The wedding ceremony was simple and elegant, held under a canopy of twinkling lights in the courtyard of a grand estate. Tony stood beside his father as his best man, trying to mask his initial surprise at just how young his father's new bride appeared. Despite his earlier suspicions, seeing it in reality still threw him off for a moment. But as the ceremony went on, Tony put his focus back on supporting his dad, standing tall with a soft, genuine smile as the vows were exchanged.
Afterward, everyone moved into a beautifully decorated hall, filled with candles and floral arrangements. Tony took his seat next to his father, with Ziva seated beside him. As they settled in, the quiet hum of conversation filled the room, and Tony took a deep breath, preparing for the speech he'd written.
He rose, holding up his glass, and the room fell silent, all eyes turning toward him. "Well, here we are," he began, a glint of humor in his voice. "I could start with an embarrassing story or two about my dad, but I think I'll be nice—since he's the one who taught me most of what I know about how to make a good impression." He paused, the room filling with laughter, and his father chuckled in return, giving Tony an appreciative nod.
"But in all seriousness," Tony continued, his tone softening, "I'm here today to celebrate my dad's happiness. No matter how unconventional he's been, he's always followed his heart. I know that's led him to a place of real joy today. So, here's to you, Dad—and to a lifetime of love, laughter, and everything that makes life worth living." He raised his glass, and the guests joined in a heartfelt toast, the clinking of glasses filling the air.
As he took his seat, Ziva leaned toward him, a sincere smile on her face. "Tony, that was beautiful," she whispered, her voice carrying a warmth that made him smile back.
"Thanks, Ziva," he replied softly, his gaze meeting hers for a moment before the first course was served.
The rest of the meal was filled with lively conversation and delicious food, with Tony and Ziva exchanging glances and inside jokes, slipping back into their usual rhythm. It was a celebration of family, new beginnings, and, for Tony, perhaps a realization of what he truly valued most about the people in his life.
Once the plates were cleared, the reception shifted from formal dining to lighthearted fun as guests gathered in an open space of the hall for traditional wedding games. Tony's dad, clearly enjoying himself, clapped his hands and invited everyone to join in.
The first game was a classic: "The Shoe Game." Senior and his new wife took seats back-to-back in the middle of the room, each holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner's. The emcee started asking questions, and they raised the shoe that best fit the answer, eliciting laughs from the guests as the newlyweds discovered their answers didn't always match.
Tony chuckled at the sight of his dad raising his shoe when asked, "Who is more stubborn?" while his new wife, with a playful grin, held up her own.
Next up was a dance game. Couples were invited onto the dance floor, and Tony pulled Ziva up with a grin. "Come on, partner. Let's show them what we've got." She rolled her eyes but followed him willingly, standing in line with the other couples.
The music started, and each time it stopped, the couples had to freeze in place. As the tempo picked up, couples stumbled out of the game, laughing as they lost their balance. Ziva, with her natural poise and agility, managed to keep them steady. Tony leaned into her with a smile, whispering, "I think you're just showing off now."
"Maybe," she replied with a grin, her eyes flashing mischievously as they continued through the rounds.
By the time the game wrapped up, it was clear that everyone, including Tony's dad, was in high spirits. The games brought out laughter, cheers, and even a few heartfelt moments, drawing the family and friends even closer together. As the night wore on, Tony and Ziva exchanged knowing smiles, both enjoying the simple, joyful chaos of it all.
After the games concluded, everyone gathered around a beautifully adorned table where the wedding cake stood—a multi-layered masterpiece of cream, fruit, and intricate icing. The newlyweds approached it hand in hand, the glow of candlelight casting a warm ambiance around the room.
Tony stood nearby, watching his father and new stepmother share a quiet smile before they held the knife together to cut the first slice. The room erupted in cheers and laughter as they playfully fed each other a bite. Tony chuckled, leaning closer to Ziva. "Think he's finally found someone he won't drive crazy?" he whispered, a trace of affection in his tone.
Ziva smirked. "Maybe she's the one who can handle him," she replied, nudging Tony's side. "Runs in the family, doesn't it?"
Tony shot her a sideways grin, his eyes sparking with mischief. "Are you saying I'm easy to handle, Zee-vah?"
"I'm saying you're lucky I'm patient," she teased, her expression warm.
As the newlyweds finished their slice, a waiter began carefully serving the rest of the cake. Tony and Ziva each took a piece, and Tony couldn't help but take a second, savoring the light, fluffy layers. Ziva raised an eyebrow, chuckling as he enthusiastically dug into it.
"Careful, Tony, or there won't be any left for the guests," she said, laughing.
"Hey, I'm just appreciating quality baking," he defended with a grin, nudging her shoulder.
The laughter, the shared smiles, and the warm ambiance of the evening seemed to settle over everyone as they enjoyed their cake. It was a rare, peaceful moment—one Tony silently appreciated, hoping it would be a good memory they'd all carry from this day forward.
As the lights dimmed, the music began to play softly, signaling the first dance of Senior and his new bride. All eyes turned to the dance floor as they stepped together into the soft glow. Senior's wife, youthful and radiant, smiled up at him as they began to sway to the gentle rhythm of a classic ballad.
Tony leaned against the table, watching with a bemused expression as his father guided his new wife gracefully around the dance floor. He glanced at Ziva, who was watching the couple with a hint of a smile on her face.
"Gotta admit, he's got moves," Tony murmured, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't think he still had it in him."
Ziva smirked, her gaze never leaving the dance floor. "Well, your father seems full of surprises, Tony."
Tony nodded, chuckling softly. "Yeah, seems like he's found his rhythm," he said, though there was a note of quiet sentiment behind his playful tone.
As the song continued, Senior pulled his wife in a little closer, and they shared a brief laugh, looking lost in their own little world. Tony watched them with an expression that was almost fond. Ziva caught this and nudged him gently.
"Happy for him?" she asked.
Tony shrugged but nodded. "Yeah. He looks… content."
The music shifted, and other couples began joining the newlyweds on the dance floor. Senior and his wife looked around, smiling as they were surrounded by friends and family, all celebrating their love and new beginning.
As the song slowed, Senior turned toward Ziva, extending his hand with a gentlemanly smile. "May I have this dance, Ziva?"
Ziva nodded, taking his hand and letting him guide her to the center of the dance floor. The gentle sway of the music surrounded them, and they settled into a rhythm with ease.
"Thank you, Ziva," Senior said warmly as they danced. "For everything — not just for being here today, but for being there for Tony. It means a lot to me."
She smiled. "It's my pleasure. And congratulations to you and your new wife," she added sincerely. "I wish you both happiness."
Senior looked touched, offering her a smile in return. "Thank you." After a pause, he leaned in slightly, his voice softening. "You know, Tony talks about you quite a bit, Ziva."
Ziva chuckled, catching the slight gleam in his eye, but she shook her head with a smile. "Tony likes to talk. I'm used to it."
"True," he agreed, grinning. Then, with a bit more purpose, he added, "But I wonder what you think of him, Ziva. A partner like Tony... that's not an easy bond to come by."
Her eyes sparkled with humor as she looked back at him. "Are you trying to get a confession out of me, Anthony?"
Senior chuckled, enjoying her deflection. "Can't blame a man for trying. Besides, anyone can see there's something special between the two of you."
Ziva just shook her head again, a knowing smile on her lips. "I suppose they'll have to keep wondering, then."
Senior smiled, conceding for now. "Well, as long as you keep him on his toes, that's good enough for me. Heaven knows he needs it."
She laughed softly, giving him a slight nod of agreement. As the song came to an end, she gave him a graceful dip, and they both laughed, sharing a comfortable moment of camaraderie.
As the music continued, Senior's expression softened as he looked at Ziva with a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. "You know," he began thoughtfully, "Tony's mother was a remarkable woman. She would've appreciated you, Ziva. The way you look out for him, the way you keep him grounded. Whether you two are 'just partners' or... more."
Ziva looked at him warmly, sensing the tenderness in his voice. "I've heard a lot about her from Tony," she replied gently. "It sounds like she was a wonderful person."
"She was," he nodded, smiling faintly. "Strong and fierce, like you. She always told me that Tony needed someone who wouldn't just put up with him but would challenge him. I think she knew... even back then... that he'd need someone like you by his side."
Ziva smiled, feeling both honored and a bit caught off guard. "Tony is… well, he's easy to care about, no matter how stubborn he can be."
Senior chuckled, patting her hand as they swayed. "That he is. But I'm glad he has you. In a world that can be as uncertain as his... or yours... it's a relief to see him have someone who sees through the act. Someone who knows him better than he might know himself."
She met his gaze, a soft warmth in her eyes. "I think we both look out for each other. It's mutual."
He nodded, looking almost wistful. "That's what his mother would've wanted for him — and for you too, I think. Just... someone who's there. Whatever happens next."
As the song drew to a close, Ziva gave his hand a gentle squeeze, a quiet acknowledgment of everything unsaid.
As the dance slowed, Ziva chuckled softly. "You know, Anthony," she said with a playful glint in her eye, "you look at Tony and me very differently than my own father would."
Senior raised an amused eyebrow. "Oh? How's that?"
She grinned. "Well, my father… he wouldn't exactly have been as encouraging." Her smile softened, a hint of nostalgia in her expression. "He was always... quite protective. He believed in strength and discipline above all else. I think he'd be more likely to assess Tony's capability in a sparring match than to support any partnership."
Senior laughed heartily. "Well, I may not know your father, but I think he'd eventually see what I see. That Tony's lucky to have someone like you. And that together… well, you're quite the team."
Ziva tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe he would. Though I imagine it'd take some convincing."
Senior chuckled again, giving her a warm, reassuring smile. "You know, Ziva, I believe fathers can surprise you." He gave her a gentle wink. "Just like sons can."
Senior's smile softened as he looked at her. "Ziva, I've noticed something over the years. Tony… he's changed a lot. For the better, I'd say. He's matured, settled down in ways I didn't quite expect. And I think you had something to do with that."
Ziva glanced over at Tony, who was laughing with a group of cousins across the room. "I don't know, Senior. Tony's always been… himself."
"Yes," Senior nodded, "but he's more than that now. He's grounded. Steady. Maybe it's the work, or maybe it's having a partner who challenges him in every possible way." He gave her an encouraging look. "I think you bring out the best in him, Ziva."
She smiled at his words, a quiet warmth filling her. "Thank you, Senior. That means a lot."
He gave her a knowing look. "Just calling it as I see it. And if I'm right, maybe one day Tony will realize it too."
As the second song came to an end, Tony approached with a grin, tapping his father on the shoulder. "Alright, Dad, I think it's my turn to have a dance with Ziva. You've had two whole songs."
Senior chuckled and gave Ziva a warm smile. "Be careful with this one, Ziva. He can be a handful," he said playfully, patting Tony on the shoulder before stepping back. "She's all yours, Junior," he added with a wink.
Tony took Ziva's hand, pulling her close as they started to dance. "So… what exactly were you and my dad talking about?" he asked, studying her face with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. "You two seemed pretty deep in conversation back there."
Ziva's lips curved into a small, knowing smile as she looked up at him. "Oh, nothing much," she replied, her tone light. "We just talked about your mother… and you."
Tony raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "My mom? And me?" He leaned in, pressing gently, "Care to share a little more, Zee?"
She smirked, expertly evading his question. "Let's just say he had some interesting insights about you."
Tony let out an exaggerated sigh, giving her a playful look. "Come on, you're killing me here, Ziva. What did he say?"
"Some things are meant to stay between a girl and her dance partner," she replied, chuckling as she avoided his gaze just enough to keep him guessing.
"Oh, I see how it is." He leaned closer, lowering his voice with a mischievous grin. "You're really not going to give me anything?"
She held his gaze for a moment, a playful spark in her eyes. "Only this, Tony. Your father seems very fond of me."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's it? He just likes you?"
Ziva's eyes gleamed with a quiet confidence. "More than that, I think he's grateful for how you've grown since we've been partners. He mentioned that your mother would have appreciated it, too."
Tony softened, his teasing demeanor shifting as her words sank in. "He really said that?"
Ziva nodded, her expression tender. "He did. I think he's proud of you, Tony, more than he knows how to say."
They danced in silence for a moment, the words lingering between them. Tony finally broke the silence, attempting to lighten the mood. "Okay, I'll admit it, that was… really nice to hear." He paused, studying her. "But now I really want to know what you think about all this."
She just chuckled, tilting her head at him. "Some things, Tony, are meant to stay a mystery."
He laughed, shaking his head. "You really like keeping me in suspense, don't you?"
"Sometimes, yes," she replied, her eyes sparkling as the song ended. "And you'll just have to get used to it."
As the music flowed around them, Tony and Ziva moved in perfect harmony, their bodies instinctively falling into sync with each other. It was as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only the soft melody and the unspoken connection between them. Each step, each turn felt effortless, their chemistry palpable as they twirled around the dance floor, lost in their own little universe.
Tony's hand rested firmly on the small of Ziva's back, guiding her with gentle precision, while she effortlessly matched his movements, her curls swaying gracefully with every beat. They glided across the floor, their laughter blending with the music, and in that moment, it felt as if time had stopped.
Ziva looked up at him, her expression softening as she caught his gaze. "You know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "this is one of my favorite moments."
"Yeah? Why's that?" Tony asked, genuinely curious, his eyes searching hers.
"It's just… nice to forget everything else for a while," she replied, a hint of vulnerability in her tone. "Just us, the music, and the moment."
He nodded, the truth in her words resonating with him. "I get that. It feels like we're the only two people in the room."
"Exactly," Ziva agreed, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Like magnets."
"Magnets, huh?" Tony teased lightly, raising an eyebrow. "I don't know about that. Magnets can repel each other, you know."
Ziva laughed softly, shaking her head. "Not us, Tony. We're drawn together. There's no escaping it."
As the song continued, they danced on, fully immersed in each other's presence. The joy and warmth between them seemed to pulse in the air, an energy that enveloped them and kept the rest of the world at bay. With every step, they communicated without words, their bodies weaving a story of trust, friendship, and something deeper that lingered just beneath the surface.
For now, they were just Tony and Ziva—partners in every sense of the word, dancing through life together.
As they continued to dance, the playful banter resumed. Tony smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, Ziva, when you say 'no escaping,' it sounds a bit like a threat."
Ziva arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Is that so? Maybe it is. You should be careful, Tony."
"Careful?" he echoed, feigning mock concern. "What are you going to do? Chase me down? I'd like to see you try!"
She laughed, the sound bright and light, her curls bouncing as she moved. "Oh, I would catch you easily. You underestimate me."
"Right," Tony replied, a chuckle escaping him. "Because I'm a total slouch when it comes to running away from former assassins."
"Exactly," Ziva said, leaning closer as they swayed, her tone playful yet confident. "But I promise, if I catch you, it'll only be for a dance."
"Just a dance?" he asked, feigning disappointment. "What a letdown. Here I thought you were going to drag me off for some covert mission."
Ziva shook her head, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Maybe one day, but not tonight. Tonight is for celebration."
"Celebration and dancing with the most stunning woman in the room," Tony replied, his voice sincere as he held her gaze.
Ziva smiled, a genuine warmth radiating from her. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Tony."
"Good to know," he grinned, pulling her in closer. "Guess I'll just have to keep it coming, then."
Their laughter mingled with the music, and as they danced, the connection between them deepened, the playful exchanges grounding them in the moment. No escaping, indeed—Tony realized that he didn't want to escape; he wanted to stay right here, with her.