sound of his heartbeat was soothing, lulling her into a sense of safety and warmth.
"Sleep well, Ziva," he murmured, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"You too," she replied, closing her eyes as she melted into his embrace.
As they drifted off to sleep, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble of comfort and newfound understanding.
In the stillness of the night, Tony stirred awake, a soft sound pulling him from the depths of sleep. As he blinked against the dim light, he realized it was Ziva's gentle snoring. A smile spread across his face, and he couldn't help but stroke her hair, letting his fingers glide through the soft strands.
"My drunken sailor with emphysema," he whispered playfully, a fondness in his voice. Ziva stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent but continuing to snore softly, oblivious to the world around her.
Tony chuckled quietly, shaking his head in amusement before drifting back into slumber, content with the warmth of her body next to his and the quiet of the night wrapping around them.
As the morning light crept into the room, Ziva stirred awake first, her gaze landing on Tony. A soft smile spread across her face as she admired him, feeling a warmth in her heart. She reached out, caressing his cheek gently, leaning in closer.
"Tony," she whispered, her voice soft but urging, "wake up."
He mumbled something unintelligible, still lost in the depths of sleep.
Ziva chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. "Wake up, my little hairy butt." With that, she stroked her fingers through his tousled hair, trying to coax him into consciousness.
Tony, unwilling to leave the comfort of his pillow, buried his face deeper into it, muffling his protests. Ziva leaned in closer, her lips trailing soft kisses from his cheek to his mouth. As she reached his lips, he finally responded, kissing her back gently.
"Good morning," she said, a bright smile on her face as she pulled away, feeling the warmth of the moment linger in the air.
With a little bounce in her step, she got up and headed to the bathroom.
"Hey," Tony called after her, his voice still groggy. "Where are you going? I need that good morning kiss!"
"After you brush your teeth, Tony," Ziva replied, closing the bathroom door behind her with a soft laugh.
After a few moments in the bathroom, Ziva opened the door slightly, peeking out with a playful smile. "You can come in," she said, motioning for Tony to join her.
He walked in, brushing his teeth quickly while Ziva rinsed her face. Once he finished, he turned to her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Can I get that kiss now?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
Ziva grinned, feeling his warmth envelop her. She turned in his embrace, their bodies touching. "You were very insistent about that kiss, weren't you?" she teased back.
"Just a little," Tony replied, leaning in closer.
Finally, she closed the gap between them, pressing her lips against his. It was a sweet, lingering kiss, one that seemed to erase the last remnants of sleep from both of them. When they pulled apart, both wore smiles that mirrored the warmth in their hearts.
"Now that's how you start a morning," Tony said, his eyes twinkling.
Ziva chuckled softly, the sound filling the small bathroom. "I'll take that as a compliment."
After breakfast, Ziva was busy packing their things while Tony drove his father and his new wife to the airport for their honeymoon. The car was filled with light chatter and laughter, but Tony's mind was partially elsewhere, thinking about how much had changed in such a short time.
Once they arrived at the airport, Tony helped his dad and his wife with their luggage. As they walked toward the entrance, Tony paused and called out to his father, who had just taken a few steps ahead.
"Hey, Dad!" he shouted, making Senior turn back with a curious expression.
"Yeah, Tony?" Senior replied, a hint of amusement on his face.
"I just wanted to say thank you for everything. For the invite… for including Ziva. It really meant a lot to me," Tony said, his voice sincere.
Senior smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You know I'm glad to see you happy, son. Ziva's good for you. Don't let her get away."
Tony chuckled, a bit bashful. "I'll do my best. Have a great honeymoon, and don't forget to send me pictures!"
With a final wave, Tony watched as his father and his wife headed into the terminal, the weight of his gratitude lingering in the air. He turned back to the car, feeling a sense of warmth in his heart. Everything was shifting, and he was ready for the changes ahead.
After Tony returned to the house from dropping off his father and his new wife at the airport, he quickly loaded their luggage into the trunk of the car before sliding into the driver's seat. Ziva was already waiting for him, a smile breaking across her face as he joined her.
"Hey," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Hey, ready to head back?" he replied, starting the engine.
The drive back to D.C. was filled with comfortable conversation, their voices mingling with the soft music playing on the radio. They reminisced about the wedding, laughing about Tony's best man speech and how much fun they had dancing together.
Once they arrived at Ziva's apartment, Tony followed her upstairs, their fingers intertwined. The familiar scent of her home welcomed them as Ziva flung open the door. They settled onto the couch, ordering dinner from a nearby restaurant.
While they waited for their food, they chose a movie to watch, the kind of lighthearted flick that allowed them to relax together after the whirlwind of the wedding weekend. They shared their meals, exchanging playful banter and glances that lingered just a moment too long.
As the credits rolled, Tony turned to Ziva, his expression softening. "I had a great time this weekend," he said quietly. "You looked amazing."
"Thanks, Tony," she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It was… perfect."
He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. It was a promise of everything that was still to come. When they finally pulled away, Tony knew it was time to go.
"Guess I should head home," he said reluctantly, standing up and grabbing his jacket.
Ziva nodded, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Yeah, we both have to work tomorrow. I wish you could stay longer."
"I know," he said, giving her a playful nudge. "But I didn't bring any work clothes with me. I'll see you at the office, right?"
"Of course," she replied, smiling softly.
With one last kiss, Tony left her apartment, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. As he drove home, he thought about the future—about what it would mean for them to explore whatever was brewing between them.
It was the beginning of something new, and he couldn't wait to see where it would lead.
As Tony drove home, the city lights blurred past him, and he couldn't help but reflect on the whirlwind weekend he'd just experienced. It had all begun with the wedding—his father, Anthony DiNozzo Sr., finally tying the knot again. It was a peculiar mix of emotions watching his dad say "I do" to someone younger than him, but it had been a day filled with laughter and surprises, especially having Ziva by his side.
From the moment he saw her in that stunning dress, his heart had raced. She had looked beautiful, with her hair cascading in soft curls and that confident smile that could light up any room. The way they'd danced together, lost in their own world amidst the crowd, felt electric. Every moment they spent on the dance floor had been a perfect blend of fun and intimacy—how their bodies moved in sync, as if they were magnets drawn together, made him feel alive in a way he hadn't in a long time.
The speech he had given as the best man had been nerve-wracking but rewarding. He'd poured his heart into those words, and hearing Ziva's compliment afterwards had been the cherry on top. It was a good feeling, knowing she was proud of him. And yet, a small part of him still wrestled with what he wanted from their relationship. There was an unspoken tension, a chemistry that simmered just below the surface, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something much deeper.
When they had stepped outside to the garden, the fairy lights twinkling like stars overhead, he had felt a shift in the air. Ziva's playful teasing had drawn him in, and before he knew it, they were kissing—really kissing. The kind of kiss that made everything else fade away, and he could only think of her. It was as if they had crossed an invisible line, one that had kept them at bay for so long, and now, finally, they had stepped over it together.
He smiled to himself, remembering how she had playfully said she'd remind him of the kiss later. That thought alone sent warmth flooding through him. As he drove, he replayed the moment in his mind, the way her hair had felt beneath his fingers, how her lips had tasted, and the soft caress of her breath against his skin.
But there was still a sense of hesitation lingering in the back of his mind. Tomorrow they'd be back at work, and he wondered how things would change between them—or if they would change at all. He wanted to explore this new territory, but he couldn't ignore the complications that came with it. Would Gibbs notice? Would they be able to keep it under wraps?
"Get it together, DiNozzo," he muttered to himself, gripping the steering wheel. He had never been one to shy away from risks, especially not when it came to matters of the heart. Maybe it was time to stop being a coward and just embrace whatever was blossoming between him and Ziva.
As he pulled into his driveway, Tony felt a surge of determination. He was ready to confront whatever came next, whether it was laughter, teasing, or the serious conversations that had been avoided for far too long. One thing was for sure: he wasn't about to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
He smiled, looking forward to seeing her again. The weekend had been more than just a wedding; it had been a turning point. And he was ready to see where it would lead.
Ziva stood in her apartment, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light across the room. After the whirlwind weekend at Tony's father's wedding, the silence felt almost foreign. She moved through her space, her mind replaying the events of the past couple of days like a favorite film.
She made her way to the bedroom, the echoes of laughter and music still ringing in her ears. The memory of dancing with Tony, feeling the warmth of his hand on her waist, sent a shiver down her spine. They had shared so many moments—intimate, electric moments that had shifted something deep within her. The kiss under the weeping willow still lingered on her lips, a sweet reminder of how close they had come.
As she began to get ready for bed, Ziva's thoughts turned inward. The comfortable routine of her evening rituals was a welcome distraction, but even as she brushed her teeth and washed her face, she couldn't shake the weight of her past. The shadows of Somalia loomed large in her mind, a dark cloud that followed her, whispering insecurities that she fought to silence.
Could she really let Tony in? Let him see the parts of her that she had kept hidden? The idea of sharing her past felt daunting, especially with someone who had just witnessed her more vulnerable side. Ziva had spent years building walls to protect herself, yet with Tony, those walls felt like they were slowly crumbling.
In the quiet of her apartment, she considered the leap they had taken together. The kiss, the shared laughter, the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the room—it all felt so new and terrifying. She had avoided entanglements for so long, fearing the potential for hurt. But with Tony, it felt different. It felt… right.
After changing into comfortable pajamas, Ziva climbed into bed, the sheets cool against her skin. She turned off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness, but her mind was still alive with thoughts.
She wondered how Tony was feeling. Had he made it home yet? Did he share her excitement? Or was he filled with doubt like she was? She hoped that he could see past her scars, that he could understand that she wasn't perfect but was willing to try.
As she settled into her pillow, Ziva closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh. She knew that tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for tonight, she allowed herself to dream of what could be of dancing with Tony again, of more stolen kisses, and of a future that felt a little less daunting with him by her side.