The next morning, Ziva stirred from sleep, feeling more rested than she had expected. The soft rustling of movement in the room drew her attention, and when she opened her eyes, she was met with the bright, excited face of Abby Sciuto, who was holding a tray of food.
"Good morning, sunshine!" Abby greeted, her voice full of energy despite the early hour. "I brought you breakfast!"
Ziva blinked, her eyes adjusting to the light. "Abby?" she mumbled, still a bit groggy from sleep.
Abby grinned, setting the tray down on the small table next to Ziva's bed. "I figured the hospital food wouldn't be up to your standards, so I brought you something better." She lifted the lid to reveal a spread of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and toast. "I know it's not much, but it's better than the mystery meat they serve here."
Ziva smiled softly, her heart warming at Abby's thoughtfulness. "Thank you," she said, her voice still hoarse from the day before.
Abby pulled up a chair next to her and sat down, leaning forward with concern. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her playful tone replaced by worry. "You really scared us all."
Ziva took a moment, gathering herself. "I'm... better," she said honestly, though her body still ached, and the wound was a painful reminder of how close things had been. "But I'll be fine."
Abby's eyes flicked over Ziva, assessing her with care. "Good," she said, her tone soft. "Because we're not ready to lose you."
Ziva gave her a reassuring look and then glanced down at the tray of food. "I suppose I should eat," she said, reaching for a piece of toast. As she took a bite, she noticed Abby still watching her, a mix of relief and affection in her gaze. It was clear that her friends had been deeply affected by everything that had happened.
As the day dragged on, Ziva found herself growing restless. The quiet monotony of the hospital room was starting to get to her, and she was grateful when there was a knock on the door. She looked up to see Tony and McGee entering with bright smiles and a takeout bag in hand.
"Look who we brought lunch for!" Tony called out in a sing-song voice, lifting the bag triumphantly. "We come bearing gifts from the land of cheesesteaks."
McGee followed behind him, giving Ziva a warm smile. "We figured you could use something better than hospital food," he said, pulling up the chair next to her bed.
Ziva raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing at her lips. "Philly Cheese Steak, you say? You know my taste well," she teased.
Tony grinned, setting the bag on the tray table. "Only the best for you, Ziva." Without hesitation, he hopped onto the end of the bed, sitting near her feet, while McGee settled into the chair.
They unpacked the food, and soon the room was filled with the mouth-watering smell of grilled steak, cheese, and onions. Ziva eagerly took the sandwich Tony handed her, grateful for the break from hospital meals.
As they ate, the three of them fell into an easy conversation, bantering about work, recent cases, and catching Ziva up on everything she had missed. Tony, of course, took every opportunity to crack a joke, lightening the mood in his usual way. McGee, more reserved, filled her in on the technical side of things.
After lunch, they stayed a little while longer, chatting until it was time for them to head back to the office. "We'll be back to check on you later," Tony said, giving her a wink as he slid off the bed. "Stay out of trouble, okay?"
Ziva smirked. "I'll try my best."
Not long after they left, Abby returned, carrying a small bag. "I stopped by your apartment and grabbed a few things," she said, her eyes twinkling. "I figured you might want some of your own clothes, and I brought you these." She handed over two books that Ziva recognized as ones she had been meaning to read.
Ziva took the bag gratefully. "Thank you, Abby. I appreciate it."
"No problem!" Abby replied cheerfully. She stayed for a little while, talking animatedly, but eventually, she had to leave for more lab work.
Once Abby was gone, Ziva looked over the books but felt her eyelids growing heavy. The day had taken more out of her than she realized. With the comforting quiet of the room and the lingering warmth of her friends' visits, she slowly drifted off to sleep.
As Ziva slowly regained consciousness, she blinked against the bright lights of the hospital room. The absence of the rhythmic beeping of monitors was a strange relief, leaving her in a quiet space where she could collect her thoughts. She felt a dull ache in her abdomen, but it was manageable. If she had endured worse during her training and missions, she could certainly handle this.
Determined to regain her strength, Ziva swung her legs over the side of the bed and took a deep breath, the sterile air filling her lungs. She hesitated for a moment, feeling a twinge of discomfort in her side, but she pushed through it. She had to get moving; the sooner she could prove to everyone that she was okay, the sooner she could leave this place.
Carefully, she planted her feet on the cool tile floor and stood up, gripping the edge of the bed for support. The room swayed slightly, but she steadied herself and took a cautious step forward. Pain shot through her abdomen, but it was a reminder of her resilience. She took another step, then another, forcing herself to continue despite the discomfort.
As she made her way around the small room, she noticed the little things—pictures on the wall, the bright flowers in a vase from Abby, the way the sun streamed through the window. Each detail reminded her that life outside this hospital awaited her, and she was determined to reclaim it.
Ziva took a deep breath, feeling stronger with each step. She could do this. She would be back on her feet in no time. She just needed to show everyone that she was still Ziva David—strong, capable, and unyielding.
After a few minutes of walking, she felt the strain in her muscles and decided it was time to rest. She returned to the bed, sitting on the edge and letting out a small sigh. It hurt, but the pain was a sign that she was healing. She knew that if she kept this up, it wouldn't be long before she was out of here and back to her life—back to Tony, Tali, and Rivka.
As she settled back into the bed, she couldn't shake the thought of what would happen next. She would need to face the aftermath of the shooting and the lingering threat it posed. But for now, she was alive, and that was a victory in itself.
Back at NCIS, the atmosphere was tense as the team worked tirelessly to piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack on Ziva and Tony. The investigation had taken a darker turn, revealing that the shooter was linked to someone Eli David had angered in the past. This individual had been seeking revenge and, shockingly, had discovered that Rivka and Tali were still alive.
Gibbs gathered the team in the conference room, a grim expression on his face. He glanced at McGee, who was reviewing the latest intel on his laptop, and Abby, who was scanning through evidence collected from the crime scene. The weight of the situation hung heavily in the air.
"We need to find out who's behind this before they make another move," Gibbs said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "Ziva and Tony are safe for now, but we can't let our guard down. If they know Rivka and Tali are alive, they might go after them next."
McGee looked up, concern etched on his face. "We have to tell Ziva. She deserves to know the truth, but I can't imagine how she'll react when she finds out. She'll want to confront Eli immediately, and that could complicate everything."
Abby nodded in agreement. "Ziva's going to be furious. This is her family we're talking about, and if she finds out we kept this from her, it might put her recovery at risk."
Tony, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, finally spoke up. "We have to consider her state of mind. She's still recovering from her injuries, and throwing this information at her could send her into a tailspin. But we can't keep it from her either."
Gibbs rubbed his temples, contemplating their next move. "We'll have to approach it delicately. She deserves the truth, but we need to frame it in a way that won't put her over the edge."
McGee interjected, "And we need to contact Eli. He has to know that his past is catching up with him and that Ziva and her family are in danger because of it. He might have information that could help us protect them."
"Right," Gibbs agreed, straightening up. "McGee, get Eli on the line. We need to find out what he knows and how we can shield Ziva's family. Abby, continue digging into this lead about Eli's enemies. We need everything we can get to keep them safe."
As the team moved into action, Tony felt a wave of unease wash over him. He knew Ziva would be furious, and he could already imagine the confrontation that would follow. But he also understood the importance of family, and he wouldn't let anything happen to her or her loved ones. Not again.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversations ahead. The stakes had never been higher, and the last thing he wanted was to keep Ziva in the dark. He just hoped they could find a way to protect her without losing her trust in the process.
Gibbs entered Ziva's hospital room, his expression serious as he took in her current state. She was sitting up in bed, looking better than when he last saw her, but there was still a lingering fragility about her.
"Ziva," he began, his tone firm. "We need to talk."
She met his gaze, concern flashing in her eyes. "What's happened? Is it about the attack?"
Gibbs took a deep breath, knowing the news would only add weight to her burden. "Yes. We've uncovered some information about the people responsible. They're linked to someone from your father's past—someone he angered. They're out for revenge, and they've discovered that your family is still alive."
Ziva's expression hardened, anger igniting within her. "I want to know everything. Who are they? What are they planning?"
Gibbs hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "They're dangerous, Ziva. We think they might come after you or your family again. That's why we need to keep you safe."
"Safe?" Ziva interrupted, her voice rising. "I can't just sit here while they threaten my family. I need to be involved. I have to help you find them."
Gibbs shook his head, frustration creeping into his expression. "You're not ready for that, Ziva. You just had major surgery. You need to focus on healing, not jumping back into the field."
"But Gibbs—" she started, but he cut her off.
"No 'buts,' Ziva!" He leaned closer, his voice firm. "I understand your need to protect your family, but putting yourself in danger again isn't going to help them. You're still recovering, and I can't risk your safety. You're not cleared for duty yet."
Ziva's determination only intensified. "If I'm not involved, how can I protect them? I can't just sit here and do nothing!"
"Exactly!" Gibbs replied, his tone sharp. "You can't just throw yourself into a situation when you're not even at full strength. It's reckless."
"Reckless? You think I'm being reckless?" Ziva shot back, her voice rising. "They're out there, Gibbs! I know I can help!"
Gibbs held her gaze, a mix of concern and frustration in his eyes. "Ziva, listen to me. I won't shut you out, but I need you to trust me. You need to heal first. If you jump back in now, you won't just be endangering yourself; you'll be putting your family at risk, too."
Ziva's defiance softened slightly, but the fire in her eyes remained. "I understand your concern, Gibbs, but I can't stand by while they threaten my family. I need to be part of the investigation."
"Let me be clear, Ziva," Gibbs said firmly. "You are not getting involved in this case until you're cleared by a doctor. No arguments. We're investigating, and we'll handle it."
Ziva's frustration was palpable. "But what if I have information that can help? I know things about my father's enemies!"
"Which is exactly why you need to be in a safe place right now," Gibbs countered. "We'll keep you updated, but you're not going back into the field until I say so. Your priority is to recover."
She opened her mouth to protest, but Gibbs held up a hand, silencing her. "You're not going to win this one, Ziva. Focus on getting better. When you're back on your feet, then we can talk about your role in the investigation. But for now, you stay here."
Ziva stared at him, frustration and helplessness swirling inside her. "I can't just sit here and do nothing while my family is in danger."
"I understand how you feel," Gibbs said, his voice softening. "But it's not just about you. It's about everyone who cares about you. We need you safe, and that means you need to stay put."
As Gibbs turned to leave, Ziva felt the weight of her helplessness settle heavily on her shoulders. She hated being sidelined, but deep down, she knew he was right. She just had to trust that her team would handle it, even if it meant waiting a little longer before she could take action.
Ziva sat at her desk in the NCIS squad room, a mix of determination and defiance written all over her face. It had only been a day since she was discharged from the hospital, and she felt ready to dive back into work. Tony and McGee entered quietly, casting wary glances at her as they both knew Gibbs wouldn't be pleased to see her back so soon.
"Are you sure about this, Ziva?" McGee asked, concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine, McGee," Ziva insisted, straightening in her chair. "I need to be here. I can't just sit around and do nothing while they're still out there."
Just then, Gibbs strode into the room, his eyes narrowing when he spotted Ziva at her desk. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his tone brokering no argument.
"I'm back at work, Gibbs," Ziva replied, her voice steady. "I'm ready to help with the investigation."
"You just got out of the hospital!" Gibbs countered, his frustration evident. "You're not cleared for fieldwork, and you know it."
Ziva crossed her arms, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You'll have to carry me out of here if you want to stop me from working on the case, Jethro."
Gibbs raised an eyebrow, his expression stern. "Don't tempt me, Ziva."
"I'm not going anywhere," she shot back, her grin widening.
With a frustrated sigh, Gibbs shook his head and turned to leave. "Fine. I'm getting coffee. But don't think I won't come back to deal with this."
As soon as Gibbs was out of earshot, Ziva exchanged a triumphant glance with Tony, who couldn't help but chuckle. "Only you could get away with something like that, you know?" he said, shaking his head.
Ziva shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? It's a talent."
McGee smirked, adding, "That's because Ziva is Gibbs's favorite."
"Only because I'm the best," Ziva quipped back, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Just then, Rivka and Tali walked into the squad room, and Tali rushed towards Ziva, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. "Ziva! How are you?" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy.
"I'm fine," Ziva replied, gently patting Tali's back.
Rivka stepped closer, her expression a mix of relief and concern. "Eli will find out the truth now," Ziva said, meeting her mother's gaze. "You should be ready for that."
"I know," Rivka replied quietly, a frown crossing her face. "But we will handle it together."
McGee chimed in, "Eli is waiting in MTAC on live feed for you, Ziva. He wants to see you, Tali, and Rivka."
Gibbs re-entered the room just in time to hear this, his demeanor shifting to focus on the task at hand. "Let's go," he said, leading the way towards MTAC.
As they walked, Tony stayed close to Ziva's side, his concern palpable. "Are you really okay?" he asked, keeping his voice low so only she could hear.
Ziva turned to him, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Tony. Really. I can handle this."
He nodded but didn't look entirely convinced. "Just... don't push yourself, alright?"
Ziva rolled her eyes but appreciated his concern. "I promise, but I need to be part of this. My family is at stake."
Together, they approached MTAC, the weight of the situation settling over them like a heavy fog. Ziva knew this was just the beginning of a long battle, but she was ready to face it head-on, alongside her family and her team.
As the feed in MTAC flickered to life, Tali and Rivka stood in the back, hidden from view, both feeling the tension in the air. Rivka watched as Gibbs and Tony positioned themselves protectively beside Ziva, a sense of unease creeping into her heart. Why were they so concerned?
The screen showed Eli sitting at his desk, his expression unreadable. "Shalom, Ziva, Agent Gibbs, Agent DiNozzo," he greeted, his voice calm yet commanding.
Gibbs nodded in acknowledgment, while Tony remained silent, his jaw clenched. Ziva, however, said nothing, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded her father.
"Are you still ignoring me, Ziva?" Eli asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"This is only case related," Ziva replied coolly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Eli's grin widened. "Seems like you're still angry with me."
Before Ziva could respond, Gibbs stepped in. "We're here to discuss the case, Eli."
"Before I tell you anything, I want to see my daughter and ex-wife," Eli insisted, his gaze shifting towards Tali and Rivka.
Ziva immediately stepped in front of Tali, shielding her. "Now back to the case," she said firmly, refusing to let Eli divert their attention.
Eli shot her a pointed look. "You heard her," Gibbs echoed, keeping his tone steady and assertive.
Eli leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "You're still trying to play the protective father, aren't you? But don't forget who the father is here."
Ziva turned to Eli, her voice low and fierce. "You lost the right to call yourself that when—"
Before she could finish, Tony stepped in front of Ziva, interjecting with authority. "Enough."
Eli raised an eyebrow, his lips twisting into a smirk. "Agent Meatball can be serious?"
As Tony opened his mouth to retort, Ziva placed her hand gently on his arm, stopping him mid-sentence. She looked up at him, her expression softening for a moment. "There is a reason for that call, Eli, which is serious and has nothing to do with me not contacting you. Now let us finally talk about the case. There are killers on the loose that we have to stop."
Eli muttered something under his breath before finally shifting his focus back to the matter at hand.
After the call concluded, Eli leaned forward, a serious expression replacing his earlier amusement. "Ziva, this was a favor, and I expect you to at least call me once in a while."
Ziva met his gaze squarely. "You shouldn't expect anything from me that is not work-related," she replied coolly. Then the screen turns black.
Rivka watched her daughter closely, concern etched across her features. After the tense call with Eli, she couldn't help but ask, "Ziva, what happened between you and your father? I remember you always looking up to him."
Ziva took a deep breath, her expression hardening as memories flooded back. "He used to be someone I admired, someone I wanted to please. But over the years, I've realized that he only cares about his reputation. He would even sacrifice his own flesh and blood for that."
Rivka frowned, feeling a mixture of sadness and anger for her daughter. "But why?"
"Because to him, family is just a means to an end," Ziva replied, her voice low but resolute. "He sees us as extensions of his own success, not as individuals. It took me a long time to understand that."
Rivka placed a comforting hand on Ziva's shoulder. "I'm sorry, my daughter. You deserve so much better."
Ziva looked into her mother's eyes, the weight of her pain evident. "I know now that I have to protect what truly matters. You and Tali are my priority, not his expectations."
Rivka nodded, her heart swelling with pride for the woman Ziva had become. "And I will always support you, whatever you choose to do. I know I never told you that when you where a kid but I will do now. I am proud of the woman you have become Ziva."
Ziva gave her mother a grateful smile, feeling a sense of strength from their bond. "Thank you, Ima. I won't let his choices dictate my life any longer."